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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  Satisfied (for 3rd time) - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By wvgasguy - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Sequoia (mixed in between with 2 Expeditions) Would not have bought without new folding third row on this generation. The headroom is tight with a sunroof for taller drivers. The gas mileage is on the low end of the segment. But the "value" is tops and it has awesome power. Typical "junk" Toyota NAV system. Sounds a lot like Im disappointed? Not really, just pointing out flaws. Still heads and shoulders over the Tahoe/Suburban and Expedition. Wish they really would tighten up the suspension, its a 4wd, I can handle some roughness for handling. Would have liked a hybrid option

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  It Grew On Me - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Drivin Momma - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new and have had it for 2 years now. I have some issues with room, my husband is 511" and barely has enough headroom and realistically, only plan on 4 occupants to ride comfortably. The double decker cargo system is awful and you cant even think about touching the outside of the truck without scratching it. (I put 130K on an 02 Explorer and other than where my wedding ring scratched the door handle, the paint still looked new.) With that said, I absolutely love this vehicle. Its a smooth, quiet ride, I can count on it regardless of weather conditions, and have never had one mechanical issue with it to date. Gas mileage isnt too terrible and interior cleans easily.

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  Not Impressed - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By James - December 13 - 10:00 am

  A salesman talked me into this heap. I like to offroad and he told me all sorts of crap about other makes and models, so I bought it. It"s like a coffin inside. Very dark. No sunroof. Bad interior lighting. Hummer H3 and Jeep Wrangler are both more capable off-road. Plus, you can barely see out of it. And now the windshield is cracked cause of poor flat design.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By WTP - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Almost 50000 miles and no complaints here. Nothing but regular maintenance so far. We previously had a Kia Optima and it saw several trips to the shop at this point in its life cycle. Just a good reliable economical no frills car. Highly recommended.

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  great suv - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By family person - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Havent had this car to long but Ive been with Toyota for many many years. The highlander is just about everything you could need in a SUV. Lot of room good gas mileage at least the V4 is. Great car with out paying $40,000.00. Cant get much better then this one, for SUV. We put in a blue tooth it did not come with that.

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  Best Car On The Road - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By ToyotaMan - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The 2011 exterior and interior design is very appealing. The engine is spunky. Car is fun to drive and oozes with luxury, quality, safety, and class. Were proud to drive the car and it has the new Toyota five point safety system on it. Engine is not as efficient as the same engine was in our 2006 Avalon.

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  Long time toyota owner - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Scott - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased 2011 Camry after trading in 2007 Solara. Car rides great and very comfortable. Price was right, especially with zero financing. MPG is respectable. Much better ride than my folks 2010 Honda Accord!

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  CAMRY HAS SLIPPED - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Les - December 13 - 6:48 am

  Our 2013 does not measure up to our 2002. Its noisy, has uncomfortable seats, poor visibility, glare from dash reflects on windshield, poor audio, and rocks side to side with minor road undulations. We also had an 87 which we loved, but the 2013 has seriously slipped.

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  Honey of a car - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Honey - December 12 - 8:36 pm

  I think its cute and for the price, it is very reliable and economical. If youre looking for a good, sound economical small car, I think the Echo is a good choice. The trunk is suprisingly roomy and the seating is tall and very adequate.The down side is its a bit noisy when driving on a highway. I wish it was better insulated from road noises. And it does sway when passing a semi. Otherwise, I like my Echo just fine.

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  2007 Touring - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By TJ - December 12 - 7:56 pm

  Just purchased an original owner, 2007 Touring 22k miles, with Package 5. The OEM Bridgestone Turanzas were just about worn out and I replaced them with Michelin Primacys 195/55/16. There are not many tire options with the 16 inch wheels on the touring. Car handles great and is very quiet. Upgraded sound system with 9 speakers and XM is fantastic.