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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  Great wagon from Toyota. Sad to see it discontinue - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Shawndh - February 26 - 4:38 am

  This is really nicely executed higher riding wagon. Its almost the same length as the Highlander, but priority is given to passenger room and comfort, which I love. Im 62" and I hate having to push my seat up for rear passengers and being cramped with no room in the back when traveling with things in the 2nd row. Its just very roomy and comfortable for long trips. The 20" wheels look great on the car and they keep it well planted and flat in turns, but the ride is a little rough on bumpy stuff. The voice navigation is a nice feature but its extremely slow and rarely accurate. I just use my phone. They bluetooth is nice but a little slow to switching on and off when getting in and out of the car. I did not get JBL audio on mine so the sound system is adequate, but Id love to update the amp and speakers at some point. Its anemic sounding. I really love the overall mix of luxury and simplicity. Women drive in this car a lot and I appreciate the layout of the car but I also appreciate the plastic on the doors. Its just easy to keep clean. Also, doing basic maintenance is really easy. The oil dipstic, transmission dipstick, location of O2 sensors, oil filter and drain plug, ect is all readily accessible if you if youre a DIY person like me. Getting to the rear row of spark plugs on the transverse V6 is another story though. This is all very important to me because I tend to keep cars a long time and newer cars are getting less and less servicable. This is a very nice and practical car that uses regular gas and has good torque in the V6. Its a great deal used but it was a little too pricey new. I like this car so much I want to purchase a 2nd one for work.

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  Great Ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Craig - February 25 - 6:13 pm

  Im really enjoying this truck. The ride is very comfortable and the power of the 5.7 is fabulous. It is the quickest vehicle I have driven in years. There are a couple of annoyances, the seat belts chimes if not buckled and the doors lock automatically. The doors are too large. You need two parking spaces just to get them open. There is plenty of room behind the seat but it could be utilized better for instance hooks to hang bags on. The one clothes hook is behind the drivers seat which blocks your view and there isnt one on the other side which would be the better location. No vanity mirror for passenger. Interior plastics are low end looking. With all that said I love it!

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  I love my gutless wonder!! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By blaisex22 - February 25 - 3:58 am

  I bought my 4Runner from a pawn shop 6 years ago at 135,000 miles. It gets crappy mileage and wont get out of its own way on the highway but for around town and off-road its awesome. Im now at 210,000 and have had only the head gasket issue. I did the head gasket myself and now Im off and running again.

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  Love car. Not happy with dealership - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Alice - February 24 - 6:30 pm

  I have had the blindspot monitors go out twice now and have only had the car 2 years. I specifically got this feature because I have loss of range of motion of my neck due to surgery. Now the dealer is unable to fix. Did not even call to tell me before I picked up. Has any one else had problems with their blind spot monitors?

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  2 problems, engine noise and battery problem - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By bigmac5 - February 24 - 3:00 pm

  Over all, good car. When started in the morning and accelerating up the hill where I live, makes a sound like the old valve lifter lash before hydraulic valve lifters. 2nd problem is the starter would not rotate when first pushing starter button, but did on susequent trys. Found 1/2 x 2 inch corosion under the cover on the positive post of the battery and cable. Toyota replaced altenator with rebult one and replaced cable connector. Similiar problem about 3 weeks later. Replaced termial connector again. 3 weeks later now and begining to corrode again.

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  Try It - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By PC Charger - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Traded Infinity G20 for Avalon. At the outset, felt the difference, in the ride, entrance and exit factors, comfort, accommodations, fuel efficiency was even better than the G20. The interior of the cabin and the trunk space was tremendous. May not be the best in outward looks, but I dont think any one would steal this car. Try it, you might like it and buy it.

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  Rav 4 AWD - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Adel - February 24 - 2:00 am

  NOT BAD , POOR ON GAS BUT FUN TO DRIVE

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  The real deal. - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By jbtang1023 - February 23 - 11:23 pm

  I was lucky to find a fairly new 2007 Highlander with only 7500 miles on it. Purchased it because I got a great deal and I am very pleased with my decision. First off, this is a very comfortable SUV to drive. It is not too big and it does almost feel like you are driving a car except you sit much higher. Now it does get a little flighty but what do you expect from an SUV. Pros: good family transportation. Got the third row seats so I can take a lot of people if I have to. Engine is smooth and is just about enough power for everyday driving. Very good cruiser! Build quality is excellent. Cons: if you have the third row seat up, no room left for luggage. Looks can be updated.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ajscott - February 23 - 10:33 am

  This car wasnt great. It is one of the first hybrid models out there and we bought this car new and it has about 50K on it now. Weve had some pricey problems with it though. At times it wont start and have had many recalls on it for steering! And if you spill even a little bit of water youll short out all the electronics in the car!!!! That was over $7500!!!! The car does drive pretty nice and does have a lot of power though. And I was in an accident in it and the engine did shift but luckily not onto us. I personally dont think it was that safe. The car is okay but not worth the money.

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  Civic Hybrid vs. Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By civictoprius - February 22 - 4:29 am

  Having traded in a 2005 Civic Hybrid after putting over 150,000 miles on it and have been driving Hondas for 20 years, I purchased a 2010 Prius II. The new versions of the Hybrid Civic can not come close in MPG. After having the Prius for months and 7000 miles I can report the Prius rides better, is more powerful (in regular and PWR mode) more stable on the road, quiter, and is more roomy. with at least 50 MPG commuting and carpooling over 130 miles per day. The late versions of this model only goes to 9 mph in EV mode and not 25 mph as advertised.