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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  V6 Limited Really Hot! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Paul Kaye - April 4 - 1:30 pm

  The new RAV4 V6 is a really fun car to drive. Power and torque is phenomonal! The vehicle can easily break traction if your not careful. More power than many mid-size V8 SUVs. Steering is tight and precise. The electronic assisted power brakes makes stopping on a dime the norm, besting cars at twice the price. All around visibility is very good. The optional JBL stereo will make any teenager envious of the door rocking thumping power. The vehicle has car like smoothness and is very quite at well over highway speeds. Truely a sheep in fox clothing SUV.

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  Bad Steering - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By flyointment - April 4 - 10:43 am

  Just bought an ‘09 Corolla. Immediately noticed wandering steering on the highway at greater than 60 mph. I heard that in some cases increasing tire pressure helps problem. Found out dealer had 40psi in tires when 30 is appropriate. I reduced to 30psi and it wanders more. Some people don’t have problems with it, but some cars are coming off the line with this problem. Have to have 2 hands on the wheel. If you take one hand off the wheel to adjust the radio (particularly if in winds greater than 15 mph) you may find yourself going out of your lane. I scheduled an appointment with the dealer who claimed to know nothing of the issue. It’s all over the internet and NTSB (25 complaints).

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  2005 Avalon Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bart - April 4 - 4:20 am

  This 2005 Avalon Limited is a new style with many new options. Many new drive assistance features on the multi- purpose screen. Turn signals incorporated in outside mirrors are great. New dash/gauges are easy to read. Great ride and performance with the 3.5L engine and 5 speed transmission with bump up or down gear shifting. Telescoping and tilt wheel are great. Heated and cooled seats using air flow are really comfortable. Looks more modern that previous style.

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  So Far, So Great - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By AustinTX4Runner - April 4 - 2:00 am

  we just purchased a 98 4Runner Limited with approximately 97K miles on it. The thing that amazes me is that theres not a squeak or rattle to be heard when driving it, and the engine and transmission feel like the vehicle is new. The fit and finish is classic Toyota - which means its basically flawless. My only regret is that I bought the truck for my wife and I hardly get to enjoy the huge moonroof, slide down rear glass, and comfy leather seats. Absolutely great truck and I know well have it for years to come.

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  I NEVER thought I would buy a minivan - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Minivan Driver - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I decided to get rid of my Isuzu Rodeo because I was tired of the truck like ride. I came into the dealership to buy a Camry. I drove the Sienna just because, and I feel in love with it. Smooth ride, extreme confort. Prior to driving, and ultimately purchasing, I would hyperventilate just thinking about owning a minivan. Forget the stigma, this minivan drives/rides like a dream.

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  Count on it - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By PhoenixJim - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 1st Avalon (85 XLS) for the new model last year after having testing the Acura, the S80, and others. The Avalon is the best car built for the money. One of the Avalons greatest strengths. I recently learned, is its safety and handling ability. Last weekend, while driving on the highway at approx 80 mph next to a semi, I hit a large rock in the road which blew both of my right tires. I had no problem keeping control of the car, slowing down, and getting to the right. I credit the Avalons handling with literally saving my life.

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  Why buy a Lexus - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By yale - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I cannot believe the way my car rides. We took a trip for thanksgiving around 600 miles, my wife wouldnt let me drive. This car drives like a dream. Great sound system. The only problem I had was staying awake. My biggest problem so far is all its been doing is snowing, of course I keep my car under cover at that point, but I cant keep it clean with all the salt on the road. I hope this is the biggest problem I ever have with my toyota. All I can say is what a car. My mechanic who works on my audi tt told me the only difference between my toyota avalon xls and lexus, is the name plate. I LOVE IT..

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  Tacoma 4x4 - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By jonusko - April 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Toyota truck. My first lasted 10 years and it was still going strong when I sold it. This new truck has all of the features that I wanted in my old one. I have already driven it to Alaska and down to the tip of Baja. I have the confidence that it will get me where I want to go.

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  One of the Best! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Anselmo - April 4 - 2:00 am

  The RAV4 L I purchased in December is one of the finest vehicles I have ever owned. It is quiet and idles like our Toyota Camry. It is fun to drive and is outstanding in snow!

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  The Tacoma Delivers! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By MikeDean - April 4 - 2:00 am

  What else can be said about the worlds greatest mid-sized truck? I have the crew cab TRD V6. When I first saw this vehicle on the road last year, I knew I had to have one. There is no one thing I am disappointed in.