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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  Bought the 4Runner 4 weeks ago. - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jwalker - July 10 - 2:46 am

  I bought this 4runner about 4 weeks ago. It had 111,000 miles when I purchased it. I am impressed with the design and trim. Also, the truck has a very solid feel to it. I think the starter is acting-up a little and the rear chrome bumper has some rust. The drivers leather seat has a tear and some wear. None of the wear is excessive considering the age of the vehicle. It rund like new and is fun to drive. The paint is excellent. I expect to keep the 4runner for a while and from the reviews I have read it does appear that the 4runner should be dependable for many more miles.

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  It is like no other car. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Alex - July 9 - 7:40 pm

  It may not be the best looking car I have owned but it is the most fun. Easy to drive in and out of traffic. Parking is a snap. Overall a great fun car to drive.

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  Awesome car - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Melissa Boyle - July 9 - 2:26 pm

  Great car, this is my second Toyota I love it. My first Toyota was a 1998 Camry. This is a great sports car. It is roomy and the trunk is huge. Love it. If you are ever looking for a great car that is built to last this is the car for you.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bulldog - July 9 - 1:46 am

  My 2005 Avalon Limited is proving to be the favorite family car. Were getting 24 MPG city and almost 28 MPG on the highway. When you start it in the morning it sounds like a diesel. The toyota dealer said this is the variable valve timing at work. Once it warms up, the noise disappears. Ride quality is flawless and comfort rivals Lexus vehicles Ive owned. In fact, Id call this a Lexus for $10- 15K less. I plan on keeping this car for quite awhile.

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  12 Highlander Limited Tech and Tow - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By hyetek - July 9 - 12:19 am

  Traded my Tacoma 4x4 short bed extended cab for the 12 Highlander Limited with Tech and Tow package. Highlander does not have the nooks and crannys that are in the Tacoma, but it is a much smoother ride. Used the Tacoma 4x4 on several occassions, but have yet to try the Highlander 4x4. Same mpg as the truck. Backup camera is useless for the .0000001% of the time I need it.

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  poor workmanship (interior) - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By S. Hendley - July 8 - 11:36 pm

  Poor workmanship with interior features... air control louvers (in dash) keep coming off track and wont allow for directional flow... wood inserts on arm rest coming unglued... control unit for climate, radio, etc. sticks and wont fully expand out for use. Also, the navigational system is below standard - voice guidance is limited - have been very displeased with its abilities when compared to other systems. This is my third toyota and have always been very pleased until now. Overall, the avalon limited has been an expensive disappointment.

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  From Venza To Highlander - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By luvtoyota10 - July 8 - 9:31 pm

  I traded in my 2010 Toyota Venza for this Highlander because I wanted something more refined and comfortable. And I was right with choosing the Highlander. The ride is so quiet that when I had the radio off once, I only heard the A/C when I was going 40 mph. The ride is so smooth, reminds me of a 2011 Toyota Camry I drove. This car is so much more refined than my Venza. So Quiet. Its also easier to get out of, especially for my grandmother. I also feel safer in this. Ive only had it for three weeks, So I will do another review after I drive through the snow with it. The car handles well, its not thrilling or bad. The steering is better than My Venzas. This is my 5th Toyota.

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  Disappointing Reliabilitiy - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Dennis - July 8 - 4:26 am

  Great comfortable ride, but over 12 mos consistent problems with electronic transmission, (we have been told there is a recall coming for this issue), power lift gate in cold weather, (comes down unexpectedly while standing under) and now after 20k mi. we are told all 4 Run Flat tires are "bad" and Toyota wont replace. Service manager confirms "this has been a problem with these run flat tires."

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  Smooth Runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pilam69 - July 8 - 1:33 am

  Purchased our 4Runner this past winter, Certified Used from Toyota Dealership. Nothing but smooth sailing, tows my boat great. Getting 18 MPG daily driving and have gotten 21 on long trip. Wish I had purchased one of these years ago.

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  Love my 4Runner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sam - July 7 - 12:33 pm

  Great vehicle have over 198000 on it and it still runs like a champ (I do keep up on maintenance). Not the perfect vehicle but very close. Would but another 4Runner in a second even though I dont care much for the new body style.