Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Mixed bag - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By N - August 8 - 3:13 pm

  Got the used car in 2008. High resale value bites both ways, doesnt lose much value when selling, but aint getting as much as competitor cars when buying. Decent build quality, but some haphazard metalwork and greasing present, probably clogged doors drain hole. Car is relative quiet and comfortable, but steering feels artificial, especially when hard turning corners; feels like wheel orientation and steering dont match up. Rattling present at 30K, unacceptable for Toyota. Lot of blind sides when backing up; lot of newer cars seem to have similar problems (trunk too high, pillar too thick, window too small). Bumpers cant take a hit. Reliable but disappointing purchase.

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  The most underrated car on the market - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Tom Thomas - August 8 - 2:56 pm

  This vehicle performs as well as $100,000 vehicles I have driven. The comfortable ride and handling are amazing. GPS, comfortable seats, leg room in back seat, power from the fuel enjected v-6, and new type transmission give a powerful smooth ride with excellent gas economy. This car is way underrated and underpriced for comparable performance and looks.

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  Perfect College Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jess - August 8 - 2:30 pm

  This car is the perfect car for college students. It is reliable, low maintenance, affordable and has great gas mileage. Im currently a student in college who lives four hours away from home, and I find this car to be very reliable.

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  2008 Sequoia Limited with all Options - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Luv2Dive - August 8 - 8:56 am

  Traded in my wifes Ford Explorer Sport for the Sequoia Limited 4wd, and it was the best thing we ever did. Before purchasing the 2008 Sequoia, we test drove the Escalade, Tahoe, 2006 Sequoia and Expedition XL for a weekend each, and the 2008 Sequoia was the clear winner. The Sequoia ride quality and handling ability is excellent... even in 4 wheel drive. Our regular ski trips to Lake Tahoe have been a lot more comfortable and fun, since we got the Sequoia.

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  RELIABLE BUT BORING - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pawleys Island Boy - August 8 - 6:43 am

  I am a 16 year old high school student whose parents bought me this car last year. It is super reliable and I havent had to replace or fix anything. It says it should get around 19-22 mpg, but I only get around 17. It is very weak and there is nothing special about this car to me. I do like the looks of it though. I chose this car because I know that being a Toyota, it will last me forever. I have 133000 miles on it and dont plan on getting another car for a long time.

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  After a couple of months - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By 2013limited - August 8 - 5:10 am

  I was shopping for luxury replacements for my 2007 Avalon XL when the new 2013 first showed up at my dealer. It changed my whole perspective. It was not like any Avalon that I had seen! The interior was completely changed and the tan variation was sporty and masculine. The drive and control felt like some of the performance cars that I had before. It was a no brainer, I could have the looks, luxury, and performance that I wanted with the reliability of a Toyota and for $30,000 less cost (I paid cash). I didnt realize how "nice" it could be to drive a car...I really enjoy my time on the road.

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  Nother sub-par car. - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By prodigit - August 8 - 2:56 am

  Probably the WORST car Ive ever driven, and not worth the $10k compared to the Yaris! The Yaris is both faster, snappier, and costs way less. Calculated, youd have to drive the Prius C 20 years over 10K miles, to gain back your money on gasoline (@$4/GAL), add a mandatory $4000 battery change every 8 years, and youll never get out of the cost! Dont buy!

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  Solid Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brandon - August 8 - 1:36 am

  I have 3000 miles so far on my Tacoma.Absolutely an all around truck! Supurb power, fuel economy, comfort and great looks! Traded in 2004 F150, which I liked, but the Tacoma V6 is great, dont feel I lost any power in comparison. Im getting 22 miles a gallon which was suprising cause many vehicles dont really match the estimates! A great truck that you cant go wrong with!!

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Proud owner - August 7 - 11:13 pm

  Ive had the car for almost two years, havent had anything go wrong (knock on wood!). My first Toyota, I tried the RAV and a Buick Rendevous. The RAV seemed a tad too small, the Buick my husband didnt like. The size is perfect for us--just two but two dogs, one large, one medium, can both fit in the back seat, have plenty of cargo space left in back. Havent used the third seat but wanted in case of emergency. Would agree good only for children. Rides smooth, easy to drive as a car, but the better and higher visibility of an SUV. Overall very satisfied and figure this to be a 10 yr vehicle.

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  Boring - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Cantonlax - August 7 - 7:50 pm

  This car has proved to be very reliable, cheap and efficient, but little else. Gas mileage is high around 30mpg mixed, the interior is well designed and I like the layout. There is plenty of room inside and the outside has a nice style to it. This car is great for those who just want to get from point A to point B in a quiet efficient manner. Nothing about this car is exciting, fun, or comfortable. The seats are awkward and the steering wheel position is out of place. My "premium" wheels began to rust at 20,000 and my tires didnt even last 40,000 miles. This car has been OK to own, but I think next time I will give more thought to my purchase and pick something with more of everything.