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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  Best Tuck for the Money. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve Hisel - September 8 - 2:16 am

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  My first Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Terry H - September 8 - 1:40 am

  I purchased my first toyota and hybrid Sept. 6th. I love it. Its fun to drive. I have put about 1000 miles on it and only put about $40.00 of gas. My son loves the moonroof. We like looking at the stars at night. You just have to get use to feeling the jerking when the gas engine stops and electric engine picks up. Also when you use your brakes you feel and hear them. I do also hear more road noise than Im use to but it is still a great SUV.

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  A nice improvement over the prior model - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By sswitze - September 7 - 8:35 pm

  I considered several vehicles before recently purchasing my Avalon Limited Hybrid with tech package. I ultimately decided on the Avalon as I have had good reliability with prior Toyotas and it had a nice balance of driving fun, size, and fuel economy. I also feel the interior was superior to the slightly more expensive Lexus similar hybrid model which was a pleasant surprise. I have not noticed any glare problems from the dash chrome as some have complained. I also have had no interior issues with the headliner which was also a complaint in some reviews. I find the ride slightly more stiff than I would prefer, though still nicer than many other vehicles I have driven.

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  Mileage is the ONLY downfall - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Pam - September 7 - 7:53 pm

  My Sequoia has been a delight from the very first day. My friends assumed from the look, feel and ride of it, that it was new. I certainly didnt correct them!! On highway trips, it rides like cloud. In town, it handles and responds very well. The gas mileage is the single issue I have with it. I average approximately 16 mpg. Wish it were 21 or more. Love it anyway!

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  Disappointed is putting it mildly!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Gary - September 7 - 7:50 pm

  This is absolutely the worse car mfr. It hesitates like crazy at low speeds and mis-shifts. It has been doing it from day one. After many times back to the dealer for this problem all they have to say is that the computer has no codes. We cant fix a problem without a code registering. I was told call Toyota directly and register a complaint with area rep. Which also turns out to be a complete waste of time.

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  Great car but MAJOR blind spots - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Votch1 - September 7 - 1:56 pm

  I leased this car in May 2005 (2006 model) and was impressed with the ride, acceleration, and quietness. I guess I should have driven a little more with the top up for the test drive. Top- down driving is pure pleasure! Top-up is challenging due to the large rear headrests (cannot remove) and the large c-pillars. One quickly learns to drive using only the side mirrors. I have had MANY close-calls cutting people off because I could not see them beside me or slightly behind. Backing up will require putting your head out the drivers window to look back. Mechanical & build quality are PERFECT!

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  2007 Toyota 4Runner SR5 - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By CG - September 7 - 9:43 am

  This is my 4th Toyota and 2nd (and last) 4 Runner. The entire cab rattles; including the annoying squeaks in the dashboard; plastic on plastic rubbing. This is the first Toyota I have ever had that had rattles. I have had it 21 months and the rattles started the 6th month. I have a total of 20,000 miles on it. I took it in to the Indianapolis dealership I bought it from and they told me that they were not going to be able to fix all the rattles. Are you kidding me! Next vehicle purchase will be an Acura.

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  Love the 4Runner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jim - September 7 - 5:53 am

  I love everything about this car. The quality is tops. Visibility, handling, looks are all great. I got the Salsa Red.

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  Overall incredible truck. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By zacattack1 - September 7 - 2:36 am

  Been driving full side trucks all of my life. Chevy 1500, 06 Tundra. I have a 06 prerunner sr5 5 manual, and have to say it is a 10 in every department. And the 2.7L is a top end engine. And at times it feels like a race truck. The whole truck is strong, tight, and fast. It does 80 on the highway at 1/4 throttle with ease. And with its short wheel base. The city and freeway ride, is the best and smoothest. First gear is very short, but once you start shifting through the gears. The top end engine hits, and the truck just pulls and pulls.

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  great car - hardly any repairs - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By nelsoncorcoran@gmail.com - September 6 - 8:47 pm

  Our car only has 135,000 miles on it. Almost not a single problem the whole time for 18 years. Excellent car to own.