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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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By ss492 - June 25 - 8:50 pm

  We just purchased this car last month and it is already my favorite car. The space is amazing, the power sliding doors are great, and the drive is far better than I could have imagined.

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  First Hybrid -- not the last - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By taylort - June 25 - 4:40 am

  We bought the Toyota HH 2007 just before the tax credits reduced and are very happy with our choice. The HH is fun to drive and very functional. So far we love it.

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  NOT THAT GREAT - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By niya - June 24 - 12:10 pm

  there is hype about new corolla, it is on higher end for economy car buying. compare to honda civil LX 02 automatic, corolla provieds less useful features. i m most disappointed that it doesnt come with cruise control std. and on top i am paying almost 1000 more new corolla. I just dont get it.

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  Great Buy - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Scott Carbaugh - June 23 - 7:40 pm

  This is one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. Smooth ride, powerful and unbelievably reliable. Most comfortable seats of any car Ive owned. We have 140,000 miles on it now and runs like the day we bought it in 2003. Sound system still sounds great. Only problems have been fuel gauge that sometimes doesnt work and VSC lights come on sometimes. Would like if second row was removable.

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  is newer better ? - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By john flanagan - June 22 - 12:13 am

  Avalon was past ready for an update. Changing the platform from the LS 430 to the new GS 300 however was a radical departure some wont like. Improved handling with somewhat less comfort and the feel of less room is one trade you make. Mileage is down, to be expected w/ a 280 hp engine. Build quality is superb! The new display system is awkward and cumbersome, replacing the digital broad spectrum info always available on the old car . I bought the Limited. Smarter folks than I will either opt for the XLS or blow the extra bucks for the Lexus and take the higher resale when the time comes . A great new Toyota, but is it really a new Avalon ?

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  Love it - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Matthew Thomas Brodsack - June 21 - 6:25 pm

  Ive had 2 camrys, a 99 and a 97. both are extremely reliable but ive had a couple of quirks with mine. i dont know if anyone else has had the problem. The starter wouldnt engage on either one from time to time, quick fix just tighten the cables on the starter. The other is the flex exhaust coming right of the headers burns out. Both of the issues happened to both of them. cheap quick fixes. Looking for a new one because the previous owner left my 97 sitting for over 2 years and it rotted the seals (would happen to any car) and i seem to pouring money to fixing seals here and there. My cars are just bad luck though, these have a record of going 300,000+ and i just wish my car was maintan

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  Still happy - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Bt Jansen - June 21 - 12:46 pm

  Been driving our XLS for about 4 years now. Still very happy. Had an ignition issue where they had to replace the collar. Might have been from AZ heat. Replaced tires at about 55K. In hindsight, would have spent more as you get what you pay for in ride. Cheaper tires not as smooth as stock Michelins. Car is great for long trips. Plenty of power and Lexus like feel to car.

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  Disappointing Comfort - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By larbaker - June 21 - 10:48 am

  Although this is a great car, it comes up short on one item I think most Avalon Limited buyers want and that is COMFORT. I know they are trying to reach the younger set and apparently have done so from sales figures, I believe they went too far on ride/comfort. We purchased our Avalon Feb 2013 and just had it in for 15,000 mile service. We take a 400 mile trip about once a month. On the first trip in Feb 13 I noticed at the 100 mile mark that I couldnt get comfortable in the seats - felt hard. I didnt say anything, but the next month my wife(its her car) said these seats arent comfortable. She said the other day I want a new car - one that has comfortable seats and softer tires.

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  Outstanding Car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Justice - June 21 - 12:06 am

  This car delivers exactly what it is marketed to do. It provides a very smooth ride with all of the practical needs. I am still on my first tank of gas, and I am wondering if we will ever need to fill up. It is extremely quiet. You can hardly tell if the car is running. I almost turned the key to try and start it again because I could not hear the engine.

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  Unexpected Gonverner on the Vehichle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By kimblecathy - June 20 - 11:46 am

  I thought I thoroughly researched this Sequioa...Not !!! My car does not go beyond 96MPH. I complained to the dealership . I called Toyota who stated there was a governor on the car. I find this disgraceful !!! The top speed should be as seen on the speedometer. How can they get away with this. I will file a consumer complaint for material misrepresentation. I hate car manufactures and now this confirms their dishonesty. What else is Toyota hiding?