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:

• 

  Love this car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bob - November 12 - 1:30 pm

  This is the most powerful car I have ever owned. I had a bunch of 1966 v8 mustangs but this car would blow them away. The JBL system is awesome, the ride (xls) is very good and the car looks very good as well. Bought a leftover 2006.

• 

  love it - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By B.Driven - November 12 - 6:20 am

  this was quite a change from our old Sub - while we gave up some room - we have more money in repair savings - the v8 is very peppy even here at 5,280 feet - at sea level it is quite exciting - great for long runs and it take along lots of whatever you want to pack

• 

  Impressed with quality and amenities - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joshua - November 11 - 9:53 pm

  I love my new 4Runner! I compared all mid-sized SUVs out there and the only one I liked better was the Lexus RX 400, which was hard to find used and too expensive brand new. I bought one with a V8 and still am not sure if that was a wise decision or not. Handles on the paved road awesome and even better off the road. I havent really tested it in serious offroad conditions yet but definitely plan to. I love the little extra amenities like the 115V plug-in, digital readouts for MPG and fuel distance calculations, and the rear audio remote and readout. I debated between the Limited and the Sport and then realized the only diff was leather seats and some options.

• 

  Not all Siennas are alike - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Rob - November 11 - 4:06 pm

  Weve read in multiple publications how the Sienna could pass for a Lexus. We drove one that indeed drove and handled like a Lexus. At another dealership, the Sienna (same pkg, trim level) drove like my 93 Geo. Beware... be sure to test drive the one youre buying! As for the car itself, the ride is a pleasure, accelerates without effort, and the flexibility in arranging the 8 seats is great.

• 

  2011 LE - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By jianxumd - November 11 - 3:10 pm

  Brought 2011 LE 2.5L 6AT with moon roof and alloy wheels around $300 above invoice. Test-drove 2010 Honda Accord EX 4 cylinder. 2010 Nissan Altima 2.5S. Camrys is the quietest when acceleration and with no road noise. Camry steering is a kind loose but predictable. Accord has profound road and engine noise and tighter steering. Accord seems bigger that Camry. Altima size is smaller than Camry and Accord. Like Camry better for daily driving

• 

  Not what I Expected - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Beto Domin - November 11 - 11:00 am

  I was trying to get a car with high MPG and lowers costs with lots of fun and quality and bought the Yaris hatchback. After few weeks, I noticed that some of the interior materials are of questionable quality. Also, once Im on a highway at more than 55 MPH, I need to grab the steering with 2 hands as it feels unsecure, even worst at crosswinds. Im not getting the MPG advertised and Im not a heavy footer. All In all my expectations were high and Im ready to trade in.

• 

  Cant Be Stopped by Snow, Rain, Mud or Rough Roads - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By DANIEL - November 10 - 11:49 pm

  Great truck for light hauling, fishing off the beach and traveling off road. Excellent ride on street travel. Five speed transmission is smooth and useful with its 4x4 gear box. Except for routine maintenance, no repairs had to be made. Jump seat in extra-cab with storage, rear window slider and rear side windows that push out on an angle.

• 

  It had huge shoe to fit - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By HadèS_73 - November 10 - 8:13 pm

  We first came to Toyota dealers with the Echo in mind. We needed a very reliable car knowing we where going to do enough mileage to run out of warranty within 24 month so coincidently fuel economy was a must. After test driving the Echo we were disappointed at the highway speed stability. So we turned to the base Corolla, Wow! 14 months later and the car has cost only fuel, oil change and tires. The car still drives like new just a few squeak come up once in a while. We are from Quebec so this car as seen + 35C bumper to bumper city traffic to -35C morning cold starting and as perform flawlessly. Design is boring on the inside but ergonomic is a gem on the long run.

• 

  Love the 6 Speed Trail Teams SE - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ARH1956 - November 10 - 6:43 pm

  I am very happy with my Trail Teams FJ. The 6 speed FJ is a joy to drive, performance is commendable & the off road capability is amazing. As a daily driver Im getting 17.2 mpg with 50% in town travel. The Trail Teams treatment is well thought out, all the off road goodies in one package, and the Iceberg White monotone paint with black accents is very attractive as well.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Ryan - November 10 - 8:03 am

  My Camry LE has been extremely reliable. But then again, most Toyotas are. My Camry only has about 57k and I plan on going another 100k! Camry is fully loaded, has two-tone paint, leather seats, alloy wheels, sunroof, etc. Was my grandmothers car previously and was in perfect condition (save for a few typical scratches). Still looks like new on the inside, but the quality of the paint isnt as good as I thought. Needs to be cleaned really well to restore the original shine; but then again, it is a 7 year old car. Overall, have been very satisfied with the car. The only problems I have would be with the seats. On long drives they can become uncomfortable.