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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  Pleasant, Reliable SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Paul - August 19 - 5:26 am

  Tried out a Honda CR-V before purchasing this one, but didnt care for the interior (especially the door handles), and the RAV-4 got better mileage. Didnt go with all the options, although I couldnt find one without tinted windows, luggage cover, and 6-disc CD player; I refused to buy it and pay for all those unnecessary items.

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  A couple of hundred miles without gas! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By gsschro2 - August 19 - 2:55 am

  My fiance noticed the low engine light on the car last week and had me check it. The car had less than a quart left when I changed the oil. She drove for a week before telling me so that is around 200-300 miles. Toyota quality is amazing. I cannot believe that the engine did not blow up! The rest of the car is boring but I like the car now for its toughness!

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  Dead spot - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Clutch problems - August 17 - 11:03 am

  I really like most things about this car. It fits my need for comfort, space, versatility, and mileage. However, the clutch to acceleration from first gear bogs down unless I really rev the RPMs. I have been put in some dangerous positions due to this.

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  Tacoma SR best for the price - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chuck - August 16 - 7:46 am

  I have owned this truck for 8 months I find that the overall construction is excellent, styling is great. The main concerns I have is that I got the 4- cylinder and it is under-powered for this truck,even with the 5-speed manual transmission.The other thing is the squeaky clutch pedal. I would buy another Tacoma in the future and would still get the SR or SR5 but with the 6-cylinder and 6-speed manual transmission.

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  Surprised at How Much I Enjoy It - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By TreyBlaq - August 15 - 8:56 pm

  As a road warrior moving from an Acura RL to an SUV, I have been very surprised at how much I have enjoyed this vehicle. I typically drive 1,200 miles per week and with the exception of brake pads and tires, this truck has asked for nothing but gas. On that note, I have been tracking the mileage for the past 30k miles and Im averaging 20.9 MPG - not bad for a V8.

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  Not Worth the Money - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob - August 15 - 11:56 am

  Bought the SR5 4 cyl access cab in Jan 2009. Hated to part with my 2001 at the time, now Im really sorry I did. The 2009 Tacoma has the worst wind noise coming from the back. The seats are too low and not comfortable. Tilt wheel, what tilt wheel. It moves about an 1/2" up and 1/2" in and out. The windshield is so low it’s almost a problem seeing out. All around visibility to the outside seems less than my ‘01.The radio does not pick up stations like my ‘01 did. I’ve never owned anything but Toyotas, and I expected this truck to be nothing less than my previous trucks. I was wrong. The more I drive it the more I dislike it. This truck will be gone next year. PLEASE BRING BACK THE 2001 STYLE.

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  Give this an extended test drive before buying! - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Arslan T - August 14 - 12:28 pm

  I drive about 26k miles a year and about 80 miles a day here in Houston and was looking for a used road warrior. My biggest factor in purchasing our 3rd car here is road comfort (to avoid road fatigue) and efficiency/mpg. I have two friends that have the older Avalon models and rave about its comfort and ride, and currently having an ES 350 and seeing its reliability and comfort, the new Avalon was an obvious choice for me. We had the opportunity to purchase a 2015 Avalon XLE but the week that I was to purchase the car I had an opportunity to rent the same car. 200-300 miles later and I am absolutely set on never buying this current Avalon! The exterior has great looks and the interior took a bit to get use to. As others have reviewed, the ride is firm on the highway to the extent that you will feel most bumps, causing road fatigue much earlier (about 25 mins for me). Secondly the seat does not have adequate lumbar support, making the ride much worse. Please do test drive the car before buying this as Toyota has changed the Avalon to make it appeal to younger buyers. As a 30 year old, I really should care about the fun to drive factor - which is def there! - but I just cant get over how uncomfortable the ride is on the highway. Test drove an Accord and a Camry today as well and surprisingly even the camry - which was my last resort car! - even has a better ride in terms of comfort than the avalon

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  Best car I have owned yet! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Me me me me me me - August 14 - 10:00 am

  No real unexpected problems with this car. Just mostly the basics, oil, timing belt, tires, struts, coolant and an issue with the power windows, both on the drivers side, front and back. But, remember this car was seven years old when these problems came about. Not bad.

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  yota - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By yeoleyota - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This car aint half bad. I mean if you squint at it, it could look like a couple other cars, its cousin, Lexus LS 400, or an older benz E class. Its got heart when you need to pass up folks on the highway. Ive had the seats pulled all the way to the back and I was still able to sit in the back seat with no problems and had room to spare. The trunk is roomy also. Now for the bad stuff.....struts. I sound like an old bus going over heavy bumps. Now the car isnt bouncing, but Im sure it will be soon. The alternator gave out and the calipers in the back click. Yeah, the car is a little boring to look at, but its nice on insurance, cause no one really wants to steal it.

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  big switch - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By jimboy - August 14 - 10:00 am

  FORMER SUV OWNER: This is a very solid, responsible car, a member of the ultra-low emisions group. Its green. This is a great switch from the gas-guzzling, environment-wrecking SUVs