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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  2003 Toyota Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Robert W.L - September 19 - 4:50 pm

  I love this car.Its great on gas,drives real nice and you have so much room inside it.The trunk is huge plus the back seats fold down.

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  What a Mistake!!! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cravix02 - September 19 - 12:46 pm

  I have a very annoying clunking sound when stopping and when taking off; seems like the transmission was slipping, and or the drive shaft was very loose. Took it to the dealership in Greenville, and Greer, and they said it is normal, that they drive like that... What a piece of junk. I bought it believing it was going to be like my old 87, but it is not even close. It also has a whistling sound in the cabin, even when at idle, Toyota also said it is normal, it vibrates, and nobody seems to find the problem, I have new tires and rims, balanced and aligned 4 times, at different places, and Toyota says it is not too much of a vibration!

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  So Far So good - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By richiero - September 19 - 6:10 am

  After having the Mazda 626 (2000) the Avalon Limited is quite a jump. The jump has been good I find the interior to be roomy and comfortable. The car is big. While it isnt a sports car, it is nimble. Noise is very low The rear seating room is immense. Control location for driver is convenient.

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  Happy Highlander Owner - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike - September 19 - 5:46 am

  We traded in a 2006 Lexus GS 300 for the 2008 Highlander Sport in January of 2008. The Highlander rides like a high end luxury sedan but offers much more room in the interior and a very comfortable ride. I like the new exterior design that just came out. We never gave the Highlander a second look until the new 2008 style. The Highlander is my first Toyota purchase and I will likely buy another again.

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  As close to perfect as you get - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Darin - September 19 - 4:00 am

  Ive had my 98 Camry for 4 years now. It still runs smooth, gets decent mileage, and drives nicely. The only things I have had to fix are the front shocks, a activated charcoal fuel filter (fluke), and I had a problem with starting it the only time I filled up with premium fuel. Go figure. Other than that it runs flawlessly, even with 115k on the odometer.

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  transmission update - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By jack - September 19 - 1:16 am

  I have 5000 miles on my 2016 Toyota Tacoma and was not too happy with the way the transmission shifted. On my first oil change I mentioned a transmission update, and my dealer was surprised I knew about that. They told me there was an update available and I am a lot happier with the shifting. I got my information reading these reviews. So people do read these

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  Heres a looker - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By ALooker - September 18 - 8:03 pm

  My Toyota 4 runner is overall a great car. I have 61,700 miles on it and I drive it to work daily. The ride is rough on poorly maintained roads typical for a truck frame. Over speed bumps, dips or potholes will give you whiplash. If you test drive it use a parking lot with speed bumps youll see why. Very very reliable car, replaced the power antenna 1x (costly), this car runs great, tough as an ox, and purrs like a golden lion.

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  Instruments VERY hard to read - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - September 18 - 8:00 pm

  Generally, I really like this truck. It does take a little getting used to as it is very large and it is quite a challenge to look over the hood for any type of parking manuvers. Overall performance competence is strong and capable and I use the Tundra primarily for pulling a large trailer which it does admirably. My first tank of fuel gave me 19.7 MPG overall, while not pulling a trailer. This vehicle is rated at 16 city and 20 hwy. I am actually pleased that I went ahead and got the Double Cab option as I have found that it is kind of nice to be able to carry not only "stuff" but passengers as well. This truck is tall, even though I am 62", I still need to stretch up to get in.

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  Great Car in the Snow - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jane A - September 18 - 2:33 pm

  This has been a great car for me in Alaska. Of course, I upgraded from a 1991 Toyota Corolla All Trac with 180,000 miles on it so it is really hard to say how it would compare to any other new vehicle. It handles very well in the snow with the steering stabilizing (or whatever it is called) option. I have some troubles going up snowy/icy hills though. The car just shuts off. Last winter I had it in a carport in Anchorage and it did fine. This winter I have moved to the much colder interior and really need a garage for the vehicle when it dips down below 20 below 0. It is really comfortable to drive and the gas mileage is great. During the winter I am averaging about 35-39 mpg.

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  Karis review - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Kari - September 18 - 7:43 am

  My previous car was a 2001 Chevy Blazer that had 24,000 miles upon purchase and had nothing but electrical problems, I traded it in at 36,000 mi, it was junk. In Dec 2003 I bought my 04 Corolla, it now has 70,000 miles and its been very reliable. The only downfall is that Ive had numerous moonroof problems. I have also noticed over the past few months that the alternator belt is starting to squeak, but that is just normal wear and tear to the belt. It will have to have a new belt one of these days, but big deal its only about $15.00 at AutoZone. Most my driving is highway and I notice that its not very well in windy conditions, but slow down and stay in right lane and youll be okay