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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  2008 Toyota Highlander Base FWD - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Toyota Joe - February 20 - 9:33 am

  I went looking for a sensible SUV and found it. I didnt need 4WD in the area I live in nor do I have kids, let alone 5, so I opted out of the 3rd row seat. The V6 has all the power I need though torque steer is somewhat noticeable. Im 6 foot, yet theres plenty of room. The center dash/console is so well laid out, I felt as if it was made for me. Steering position is good, feel is a little soft though. Braking is OK, a bit soft as well. Transmission is super smooth, but an extra gear would be nice for a bump up in fuel economy. You may have noticed my 8 rating for economy, Ill explain below.

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  So good, you will be bored... - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By deanstayton - February 20 - 7:23 am

  There is no doubt this is an incredible vehicle. It is smooth, reliable and fast (for a daddy sedan). It has many creature comforts and even gets 26 mpg. hwy consistently on 87oct. I drive a Platinum Ed. XLS and mile for mile this car has been the best used vehicle I have purchased (read- least expensive to maintain for the ride quality). Purchased in late 08 for 5900- w/113k miles. Clean as a whistle this is proving to be quite the deal. The mid-life crises sport coup-loving man bemoans the dull exterior looks and cushy drive. This inner teen wants to buy an RSX or TC, but I can not justify selling such a great car. The practical man in me loves every boring bit of this machine.

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  AMAZINGLY LUXURIOUS VEHICLE!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Susan Marquez - February 20 - 5:50 am

  I love my New Avalon. It has all the bells and whistles I wanted. It is so comfortable inside and so stylish outside. I am so happy that I chose this car over a Lexus without all the bells and whistles.

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  Not a great SUV as first thought - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By nitkad - February 20 - 5:36 am

  Frankly, I got fooled by my purchase. I realised after the purchase that I have bought a low end SUV even though it costs more. I used to own a camry and I thought that as Rav4 is little expensive it will be better comfort wise. But that is not true. It feels like you are driving Corolla. No power (4 cyl). Lot of external noise. Lot of shocks. So, basically it is not a smooth as Camry. I got a factory installed remote start which stinks. My problem might be that I was thinking it will be similar or better than Camry but it is absolutely not the case.

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  Harsh Ride Has Gotten Better - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By twocruzin - February 20 - 2:40 am

  No problems with this car in the 15 months Ive had it. My only complaint is the way it rides on those low profile tires (45s). I think I have finally figured out the best air pressure for the best ride at 4k elevation. Ive gone from the recommended pressure of 32 psi up to 35 and down to 30 and then 28. At 28, the ride was pretty good, but you could tell the tires were a bit soft as the handling was just a little mushy. Plus its not really recommended to go that low as the tires can heat up excessively and cause a blow out. All this said, Ive now gone to the other extreme and am running them at 38 psi, and this actually is the best yet. I think Ill leave them there.

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  Wonderful Car! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Victor - February 19 - 11:23 pm

  This is my second Solara Convertible. First was a 2001. The car is beautiful, dependable, and always attracts attention. Only real downside is the rearview visibility. Rear window is too small and the rear seat headrests are too big.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Dave Trupp - February 19 - 9:46 pm

  I was told to expect high MPG in this hybrid. I cant get over 19 in city or highway. Toyota (corporate) states this is normal. You dont buy a hybrid for better gas mileage. You buy one for the fact that is has fewer emissions. It might get better after 5000 miles. Save your money buy a regular old gas powered highlander. We owned a 2003 highlander before and got better MPG with it. we averaged 25-26 in that one. Toyota says it cant do anything unless a check light comes on. They do admit that 19 is too low for this vehicle. The only thing they say though is "Sorry"

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  Transitioning from SUV to Camry... - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By lyndab418 - February 19 - 3:09 pm

  I recently purchased a 2011 Camry LE after driving a Jeep Liberty for 10 years - what a difference. I love jeep but decided I would try something more fuel efficient. So far I like the car - Im not over the moon about it because Ill always be an SUV girl - but its a nice ride. Reviews tell me how dependable it is - and Im hoping with the right snow tires - will go pretty good in the Pittsburgh snow.

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  Good dependable commuter car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By SS - February 19 - 9:33 am

  Have been reading a lot of posts about how bad the Corolla is. Well, one needs to remember that it is not a Camry. Have always had a camry (v6) and corolla...one for the highways, power and comfort and one for the daily fuel efficient commute. If one keeps the corolla long enough, they WILL realize how cheap the overall maintenance is in the long run. Yes, the quality has dipped some on the interior. Guess to keep the price the same and still have to improve the drive train, toyota had to cut corners, which is sad. My 2000 corolla had better interior than this one.

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  Limited Version - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By cjwiii08 - February 18 - 10:00 pm

  A very comfortable riding vehicle. To me, the limited package is worth the extra coin. Smooth power on demand. The extra gear in the tranny is a drivers delight. My MPG is close to 20. Not great but adequate. No gripes here!