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 Delivers! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jorge - December 5 - 8:56 am

  As always, you can see and feel the oustanding workmanship in Toyota cars, and the redesigned Avalon is no exception. Great ride, both in comfort and road handling. Agree with the reviewer who said the luxury of a Lexus without the high price tag. The JBL 12 speaker sound system is impresive and so is the engine - 268 HP!, better than the 255 HP Maxima I replaced. Also, I cant believe this high horse power engine can be satisfied with regular unleaded gas. WOW! Talk about efficiency and good MPG.

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  Love our Sequoia! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sequoia Rocks - December 5 - 3:20 am

  So, let me start by saying we have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner, with 130,000 miles. We have NEVER had any issues with it and it drives like the day we drove it off the new car lot. Since then, weve had 3 girls and grown to a family of 5 and needed something new. So, we made a mistake. We bought a Acura MDX. Sold it. Bought a Cadillac Escalade. Sold it. Finally came back to our first love Toyota and found the Sequoia used with 44k. In short, this thing is now a member of the family. Yes, Toyota hit a rough spot, but they are still Toyota. They will recover and the 2008 Toyota Sequoia has exceeded ALL expectations. Not enough time to list all the things we love. Find one used, buy it.

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  My FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By John - December 5 - 1:30 am

  My first Toyota was a 72 FJ40 after 200,000 miles it was time for a 4runner in 96 and then the new FJ Cruiser in 07, what a great machine. Moab, no problem, city driving awesome. I did change out the lame stereo for a Pioneer nav unit MTX amps, speakers and a much needed back-up camera. I hope to get 200,000 miles with the FJ. I had to replace the windshield after taking a big rock, $1100, boy are they proud of it.

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  Completely Satisfied - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - December 4 - 10:56 pm

  Awesome acceleration! Quiet ride. No squeaks or rattles after 8000 miles. No drive problems like some say they are having, i.e., hesitation or surging.

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  Past my expectations - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By really surprised - December 4 - 10:26 pm

  Bought to save gas on average 32 miles to a gallon, like the 6 speed transmission, family loves loves interior layout. First Toyota ever purchased dealer and car still surprises me with the level of excellence shown. I usually drive a crew f250 super duty, I can park this Matrix any where! It handles great around turns and very quite till the moon roof opens.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By fruthaler - December 4 - 6:52 pm

  This is my fifth Prius. I disagree completely with the statement that it is uncomfortable to drive. Ive traveled almost 100,000 miles in my Priuses. Recently drove from Louisiana to Montana and back, 6000 miles at 56.7 mpg! These are the finest cars for driving in mountains because they have plenty of power for going up 8% grades at 65 mph with cruise control. None of my Buicks would do that without downshifting. Also they go DOWN grades with little or no brake use because of the efficiency of the B shift position.

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  Mostly as expected but not everything - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By pma022 - December 4 - 5:23 pm

  Own this SUV for nearly 2 years. Reliability is good. No issue so far. But there are quite a few rattling noises from dash,2nd and 3rd row seats. Its definitely not as serious as mechanical or electrical problem but sometimes is quite annoying. Dealer said its from under seats and cannot fix due to safety issue. Another problem is the very weird tire size. Theyre top expensive. Change a set will charge $955 at Costco and $1000 at America Tire. Basically its a comfortable and fast car but Toyota can make it better.

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  My wifes Corolla - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Ed - December 4 - 3:20 pm

  This is a lot more car than I expected. Great fuel economy, reasonable price, solid Toyota quality and dependability.

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  MPG better on highway - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By midwest girl - December 4 - 12:56 pm

  I initially was disappointed with the mileage at 29 mpg in the city. I took a 500 mi highway trip and averaged 44 mpg. I am currently getting 32mph, and I baby the car (slow takeoffs, gliding, etc.) I anticipate the mileage will drop to the basic Camry mpg when I am using the heater in the winter, and the car doesnt shut off at stops. I suspect the car performs better in warmer areas than cold. The navigation has been adequate, but, gives different routes than my Garmin Nuvi. Bluetooth works well. The sound system is adaquate, but, not exceptional. The trunk is small, but functional. The slope of the window allows for excess condensation and lots of water wiping.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ValueLover - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of the very first HHs. In LA on 7/3/05. Five years later it runs and looks almost like new. 95% of my driving is surface streets in LA. I get about 24-26 mpg with a/c (always on). The mileage when I got it was 28-30 mpg, so some degradation, but no other SUV of equal size and power even comes close. I have never had a serious problem. No breakdowns. After 57,000 mi. still havent had a brake job! Extremely comfortable w/o needing the extras of the Lexus RX400h. The build quality is amazing. Only problem I have had is a popping noise from the driver seat when reclining it. Quality is better than the 91 and 96 LS400s that I owned previously.