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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  Very Disappointed - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Very Disappointed - December 6 - 3:56 am

  Shortly after purchasing my Sienna, I began having problems. The dealer couldnt figure out why my check engine light came on several times a week, so they sent the van to another dealer two hours away. That dealer replaced the computer. My radiator has been replaced, all hoses have been replaced, and the fuses blow constantly. I LOVE this van as far as comfort and ease of driving. I am just very disappointed that I spent this much money and Im having this many problems. We are in the process of purchasing another vehicle.

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  Riding on smiles - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Ahmad - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have brought my Avalon xls with 103,000 km. and just loss it in an accident at 243,954 km. This car runs like magic, all my friends, are so surprise how beautiful, comfortable and spacious it is on the inside. most of the people I give a ride, after being amazed by the silences and smooth ride, do not believe it is a 2001, they think its a newer model. I am going to miss this car. but now I am on edmunds researching a 2005 avalon used one. just hoping I will get a even greater one. I am now using a 2010 toyota camry for the rental, and I still would choose my 2001 avalon ahead of the camry, not for the looks from outside, but for the comfort,low noise and luxury of the ride.

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  Eh possibly my last corolla - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By MMAkansas - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought it with 77k on it, and now have 153k. Had to replace the struts... like many 2001 owners I have had a check engine light on for 3 years now... nuts, it turned itself off for 90 days and came back on, and they figure its either sensors or the catalytic converter.Its a pretty good car, but the gas mileage went from good to horrible with age. Its okay overall. The dash lights are gone now.. they dont work, and the engine idles really hard ... I hope it keeps going and going.. I aim to get 220,000 miles on it so if it does that I will be thrilled

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  First Toyota - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Robert - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first Toyota this June. I have always owned Dodge Ram (had 5 of them) My 10 SR5 TRD 5.7L I-force smokes the Hemi, the interior is way more comfortable, more creature comforts, and larger rear sear (comparable models). All the power anybody needs,Big, fast, tough truck. Dont complain about mileage you wont find much better. Smooth ride and plenty of room...Love this truck.

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  Just purchaed 2011 - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By John - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I took three for test drives before we purchased. have had only for 2 days and love the vehicle. Had rides better than a Lexus 2009 that we traded. Better ride than a 4 runner and more comfortable than a 4 runner.

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  Refined & reliable - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By John Doskoch - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Splurged and bought the Limited HL, and were glad we did. Pleased to know its made in the USA too! The new redesigned front end for 2011 looks sharp. Love the Limiteds Smart Key keyless entry system, pushbutton start, reverse camera, heated seats. Also appreciate the MPG gauge. JBL stereo w/XM is wonderful. This SUV is solid and drives smooth and comfortably. Power/acceleration on demand. Toyota makes a great V6 engine. Lots of safety features + airbags galore, so safety is a given. The kids love our HL too, especially the roomy second row seats and their own temperature control. Our first 2 tanks of gas we averaged 20 mpg, which is OK for a 4000 lb vehicle.

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  Good car but has quality issues - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Kan110 - December 6 - 1:10 am

  I have purchased this car in 06/2006 and had driven less than 9K miles per year. The car suddenly stopped on the highway with 18 K miles on it, the issue has been traced to a faulty ECU (Computer) and did some research on the internet and it seems to be a common problem for this model. I have called Toyota customer service and they have taken care of the towing costs to my home town and replaced the part as it was still under warranty.

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  You deserve what you expect! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By G.Agustin - December 5 - 1:40 pm

  I traded in a 1st generation Tundra for a 2nd gen. Tundra. I have hauled my family + car up and down the Rocky and Cascade Mountains with both trucks. As much as I liked the 4.7L, it knew the weight was there. But as I expected, the 5.7L didnt flinch or break a sweat going up the steep grades. Some owners find the engine braking annoying. However, I find that when you are hauling and going down a steep grade it allows for the driver to have control of the vehicle + whatever youre hauling. Overall, this truck has exceeded my expectations.

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  Tundra 4x4 double cab. - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By JISingh - December 5 - 12:36 pm

  The truck has been very reliable, very comfortable,has good fit and finish. Extremely capable off road and very fast and powerful. It is silent compared with other trucks I have owned and handles like a car. Attention has been paid to the needs of the owner. There is plenty of storage space and the sound system is actually a little too good for a truck.

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  2001 Toyota Highlander - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Don - December 5 - 11:40 am

  After all the bad experiences with a Chevy, an Olds, and 2 Fords, I risked buying this the first year they were offered. One of the best decisions Ive ever made. Drives well, good with my bad back, and reliable. No repairs, only scheduled maintenance. Drawbacks: burns lots of oil (2 qts on a 250 mile hwy trip), and the front seat support broke on one side. (I skipped the $800 to replace it by putting a box of paper underneath to prop it up.)