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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  How Sweet it is!!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Richard M - June 8 - 12:10 am

  What a vehicle this is! It was my second choice until I test drove it and then I had to have one. So fun to drive, especially with radar cruise control on the interstates. Very quiet,powerful, and fast. Had to shop around for a good price, but it was worth it.

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  A Great Mix of Gas and Electricity - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Joe in Iowa - June 7 - 10:26 pm

  I have now owned my Base Prius-Package 6 for 7 mos and 7,700 mi. I love it with a couple of exceptions. First, it is best if you are not over 510" sitting in the front passenger seat. Second, the navigation system is a waste (spend $200 on a Garmin). The actual mileage I have had has ranged from 35-37 mpg (winter) to 44-48 mpg in the above freezing months. My dealer said this is a more realistic expectation than the published numbers. Otherwise, it drives great (expect performance commensurate with its horsepower),the interior toys and quality are terrific, and I would definitely buy another one. The leather seat covering is great, but for almost $30,000 I would expect elect. seats.

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  Great RAV4 & Fast too. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By moose24 - June 7 - 9:43 pm

  Great car, picked it up with just 2 miles on it. Sold my 04 RAV for the 06 RAV and couldnt be happier. It is much better in every way.

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  Truly the best 4x4xFar - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By zad329 - June 7 - 8:23 pm

  My family has owned six (6!) Land Cruisers over the years, but I was the black sheep who strayed and purchased a Range Rover. The Rover was gorgeous, and a very able 4x4, but the thing was incredibly unreliable. When repairs were needed (which was often) the bills were frequently more than $1000-$2000. Long story short, I wised up, sold the Rover and bought an 06 Land Cruiser. Theres a reason the UN owns 12,000 Land Cruisers: you cant kill em. This vehicle is, by far, the most reliable & able SUV in the world. I am the prodigal son who returned, and the LC is where Im going to stay. After all, my Moms 99 LC just hit 300,000 miles; shes shooting for 1,000,000. Stay tuned.

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  smooth, reliable - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Barbara - June 7 - 5:20 pm

  built well, feels safe, comfortable, low repair, feel movement from wind on expressways

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  Love my Highlander! - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By 255grizzly - June 7 - 5:08 pm

  I bought this to replace a 2006 Subaru Forester and I am not disappointed! Tons more space for our family (2kids), comparable mileage, great power, and a much better all around ride (comfort, noise, etc.) I am getting about 23.5mpg over all (with a decent amount of highway miles) which is about what I got with the Forester. I highly encourage you to get the tech package -- not cheap, but it makes the car so much more fun (and if youre going to spend a lot of time in it, I think its worth it.) Also, I tried the base 4 cylinder and I found it lacking in power and much louder than the 6 cylinder. All around, this is a great car!

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  Mediocre. A step backwards for the 4Runner legacy - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Andrew - June 7 - 12:13 pm

  The best car I ever had was my 2003 4Runner. When it came time for a new car I replaced it with a 2010 4Runner. I figured that Toyota was a solid bet. From day 1 the car was a huge disappointment. The acceleration was pathetic, the interior felt cheap, and instrument panel was backlit with a hideous red light, the transmission shifted way too early and the engine sounded weak and tinny. I really felt like I was driving a $40k Honda Civic- cheap and unrefined. I was shocked coming from my previous 4Runner which accelerated well and felt nearly as luxurious as a Lexus. The worst part of the 2010 4Runner was the transmission. It is computer controlled and there was a 2 second delay before it would accelerate after shifting. I nearly got hit backing out of my driveway and in parking lots. I ended up trading it in for a 2008 4Runner after 6 months of ownership.

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  A little disappointed - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By jbarada - June 6 - 7:23 pm

  I bought this car for my wife from an elderly couple who had bought it new. It had less than 70K on it. I didnt look it over a closely as I would normally because of Toyotas reputation. I later discovered an annoying rattle in the front end that turned out to be strut mounts, it burns and leaks oil, I go through four quarts of oil before its due for an oil change. The transmission does not seem to shift properly, especially on uphill grades on the highway. Despite these few let downs I am fairly pleased with its overall performance. It is above par when it comes to road manners, very plush ride, and effortless to drive. It does quite well on gas too usually gets about 28/32 city and highway

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  THE WRONG MOVE - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Johnny Cash - June 6 - 6:26 pm

  Had a great truck in the 2008 Tacoma thought the 2016 was a beautiful truck had to have one. But the truck is not as good as it looks it has the lugging problem that all other 2016 Tacoma trucks have it also has a roaring going down hill when you let off the gas and if you are on interstate it jumps from one gear to the other like riding bucking horse. Toyota tried the new fix still same thing for 13,000 miles first they said it would get better when I took it in at 2,000 said the computer had to adjust to my driving well it has not yet so my next move is to trade this truck if they cannot fix there problem.

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  Avalon: 133k of Reliability & Value - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Isoka - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven my Avalon for six years after buying it used, driving on a combination of high speed freeway and beat up lousy DC streets. The car is bulletproof. No mechanical problems at 133,000 miles. Never replaced timing belt. People get in the car, cross their legs in the back seat, and ask, "what is this car??" Used two different Toyota dealers over this time, but neither was worth a damn. Luckily the cars dont break, so you dont have to see them much.