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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  Toyota #13 - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ted - May 3 - 1:00 am

  This was our 1st Avalon and 13th Toyota. From the day I first saw one in a parking lot, I was impressed with the design and presentation of the car. I am very particular and this car replaced my 1997 Volvo Wagon. The car is sweet to drive, quite, smooth,and power when you need it. I test drove a Lexus, but could not justify the high cost compared to the Avalon. The Blizzard Pearl is a stunning color. I also like the navigation system. I am a computer forensic examiner and have read many complaints about the entry control feature; I found it seamless and pretty easy to use. The car is elegant with a sporty flair that draws attention. The exterior design is beautiful.

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  The RAV is cool - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By mike - May 2 - 11:30 pm

  My wife wanted a new vehicle after driving minivans for the last fifteen years. Gas mileage was a big factor as was the fact she wanted a small suv and something sporty. All those factors took us to the RAV. Nice ride, looks cool, good gas mileage so far (about 23 mpg), cant wait to take a trip with it this summer.

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  Underpowered motor, terrible transmission, issues - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Simms - May 2 - 6:31 pm

  Have had many issues with leaf springs squeaking toyota says they cant fix it. Three times been to dealer for this. Rear differential was making a howling noise on freeway between 55 and 65 mph when feathering the accelerator pedal and ended up being replaced under warranty but now the replacement rear diff is making the same noise. Spent many hours at dealer and toyota tech flew out to look now they claim its normal. Driveline vibrations noticed at 1800 to 2200rpms. Toyota claims this is normal too but never had this on any other vehicle Ive owned. Toyota quality control going down the crapper. The fuel economy is no better than my old 2009 Tacoma yet they put a smaller motor and it performs terribly...it lacks low-end torque. Dealer applied software update to "fix" transmission shifting constantly but after about 1000 miles the tranny shifts like poorly again. I thought it would get better with mileage but it has only gotten worse. Would not buy again

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  Best Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By XLE - May 2 - 4:03 pm

  I purchased this car only five months ago with 200K miles on it from the original owner. I had to install a front flex pipe and rear brake pads at the time, but with it pushing 207K miles as of today I would have to say that is low cost of service for the amount of miles on it. Every single option still works on the car and it has held up great, paint is original and glossy, no dents or rust, no cracks in the leather. Its life was cut short due to an unlicensed driver crashing into it while on my way to work. I drove this 100 miles a day and averaged 27 MPG, sad to see it go.

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  Never Again! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By djyi21 - May 2 - 12:36 pm

  By far the worst investment I ever made! There was paint over the clear coat on the car and you could feel it. I took it back to the dealership and said there was nothing they could do about it. My factory tires lasted about 50k miles. My suspension is creaky and my car is leaning on the drivers side. My belt snapped at 40k miles. My brake pedal is loose and wiggles! The lack of power on this thing is horrible. It handles horribly. Dont ever put a roof rack on this car. I have one now and it just acts like a sail. The car loses an immense amount of power. Ive invested to much money into this car. I wish I would have never bought it.

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  2008 Toyota Highlander LTD 2WD - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By KP - May 2 - 7:26 am

  Excellent fit and finish. Ride is comfortable, powerful quiet engine. Interior controls easy to reach and well laid out. Only options we chose were a power lift gate, JBL stereo system, and running boards. Mileage has averaged 17 city and 27 highway since we purchased it. Toyo OEM tires showed wear bars at 17,000. Replaced with 19" Hankook 80,000 mile tires and have had no problems.

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  Great Overall Hauler - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By Doug - May 2 - 7:17 am

  Weve used this Sequoia for almost everything. We hauled a large vacation trailer thru Canada (8,000 miles) and it worked flawlessly and has plenty of power to go anywhere. Lots of room for people and storage. It appears to be designed for easy driving. The turning radius is great. Maintenance has been minimal, except for the brakes, which are problematic. The rotors heat up and are warped and "bounce" when you put on the brakes. We replaces the brakes and rotors several times, and the problem reoccurs.

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  BEST CAR EVER!! - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By DD - May 1 - 6:10 pm

  I purchased this car two weeks ago and i just love it. Im 18 years old and Ive wanted this car since I was about 12 when it came out. I love it. I take the car out every chance that I have. I bought it because I need to haul my things to and from school so it made sense to buy something that could hold all my stuff. I have the leather package because the light colored cloth seats are unbearable to dirt. I can agree with some of the other reviews that say the wind noise is unbearable, but I still love my Highlander, and the cup holders are in a weird place. The MPG reader doesnt seem to change from 16.5 miles per gallon. Maybe I need to reset it.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - May 1 - 7:20 am

  I really like the new exterior styling of this car. Its a step in the same direction as the more aggressive look that Chrysler has taken, without being overbearing. The 4 cyl engine is surprisingly powerful compared to other 4 cyls Ive owned. The interior is very quiet at highway speeds.

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  Good, solid and reliable - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Kenneth B - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car from a friend who owned it from new. Was kept in excellent shape and maintained well. Only about 80,000MI on it when I took it over. Runs like it is brand new. No squeaks or rattles. Solid. Engine is fantastic with lots of power and good fuel economy. Love the roominess especially for passengers in the back seats. Good buy for anyone looking at this vehicle class.