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 Kluger CVX (Toyota Highlander) - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By dmcdonald - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased as you Americans Call a Highlander and we call it a Kluger in Australia. We have a model which you dont have in the US where its identical to the limited with out the sunroof and Satellite Navigation called CVX. That is what I got. Its a very smooth ride and fabouls offroad. I have been using the vehicle at Australias snow season at the Victorian Snow Fields. Handled snow very well!!! After that, I have travelled to Queenslands beaches. Handled well I opted for the V6 3.3l AWD modeI would only ever recommend this model. Overall a fantastic car to take the kids either to the snow or sand.

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  Great buy - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Monique125717 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  So far so good, I feel pretty comfortable driving in my toyota. Ive done a lot of research on these cars and so far Ive heard nothing but good things. This is my first buy and Im very pleased

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  This car drives me nuts! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By nurse - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I was so excited to get this car after ten years with my Nissan Quest. But, despite some fabulous features, like the rear seats that fold flush with the floor and the great fuel economy, I am trading it in this weekend. The automatically locking doors that cant be disarmed even tho the dealer said they could, the keys that cant be copied at a hardware store--you have to go to the dealer and pay $100 for a NON- REMOTE key, the hubcaps that keep popping off, the rear hatch that has no place to open manually--you must do it from the front doors or the remote key, which we lost and I will NOT pay $300 to replace--just a few of the things that tick me off.

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  If You Drive It, Youll Buy It! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4RunFun - October 26 - 12:36 am

  Happy to be part of the 4Runner family. I researched just about every mid-size SUV out there and the 4Runner is the superior vehicle in just about every way. Smooth and powerful V6, great ride, sharp styling, quality materials, great fit and finish and Toyota reliability. Check out what people are getting for 97 4Runners and thatll tell you how well they hold their value. Take advantage of the cash rebate and get yourself into a 4Runner. Just make sure you get it with the Michlines as the Bridgestones and Dunlops do not get good reviews.

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  This truck is sick - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve - October 25 - 8:30 pm

  This is an awesome truck. I have the standard suspension and the ride is like a luxury car. The power this truck has is just incredible and it shifts very smooth. Toyota did a great job on the interior design, big nobs for climate control, and several storage compartments. The bed is a few inches deeper than most trucks and the spring loaded hinges on the tail gate are really cool. Ive had this truck for a week and I cant find a thing wrong with its design. The mpg is a little bit lower than stated. My computer is telling me Im getting 12 mpg in town and 15 mpg on the fwy. Dont really mind spending a little more on gas to have all this power. Overall a great ride and fun to drive.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By KL_DC - October 25 - 6:43 pm

  I looked for some time at sedans for less than $35K. I immediately fell in love with the Avalon and bought the Touring for a bit more of a sporty/youthful feel (I am 35). Surprisingly, I have had numerous problems with the vehicle. Broken trim, complete replacement of moonroof (2x), Tech bulletin replacement of catalytic converter, replacement of faulty A-pillar (front passenger) trim. I went into this aware of Toyotas build quality so I want to believe I bought a bad instance of a great car. A bit disappointed and am considering trading it in on an alternative vehicle.

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  Really Disgusted - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - October 25 - 2:30 pm

  My 2003 Camry is my third Toyota and my last. At 55K miles, I had to replace the steering column($400+) and now at 60K, I have a slow leak in the steering seals and that requires the entire steering rack to be replaced for $1300+. Everyone says how great Toyotas are...not any more. This recent recall will send customers running away from the brand. I am done with Toyota...back to domestics!

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  Totally pleased with my Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By L.A. Driver - October 25 - 2:00 pm

  This is a great car! It is solidly built and stylish in design. It provides a smooth, peppy drive and agile steering. It is comfortable for both the driver and the passengers. The interior is plush and the back seat is so roomy. The reclining rear seats are a special touch of comfort. The JBL sound system is excellent and I thoroughly enjoy the "surround sound" feature. I am totally pleased with my new Avalon.

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  what a shame when quality is forgotten - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By bill234 - October 25 - 9:00 am

  I have owned many automobiles since the 1960s on. from a 67 deville convertible to this poorly built avalon. My wife drives a 2002 chevrolet impala with 93000 on it and has had no problems. That is not the same case for my nearly new avalon. my transmission is slipping it seems,my radiator is leaking and because of that makes my car heat up after 15 minutes or so of driving. the dealer claims that is normal at around this time. unexceptable... especially considering the price difference. they arent built in japan anymore and they are built with substandard parts. do yourself a favor and buy a cadillac or chevrolet.

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  Traded in my lemon after just 1 year - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By G OFF - October 25 - 7:56 am

  I was in the market to buy my first new car and wanted something with an excellent track record. I got a lemon. In the 11 months I owned it, the dealership had it for nearly 6 weeks. Everything was covered under warranty except that so many problems is unacceptable. Major issues like the vehicle dynamic stability function kicking on and off making safe driving impossible and the exhaust leaking inside the cabin (never able to fix). And LOTS of little things broke from the sun roof staying open (big problem in Boston), to the rear roll up window, to the gas cap release lever severed (stuck out on a trip with no way to fill up and not nearly gas enough to get home), even the stereo broke.