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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  Pros/Cons - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Paul Dobrovolskis - September 10 - 5:26 am

  I needed a full size SUV that had trailer towing capacity that gave me room to play when towing a boat. I have had Toyotas in the past and though always scant on creature comforts have been extremely well made and reliable. My last clocked in at 450,000 km and only died due to an accident. Issues IPOD connectivity useless to non existent. Dont bother with the Toyota cable. Navigation package useless. Very error laden, extremely user unfriendly, better to buy an aftermarket system. A 150$ garmin will outperform the Toyota navigation. Gas cap has no lock. Oil changes, uses a cartridge filter that few aftermarket dealers have. Dealers even hate doing changes.

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  Avalon XLS - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By warwick - September 9 - 3:13 pm

  We needed a little more room so the Avalon was the one for us. We are happy with the car but if I could a little more pick-up would be nice. The brake could be better but it is not a huge problem. There was a problem with the brakes after 2500 miles,the dealer resurfaced the rotors which fixed the problem. I expected the rotors to be replaced but the dealer said it was Toyota policy to repair. Well I sent an E-mail to the company and nothing came of it.

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  2015 Avalon Limited - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By tome1 - September 8 - 3:14 pm

  So far, other than ride quality we enjoy our new Avalon. Very responsive, excellent power, electronic package is very nice (a lot of safety features).

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  Great Car for the Money - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By objectivejoe - September 8 - 11:28 am

  This car maintains great 30+ MPG even with a full load of groceries, kids and a dog (dont ask how we do do it). Oil changes are the only maintenance we have done to it since we bought in 2010. Very reliable.

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  Relevant Car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bay Area Brad - September 8 - 5:50 am

  Completely sold on the technology. While gas hovers in the $4.60 range, I am getting 38 to 45 MPG depending on how much I "glide". Significant drop in my monthly fuel bill. Hopefully this will result in ever improving technology. Honda has their hydrogen vehicle out on the market in LA, Toyota is rumored to have "plug in" hybrids, maybe by next year. The Camry is the first legit near lux 4 door. I would recommend this car for anyone who wants to save on their $ fuel bills as well drive a cleaner burning vehicle with room and a little bit of panache.

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  Impressed, as expected. - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By foq - September 8 - 4:22 am

  Well, this is my first truck since I served in military in other country. All my other cars were track runners so I never thought Id enjoy driving a truck.. as those normally lack power or turning capability. Well, I was in for a treat. truck saved me a few times so far, and the offorad capability was a blessing. Build quality is impressive, interior is great. this truck could use more power, definitely, but for the weight / room / options, the power is ok. On the road it feels like a road truck, off road it feels like a decent, off-road built vehicle. Very happy with this investment. Oh, and estimated MPGs are wrong.. I get anywhere between 18.2-22, depending on areas. 17.5 in Chicago.

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  disappointment - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By txag - September 8 - 3:56 am

  While I love the size and comfort compared to other SUVs, I have had a number of non-drive train problems, none of which the dealership would fix under warranty, despite the truck being less than 3 years old. Antenna no longer retracts, several pieces of interior molding have had to be replaced, including the drivers side door handle, motor on liftgate window burnt up after only a couple of years, and the air conditioner is a piece of junk. Not only does the AC control decide whether youre getting hot or cold air depending on the temperature you choose (and it varies with outside temp), but the strength of the air output changes if you change the temperature, or if you accelerate.

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  Worth every Penny - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Kat - September 7 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this new with 13 miles. It now has 54K. In 2 years, it goes to my daughter for college, and I know shell have it for many years after. Other than the typical maintenance, Ive had no unexpected surprises, and thats exactly what I wanted after my last car.

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  6 speed SMT - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By thatwasme - September 7 - 4:19 am

  DO NOT buy an MR2 spyder with the SMT -- it will fail, and Toyota will not be able to fix it. Something about the electronics, which Toyota is now famous for over-engineering and then having it all go haywire, and Toyotas well-deserved reputation for never admitting to screw ups. If you buy ANY Toyota, be sure and get as long a warranty as possible -- these electronics are VERY expensive, and rarely stay fixed for long.

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  Great Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By David James - September 6 - 5:30 pm

  A quiet, competent, comfortable safe and dependable ride. Has decent performance and economy, although 6 cylinder in family Avalon is better overall performer. 4 cylinder has adequate power and is bulletproof. Would drive it to the left coast and back tomorrow as is. No major issues - replaced orig Michelins at 72 thousand - still have original brakes, battery with no issues.