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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  Great Car - Except for the Stereo - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By tpbush - January 28 - 5:03 pm

  This is my 4th Camry and like the others it is very satisfying, except for the stereo. This is by far the worst sounding factory stereo I have ever had, regardless or the brand. It has a surround sound setting that is worthless - it sounds like a tissue filter on all speakers. And speaking of speakers, there is supposedly a sub-woofer in the car. It must be disconnected because I have to increase the bass settings, which I never do on other systems. And there are up to 36 presets but no band or other means to categorize the presets. Just a terrible product on an otherwise outstanding car.

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  2007 Limited - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By sstred - January 28 - 5:00 pm

  Had my Avalon about a year now. Same problem as others with the window washer fluid. Other than that, no problems, except the paint is very poor (hence the 7 for build quality). Im not looking forward to the paint in another couple of years. We get 32 on the freeway and in the low 20s in town when my wife drives... not so much with me driving. The tranny feels a little weird at times (almost like its slipping), but I guess thats just the way its made. Weve have no problems with it. I had the factory wheels chromed for about $400. Good value for the money

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  Great Car! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solara Power - January 28 - 10:36 am

  Its an amazing car. Ive added a Magnaflow exhaust system, and my 5M V6 sounds amazing. Love the V6. Great passing power. Handles well in snow. Love the JBL! system. The throws are a little long, but it is overall very smooth. Only down side is turning radius and handling in extremely tight quarters.

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  Best Selling Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Chan - January 28 - 9:13 am

  Quite Comfortable for a small family

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  my dependable 4 banger - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By joe schmoe - January 28 - 5:20 am

  I decided to go with the corolla because of the fuel efficiency. I wasnt going to wait for the prius (at the time there was a waiting list). As you can tell I drive a lot and that was my main motivation. The driving experience and everything else that comes with the car is extra. I know Ive been spoiled by toyota because I get in other comparable makes and models that my friends have and the drive is not even close to how smooth and good the drive is in my corolla. I love it!

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  Unusual Engine Noise - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By papaz - January 27 - 11:23 pm

  This is our first SUV, we like it very much. But we are having an unusual noise coming from the engine compartment coasting at 32-28 mph. (similar to posting on 5/26/10). I brought the car to the dealer and had a tech ride along with me and he heard the noise but was unable to pin point where it was coming from. They have the car now and will do more testing to locate the problem(s). Is there any more of you that is having this problem? Let Toyota know.Thanks. Vehicle is great but the noise is disturbing, dont want my wife to get stranded somewhere.

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  Toyota Tacoma Access - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Harold Hatcher - January 27 - 6:13 pm

  I took delivery on a speed wagon blue V6, auto. SR5, access cab Tacoma pick- up. This is my second in 3 years. Obviously I think they are a good product and depreciation is low. I have had no reliability problems. Comfort and performance are excellent. I have found that gas mileage is very close to EPA sticker I love the back-up camera, traction control and side air bags. My wishes: a more adjustable driver seat, a smaller "A" pillar (blind spot drivers side) and a dash light that tells you if the parking lights are on. I am satisfied.

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  2006 Avalon Touring - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By DUCKS - January 27 - 5:53 pm

  I bought this car almost three years ago. I decided to get the Touring because the handling felt better than the XLS. The color is silver and with the XLS the interior wood was orange. With the Touring, it was sliver. The seats are very comfortable and I get close to 30MPG on the highway.

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  Great All Around Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Laura E. - January 27 - 3:03 pm

  Only had the car a day or so, but the car handles amazingly well. It has plenty of pick up and go, handles busy city traffic, and even some muddy and very bumpy roads. My dog can get into the back easily, and I love the easy to use radio and heat/ac adjustments. The car looks good too, and I have received countless positive comments on it.

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  MY WIFES BEAST - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By RICK - January 27 - 10:00 am

  THE SEQUOIA IS AN AMAZING VEHICLE. MY WIFE LIKES IT SO MUCH THAT WE FIGHT OVER WHO IS GOING TO DRIVE IT. SHE LIKES THE EXCEPTIOAL PERFORMANCE ESPECIALLY QUICK ACCELERATION. SHE FELLS VERY SAFE DRIVING IN ANY KIND OF WEATHER WITH THE VEHICLE SKID CONTROL. SHE REFERS TO THE SEQUOIA AS "THE BEAST"