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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  A car thats growing on me quite well. - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Planetal - October 31 - 8:13 pm

  I perhaps am different that most, as I purchased this car to essentially carry stuff as Im a weekend musician and needed a car capable of carrying quite a bit of equipment. I hate mini-vans and SUVs are horrible in terms of load-in and load-out (plus drive AWFULLY) so this or a Subaru were it. This car does what I wanted it for quite well. I didnt initially care for the handling of the car, as it feels heavy to me, but once I became used to the car it drove quite well. It drives quite well fully loaded with equipment as well as filled with adults. The stereo sounds great, the bluetooth and nav work well and the care is very comfortable. The more I drive it, the more I like the car.

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  Overhyped toyota garbage - 2012 Toyota Tundra
  By ghunchman - October 31 - 4:51 pm

  I actually went or should I say was suckered into a new tunra. 2012 what a mistake. If you here people talking about reliability and resale I suggest you RUN and never turn back. I dont sell cars so resale should never be an issue. The toyota is like a pregnant 2002 dodge ram. Its ugly and the more you look at it the uglier it gets. The finish inside is poor crap and I couldnt believe that this what was suppose to be superior build quality. The seats were uncomfortable. the guages are small and a pukey orange colour and they are sey in too far. The tonks truck control knobs for the air are a total joke.I could go on but a person with normal vision will see what Im talking about.

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  Lexus Wannabe - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By EK - October 31 - 4:36 pm

  This car is a Lexus wannabe. I made the mistake of trading a 1997 LS400 with 77,000 miles for this pretender. I thought, hey maybe this car will deliver Lexus like quality at more reasonable prices. What a joke. The vehicle came with a door ding which the dealer agreed to fix. Current mileage 425. Problems: Paint bubbles, passenger air curtain column coming loose, GPS panel cover sticking out 1/4 inch, leather steering was abraded, 17 miles per gallon, road noise is my constant companion, surges forward when downshifting and other issues. Worst of all the Toyota factory rep refused to fix anything but the paint bubble. After all, why satisfy the customer?

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  Dont waste your money - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Dave Trupp - October 31 - 3:43 pm

  Bought in Aug 2005. We have 7500 miles on it now and can only get 22 mpg. Its sad since the regular version gets 20 MPG (hwy). We are not aggressive drivers and drive with the lightest foot possible. The dealer told us to drive this vehicle hard for the first 5000 miles when we bought it so the computer would learn. Learn what??? I bought this vehicle, I stuck with it but I will not make the same mistake twice. They simply are not worth the money. Honesty works best. Toyota should learn that and stop advertising the high MPG when they know its not true. Per my service adviser "normal range for the highlander hybrid is 22-28 MPG" Isnt the 30+ number they tell you when you buy it is it.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By gc77584 - October 31 - 8:40 am

  I bought this car almost sight-unseen and with no test drive. I havent regretted the decision even once. Traded in a 98 4cyl Camry XLE and the 2007 Camry Hybrid is quite a bit larger, rides smoother and is more powerful. Plenty of pickup when needed, such as entering freeway. I have 3200+ miles on it and have had zero problems. Yes, the trunk is smaller than a non-hybrid Camry but I knew that prior to purchase and its plenty big for me.

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  New Toyota Tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Stephen Campbell-Tyl - October 31 - 1:53 am

  Very good deal, on a very well designed and built full size truck. Performance enhanced by 6 speed transmission, this truck drives extremely well in ordinary traffic and cruises on the interstate. If you need to get past slower traffic, just put your foot down and very easily and safely accelerate past. Breaking on this truck is phenominal, it stops extremely rapidly and safely. Extremely good all round truck for hauling people and a bed full of materials. Have not used it yet for towing, but should be a winner.

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  Towing - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By redjeepjamie - October 31 - 1:46 am

  After owning Jeeps for the last 15 years I was reluctant to go Toyota but with a new baby we needed more room. I was skeptical of the Highlanders 5000lbs tow rating. Now after 11000 miles and several months of towing our 4000lbs 21 ft ski boat I am the Highlanders biggest fan. It pulls and stops our boat better than my Grand Cherokee ever did. Plus this is the most comfortable and solidly built car I have ever owned. Gas mileage is good at a city/hwy avg of 21mpg towing drops it to 13 in our very hilly drive to the lake.

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  I love my Toyota - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By jackie - October 30 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this truck in 98 with 37k miles. I have 153k on it now. Had to replace the shocks, the brakes twice and battery. Low cost vehicle with great zip and I average 26 MPG on hwy and 23 in the city. Starts up everytime, I just love this truck! I am glad to read that people have over 200k with no problems as well. Cant find a better truck out there.

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  Almost a luxury, but.... - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Brad C - October 30 - 7:06 pm

  Good balance between Performance, size and fuel Economy. Great power, large interior particularly the rear seating. Smooth quite ride, but feels a little floaty driving. We had some issues with the inside trim with fasteners on the window switch housing popping up. It makes me question the interior durability and craftsmanship; however, I believe the engine and transmission and drive components will prove reliable. The leather seems a bit lower grade than my old Acura Legend, but all the newer cars seem to use thinner leather. A nice chunk of paint came off when a large rock hit the front. The large doors/higher rear ends make the car harder to see out of while backing and merging.

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  75K Review - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Sid - October 30 - 1:53 pm

  I had a 1998 Corolla VE before I bought this used vehicle from the previous owner at 65k miles. It was well maintained with detailed service records and looking at the records, there were no quality problems. Since then I have kept up with the Toyota maintenance schedule for this car and have not had any problems either. Overall, it has been reliable, fuel efficient, comfortable and rides quietly. The manual transmission makes it fun to drive. Clutch engagement at lower gears is a little abrupt. However, as you get used to the car, you will figure out how to work it smoothly.