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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  Almost Perfect for a Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By jdl50cc - June 18 - 4:12 pm

  We just passed 93,000 miles on our Tacoma and have yet to perform a single repair other than regularly scheduled maintenance. The worst parts of the Tacoma were the lousy stock tires, but once we replaced those with General Grabbers, things were much better. The radio format is a disappointment, too, because the dash wont accept a standard DIN opening replacement, and were stock with the standard unit, which lakes MP3 ability and an auxiliary input jack. Another odd thing is the fuel economy: It gets 19-20 MPG around town and the same 19-20 MPG on the freeway. Im really happy around town, but wish the freeway fuel use was a bit better.

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  Great midsize suv - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By anonymous - June 18 - 4:06 pm

  Tthis is my first suv, and am very pleased with it, although it does seem to have a little delay in power when first pressing the gas pedal, and the gas mileage could be better. Overall I am quite happy with this car. Looking forward to testing the 4wd in the winter :).

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  Solid Performer - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By William - June 18 - 5:23 am

  Drive Tundra to work everyday approx 22 miles of highway driving. Has been a very reliable vehicle with now having 62,000 miles and still on the original tires. Only maintenance has been by the book with fluid changes. Tow boat about once every two weeks and it handles a 3,000 pound package without any problem.

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  1993 Toyota Camry 4CYL Automatic - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By fourny55 - June 17 - 6:34 am

  I bought the car with 131000 on it and i have had it about 4 months and it has had no issues, besides new tires, oil changes, a tranny flush(expensive but i recommend it), and i need to convert the r12 refrigerent it is amazing. not the best mpg in town, abt 21-23 solid in-town driving. the cv boots cracked and im going to do new brakes wile i have it apart but we will see i hope its going to last 300 if i keep taking care of it.

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  Not As Good As Before - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By R. McKenzie - June 16 - 9:10 am

  My top of line XLE V-6 is not as good as my 02 XLE. Cheapened interior materials, flimsy steering wheel switch gear, less padding in seats, only a 2-way power passenger seat, plastic covered board for seat-back map pockets, baby-puke yellow fake wood trim, etc., all combine to paint a less than luxerious interior. The top-line sound system deletes the RDS text of the lower line unit and the ASL feature is all but un- noticeable. Obviously they moved the costs around to provide for the new higher power V6 and the 6 speed transmission, which are so far the cars only redeeming features!

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  TOO ROUGH - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Holden - June 15 - 9:06 pm

  For a front wheel drive car the handling is great and the 4 is peppy, quiet and very fuel efficient even with the old 4 speeed auto. BUT - I have driven all kinds of handling tuned cars in my life both personally owned and in my career in law enforcement and I can say without hesitation that the SE rides entirely too rough for its level of handling.The firm seats offer no help either. It is as bad as my Jeep and will soon lead to a trade as my wife is sick of it. Maybe a new V6 LE if the ride is better. If not, an Avalon. I can give up some handling to save my back.

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  Good dependable truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dennis Dale - June 15 - 8:56 pm

  I have enjoyed this truck the entire time I have owned it. Very dependable and comfortable. But, the temperature guage / compass has broken this summer. I was wondering if this is a problem for other owners. My mechanic said during his research the answer is to replace the instrument at a parts cost of about $200.00. He also said during his research that this is listed by Toyota as a problem, no recall at this time.

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  A Great Commuting Car for All Sizes - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By NW - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Echo. The first was a 2001, totalled by a rear end accident. No injuries. I loved that car, and this one is even a little better. I am a large 61" and fit comfortably. I love the pick up, the drive, the mileage (35-40+ mpg)and the size, which means I can park where others cant. So far no trouble with either car. Highly recommended.

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  Why Buy A Lexus ES-300??????? - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Who Cares - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Great all around car. Comfort and style. Not to mention the gas mileage. I have been getting about 500+ mile out of the 17gal tank. ONLY USE PREMIUM GAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Taking a beating, but still ticking - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill - June 14 - 11:16 pm

  I love my 98 Avalon Love my JBL sound system. Great for tail gating and travel. Especially for travel because of road noise, which is still an issue for the newer models. I had two major issues with mine. The air conditioning sensor went bad and in 2004 engine was rebuilt due to sludge damage. Good news both were covered by Toyota. I’ve owned a Corona, Corolla, Land Cruiser, and Avalon. Favorite model was my Corolla. I don’t think I will have to buy a new car if my Avalon keeps running as good as it has the last 6 years!