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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  Avalon Review - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By John and Kim - September 27 - 10:00 am

  A very fun vehicle to drive. The only downside is that the exterior tends to get dinged up a bit as there is no trim to protect it. Overall, we are thrilled with this vehicle!

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  Avalon climate control is bad design - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Trainguy - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The Climate Control Air Conditioning System is the ablolute worst thing that have ever been put in a quality car like the Avalon. Temp control is very inconsistant and gives heat to your feet and cold to your body. Why this system could not have been made better, or at least the same, as any American Made Automobile with a Climate Control A/C is beyond understanding. American cars have had a working system for at least 8 years that is far superior to this. I could never recommend the Avalon XLS over the XL.

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  4X4 TACOMA - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By JACOB - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE FUEL ECONOMY, BUT WHEN I REALIZED THE TOWING AND HAULING CAPACITY, I UNDERSTOOD WHY THE FUEL MILEAGE IS WHAT IT IS. THE TRUCK HAS A 4:10 AXLE RATIO THAT KILLS ANY HOPE OF GETTING 18+ MPG(WHICH IS WHAT I HAD BEFORE THIS). BUT POWER, PERFORMANCE AND A GOOD SET OF MUD TIRES MADE UP FOR MY DISAPPOINTMENT. I CANT WAIT TO INSTALL MY TRD SUPERCHARGER AND GET EVEN LESS FUEL ECONOMY, BUT A WHOLE LOT MORE FUN.

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  Good car w/ problems than expected - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Gilles Deleuze - September 27 - 10:00 am

  A quiet & comfortable car, but with some unexpected problems. The automatic transmission internally self-destructed at 19K. Toyotas policy is to replace w/rebuilt, which seems to be a cost- cutting measure. Dealer initially missed this defect, smugly disregarding my requests to check transmission. This dangerous problem was caught by Oil Service people. Poor service at the dealership meant I had to contact zone distributorship CEO for appropriate oversight of dealer. At 27K, the drivers bottom seat bracket busted. The replacement job at the dealers was second class. How dealership handled problems/defects during warranty period left much to be desired.

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  Good value - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Tom in Seattle - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 2000 LE to replace my 1988 LE. Its a great car, but I was surprised at how somethings were decontented. No maplights, seat has less adjustments and the bottom cushion isnt as comfy as the 1988. But for a 4-cyl with 136 HP, I was pleasantly surprised with the performance (the motor is torquey). Original tires (Generals) get loud after they wear. Very easy to drive, very good value.

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  Around town - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Bill Synnott - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Ecellent transportation for most around town and highway needs. The quality of product was good.

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  Sienna is the Luxury minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By SiennaMan2004 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this van. It is great. The styling is great, the interior is great, the features are great. Price is a little high though, but the features make up for it.

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  Not what I expected from a Toyota... - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rdia - September 27 - 10:00 am

  This was the first Toyota I have owned. In the past I had driven Honda, Chrysler, Dodge,Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, Mercedes, Volvo. This is the worst car I have ever owned. The car has a defect with the driveline that the dealer refuses to fix stating that it meets factory specs. The styling is bland. The handling is mushy at highway speeds. The power I expected from the V6 is less than smaller engines I have driven. Overall... I will never buy one again!!!!! Beware if youre looking to buy one it is the only car I know of that does not even offer roadside assistance unless you buy the extended warranty!

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  Colorado - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By HL - September 27 - 9:40 am

  We converted from loyal Subaru fans to Toyota because we needed a bigger car and were not impressed with the Tribeca. So far the HL has been great. Good power in the mountains and no problem climbing I-70 in the winter. interior is quiet and dua climate is great for kids in back. Good storage for road trips and fun to drive. Dont feel like youre driving an SUV which we love.

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  just a car with noise... - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Amin - September 27 - 4:47 am

  this car is the worst car I had ever. weak engine, very noisy dashboard, very slow transmission. when you want to reach for example to 50 mile this car goes to 30 and after put the transmission on the higher level. sometimes more than one!!. and after that you feel that you have nothing under you feat. Toyota just wants to show fuel consumption. the dashboard on two side has noise the same sound. when I toke the car to deal for 3 times they just said no we didnt hear any sound!!!.