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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  Good for daily driver, but not a racecar - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By atclate - February 14 - 7:26 am

  Bought this car used last year, and Ive been driving it daily. Quite reliable, especially because the engine has been used by Toyota for quite some years. However, since the engine is old technology, there are much more powerful engines and transmissions out there. Gas mileage is not good enough, compared to the new V6s out there. Automatic transmission is not responsive enough, loses power starting second gear. Interior is very comfortable though. Cannot find another car this soft and comfy except maybe American cars. Sound system is only better than average. Ride is floaty at high speed, suspension is comfortable but too soft for spirited driving. User features are limited.

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  Excellent pickup - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Ken Smith - February 14 - 5:13 am

  I owned two Tundras before, and liked each one, so there was no hesitation to look at the 2007. Ive owned this one only a short time, and I am impressed. This one is without doubt the finest pickup I have ever driven or owned. The ride, finish, all of it is excellent. We wont own anything else but a Toyota.

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  Midlife Crisis - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By ronc - February 14 - 3:40 am

  What a change. I drove a V6 van before. The car only having a 4 cylinder has been a joy to drive. Instead of buying an SUV during my midlife crisis I have downsized to an efficient compact.The cargo area is great. The fuel consumption is low. I live In the second most traffic congested city in North America (Toronto). We pay $1.00 per litre of gas ($4.50 per gallon of gas).

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  Solid compared to competition - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By avalon - February 13 - 11:26 pm

  Ahead of Chrysler300, Ford500, and Buick Lacrosse, but has several shortcomings. The throttle is lagging, not enough headroom in the back, more road noise than I expected, and the wood interior looks and feels decidedly fake. HID Headlights not available on XLS. The steering is too light for the "performance sedan". Overpriced compared to Lexus ES330.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Scott - February 13 - 8:56 pm

  Time for a new truck. I wanted a reliable, quality pickup with some style that I didnt need a second mortgage to buy. Where to go? Duh... Toyota, of course! The Tacoma is a true mid size pickup, with loads of style and way high on the fun factor. Im 62" and its perfect for me. In fact, its really nice having a smaller truck without hitting my head on the roof. Ive heard some complain about the suspension. Its the nicest of any truck Ive owned. Tight and true. The interior is attractive and functional, without being expensively gawdy.

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  Problem with my Avalon? - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Pat G. - February 13 - 12:10 pm

  We bought our 2005 Toyota Avalon XL in May and were very satisfied with it but now I am beginning to have second thoughts. It has less than 3000 miles on it now. I made a 200 mile round trip in July and it made 31 mpg. Great!! I really bragged it up. But two weeks ago I made the same trip but on a breezy day and temps in the 90-100 degree range. This time it made 25 mpg as well as downshifted on slight inclines. Yesterday I had to make the same trip under nearly the same hot/breezy conditions and it made 25 again and had the same problems with downshifting on the slightest of inclines. The dealer tells us that Toyota is having problems with Avalons fuel mileage in hot weather. ??????

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  Worthwhile purchase! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By hondoman45 - February 13 - 9:43 am

  Ive waited a year to write this so as to have some experience with the car. Was very hesitant to buy due to fear of the unknown with the high voltage battery. Can say now that this is not a concern as these fail rarely and with many miles and usually with at least a decade of time. My dealership might replace 5-6 a year on the first generation (2001-2003), but 1-2 on this generation. Not as expensive to replace as I thought, either, as I received quotes of $2500 parts and labor. Realistically, that would be at least 12-15 years down the road. I get about 44 mpg in the winter and 46-49 mpg in warm weather. No repairs have been needed; easy to work on.

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  Enjoyed my used for 2 years, would not buy another - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Parker - February 13 - 3:50 am

  I purchased a 2002 2wd SR5 from the original owner. Had 150k miles. The SUV was excellent utility-wise for what I use (trips, camping, sleeping, biking, kayaking, dirt roads, etc). However to say this vehicle was reliable is a bit over-statement. The previous owner replaced the transmission at 5 years. I also replaced it. His list of repairs was fairly lengthy, though most of them routine type stuff. I had to do a lot of suspension work, which I guess is OK for a car this age. Could tow a few thousand pounds, but wouldnt go above that due to the power lacking. Awesome sunroof. Gas mileage was decent on the highway (~22). My main gripe with this vehicle was that it just wasnt comfortable at all. As is the problem with Tacomas and 4runners, the seats are low to the ground. Thats fine if youre short, but for me I found on long trips it really wore me down. I purchased mine used for $5k, but spent $6k on it in repairs. Honestly, I felt it was a waste of money for a used middle-of-the-road vehicle. I wouldnt buy one again just based on the comfort-factor alone. Sure if youre someone that drives cars to 400,000 miles then you say toyota but if youre like me and dont do high mileage but might take long trips occasionally, you are definitely going to want a vehicle that is comfortable to be in for those long hours.

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  great suv, quality you can depend on - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By ray - February 12 - 10:03 pm

  after doing much research, I am happy to say that my 4 runner was a great choice. I am very very happy with the bluestone metallic color 4 runner that I have. The interior is beyond comfortable and the car drives great. You have to see it and feel it to believe it. The buttons and controls are great also. There is tons of room in the back cargo area.

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  Good little car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Lanehalli - February 12 - 8:26 pm

  The Corolla has been mechanically sound throughout my ownership. Other than gas and oil, there have been no outside expenses. I got the 5 sp, which I think is a must for a small car, and have not been disappointed. The car handles well, brakes well, and gets up to hwy speeds with no problem. Living in NYC, I do not approach the sticker mpg claims. Generally around 25-27 around town and 33 on hwy. My only complaint is the ease in which this car is dented. Both front quarter panels have been dented, and simply from someone leaning on them. But overall, this has been a quality car that I will be trading in (need more space for growing family). Good job Toyota.