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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  Happy First Time Avalon Owner - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By dbgtiger - January 3 - 10:36 am

  When I began to look for a new car, my wife rode in a friends 2007 Avalon and suggested we check it out. Now Im a first time Toyota Avalon owner. I have a pearl white XLS. I reviewed the Limited as well, but decided the XLS had every option we needed as standard equipment plus we added heated seats. Very pleased with the ride and the performance. A very classy looking vehicle. Have only run at 70mph with very little road noise. Looking forward to our first longer trip. This is going to be a great experience and we are looking forward to it. All I want to do is drive the car.

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  Suspension is Horrible - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By NoToToyo - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it used with low milage a few months back. So far they have changed; both lower control arms, all strut mounts, one wheel bearing and one strut... after all of this it still makes LOTS of suspension noise. A mechanic at the dealer says it is a problem accross the board with 97-2001 Camrys. As well, Ive also heard of sludge problems on the V6 engine, great.

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  My fouteeth toyota - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By robedixon - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Typical of all my Toyotas. Well built. Solid. User friendly. Dealer treated me very well. Had problem with brake rotors right out of the lot. Dealer came and got the car and replaced them without complaint. It is the first time in my purchasing Toyotas I have had a problem within the first 90 days so I am not disappointed.

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  its cool - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jerire Boghossian - January 3 - 10:00 am

  The Matrix XR is the best car to drive. Its very nice car, so sexy and its fun to drive. you wont get tired of driving.

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  rav4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By quickyman - January 3 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle--fun to drive--no flaws

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  A good truck but for a few nits - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mywritingdesk - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Tight and well-built. Underpowered, but this may be the fault of the tall tires which raise the effective gear ratio. Driver seat felt weird at first but my bad back loves it, even on long drives. Weird and irritationg motor rap around 2K under light load, sounds like a rod knock, but cant be heard outside the vehicle. Some folks say the 3RZ motor will just keep running regardless. Bought a 100K "wrapper" warranty just in case.

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  The First choice in quality, fun & style - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By DMT Steve - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Tacoma for over a year. It has been extremely reliable, and it draws looks from many other drivers. When quality is brought up, all you have to do is close the door on me Tacoma and compare it to closing the door on anything else. You can truly feel the quality through a process as simple as that. I have over 20k on the odometer and it still drives as well as it did on day one. There are no squeaks or rattles, as everything is very tight.

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  Rotten Egg Smell Doesnt go away - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Neal Patwari - January 3 - 10:00 am

  To the reviewer who said that the rotten egg smell would go away after 5000 miles - no, Im sorry to say, it doesnt. This smell now stinks up my car every single time I drive it, 15000 miles later. Im very disappointed that Toyota continues to deny the problem even though consumers have been complaining for years. Although Im otherwise happy with my vehicle, they might as well sell the car with dead fish in them, as good as it smells.

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  Amazing quality and value - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By DARKPOOL - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This is our sixth Toyota and, without doubt, the best yet. Everything about the car is excellent. We tried the new Nissan and the Honda Accord but the XLE Camry beat them both. We paid $21,000 exactly for the car with the moonroof option. This price included all taxes and registration.

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  My Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bandit13 - January 3 - 5:56 am

  I was pleasanly surprised with this 4Runner. Rides smooth, no interior or exterior rattles. Steering is great in town and on the freeway. I feel the 3.4 engine has more than enough power for my needs. The A/C is great and all passengers get the cold air. The fuel mileage could be better. I get 16 mpg in the summer months with the A/C always on. In cooler weather without the A/C on I get 19 mpg. This is all city driving. On the freeway 24 mpg is the norm. I do use an K&N air filter, and synthetic oil, and Toyota oil filters. And 87 octane fuel. Its great SUV. I plan to keep it many years.