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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  Best car yet - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By BoB from SC - January 1 - 3:16 am

  First of all I am 6 6" and 320 lbs and find it very comfortable. I took a trip out to the west coast and doing 80 mph I was getting 34 mpg. The engine is quiet and smooth, transmission shifts just fine, maybe Im lucky but I never needed any kind of service except for oil and filters. Its a great car, and Im just waiting for the new model year to get another one. I now have 39000 miles.

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  delivers everything I want - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - December 31 - 11:13 pm

  The Prius offers outstanding comfort, features, and plenty of power, while reducing emissions and dependence on foreign oil. Four-door hatchback design makes it easy to bring along our dog or bulky cargo items. The controls, while unusual compared to other vehicles, are the most ergonomic Ive ever seen.

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  Surprised New Hybird Owner - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Mr.M - December 31 - 9:10 pm

  My Subaru outback was on the way out the door, and I was looking for a replacement. I never considered the Highlander hybrid until I visited the Toyota dealership. I took it for a 30 minute test drive and I was sold. More run, more options, more comfort, more power, more towing, and better gas milage than the Subie. The hybrid Highlander is even faster than its regular V-6 brother. JBL sound system and NAV is a real treat. Incredible passenger room for the size of the vehicle, 3rd seating plus if you have kids. Vehicle is incredibly quite during city driving.

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  Wind Humming - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - December 31 - 7:33 pm

  I purchased this vehicle from a private owner with 19000 miles on it. The only problem I experienced in the 4 years I have had the vehicle was the windshield. I noticed a humming sound coming from the windshield especially when driving at highway speeds in a cross wind. I took it to the dealer and was told that was normal. I insisted there was something wrong and asked to talk to the service manager. After speaking to him he contacted the area service rep who took a drive with me. We drove on the freeway and experienced the humming. He said it was caused by an improperly installed windshield at the factory. They promptly authorized replacing the windshield which corrected the problem.

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  Very nice vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By JMont - December 31 - 4:03 pm

  Sold my 2-seater sports car to upgrade to an SUV. Bought the vehicle used with 40K miles. The original owner took excellent care of the vehicle. Very happy with the vehicle so far. I have the limited version with almost every feature except the navigation and 4WD. Did not want the 4WD but the navigation would be nice. I think my only complaint would be the fuel mileage (15-16mpg) in the city but I knew what I was getting in to with the V8.

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  Major Disappointment - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By criticalbob - December 31 - 11:56 am

  Five speed transmission is rather rough. First gear is especially useless - you could push the car faster off the line. Handling is mediocre at best, as the car seems heavy and clumsy. Also, like a car equipped with an old fashioned carburetor, it often seems to hesitate and stumble. Gas mileage has been a major disappointment. As one other reviewer noted, the paint can be scratched with a fingernail. Of the three Toyotas I have owned, this is the first one that will be traded after only three years. Seems very overpriced for what you get, so it will be interesting to see what the trade-in value will be.

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  Extremely unhappy Camry owner - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Nancy - December 31 - 9:40 am

  The transmission has slow response time and when slowing and gearing down the car actually lunges, the vehicle has long braking time and is very unresponsive until pedal is pressed nearly to floor and road handling and tire grip is poor. Steering wheel position is high and seats are not deep enough for comfortable ride. Lumbar on passenger seat is uncomfortable. Window and rear door posts make side viewing difficult because of width. Trunk and gas door latches are difficult to access when seat is forward for person of shorter stature. Cruise control lever and buttons are awkward and not user friendly. Center console height is too low for comfortable elbow rest during long drives.

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  The best - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rallen - December 31 - 8:23 am

  I have owned over 50 cars over 35 years of driving. This is the best. Average 33 mpg no matter how I drive. Over 125,000 miles and no problems. None. This car is even better than my 1983 300td Mercedes.

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  Nice Ride - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Randy Cohrs - December 31 - 3:30 am

  The car has been really good, it drives like a car, has the power to get down the road with extra to go. It gets good Gas mileage, even at 80 and 90 M.P.H. on the hiway it will get 22 mpg. we have really enjoyed all the room it has and the power to pull it.

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  Ugly, but beautiful in overall quality - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Rube - December 31 - 2:10 am

  When I first set my eyes on the car. I thought this is the ugliest car I have ever set my eyes on. But I drove it and I was sold. I was initially looking at the Acura TL, Audi A4, the new I30. But a family member asked me to drive the Avalon, I did and the rest is history. 50,000 miles and not one problem.