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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  Transmission Going bad, and then Some! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Rcarr - September 10 - 5:26 am

  Ive had this car for six months now and I hate it! Im on the highway between our offices all day long. I drive conservatively. 40,000 miles and I can hardly see out of the windshield due to pitting! The front-end looks like a War Zone from all the rock chips and dents! (my 95 BMW with 140,000 miles shows much less wear). What kind of paint is Toyota using? For the past several weeks, the Transmission Vibrates and Shudders loudly when shifting between gears! Even though it did not do this before, the Techs at Fred Anderson Toyota tells me "its within Specs"? With the Drivers seat now broken in, it feels like Im sitting on steel springs!

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  Saved my sons life! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Nancy Harris - September 10 - 4:23 am

  My son was in a horrific auto accident! There were a total of 3 cars, all of the people in the other cars died and the AVALON SAVED HIS LIFE WITH ALL OF THE SAFETY FEATURES, ETC. The State Troopers told us that the Toyota Avalon saved his life! We will forever more drive Toyota Avalons as they take safety first! My sons car had the most damage; there wasnt a place on that car that did not have major damage! It was totaled, but, my son lived!

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  Not cheap, but not crap - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pascal - September 10 - 4:03 am

  I have my new X-runner for 4 days yet, very good truck. I read a lot on the net before I made the move because a lot of reviewers says the truck is very bumpy. After a road test of a 2006 one, I found the truck very comfortable. Yes it is a little bumpy but not really more than any other trucks on the market. Road handling is incredible, the trucks really eats curves. Lots of torque below 2000 RPM from the engine so it makes it very fun to drive, you can literally declutch the truck in 1st gear normally without slip, without giving gas and the engine wont shake or stall. Subwoofer is a good idea but is very badly calibrated, too much bass in voices when listening to radio.

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  I love My Matrix XRS - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By tiffyJ - September 10 - 3:23 am

  I fell in love with this car when it first came out. I saw it when I went to see a movie on the pre-movie commercials and fell in love and several years later I was still in love with it. I traded in my 99 4 door civic and I am so glad that I did!

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  Big, Beautiful & Fun to Drive - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By ssyates - September 9 - 4:00 pm

  We just bought this "mini" a week ago and so far havent found anything we dont like. It is very responsive; finely tuned engine & transmission and grabs the road. It seems especially competent as we still have snow and slush on the road after 3+ feet of snow, with most of it still on the ground over the past two weeks. The cabin features and comfort leave little to be desired. My first tank of gas got us 21+ MPG with a balanced mix if town and highway driving. Our trade-in; a 2005 Prius typically gets 43MPG for the same kind of driving.

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  Awesome Ride! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By maxac - September 9 - 3:56 pm

  Just Love it! The color stands out and the 4wd has gotten me out of plenty of sticky situations. Great for the money.

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  2002 bad valve guides -- expensive! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By KERRY - September 9 - 3:03 pm

  The car is leased. Traded in a 2002 Buick Rendezvous with 100,000 miles on it. Only have 2,500 on the Rav4 sofar. It is a fun car to drive. The V6 is powerful and the steering very responsive. Im a little larger in size than some and the on drivers door the ridge that extends out gives me some trouble. Wouldnt mind it being flatter for more leg room. If I put the seat all the way down it works better for me. MPG has averaged out at 23.4 all around on the gauge. Best MPG so far 27 MPG going from Illinois to Mackinac, MI; averaging 65 -70 MPH. I would say the A/C definitely holds the MPG down about 2 MPG with constant use during the recent 90+ weather here. JBL speakers are great.

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  My Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Pduckman - September 9 - 8:53 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota truck, the first two being Tacomas. My first impression was how smooth and quiet the ride was, almost as good as our 2001 Avalon. The front seats are much higher (almost chair height) than the Tacoma and thus more comfortable on long hauls. Even my 6.5 foot bed is huge with approx. 66 cubic feet of room. The interior controls are very big and easy to turn while driving. Love the fact that like my Tacoma the rear door windows go all the way down when opened. And the guy that came up with the tailgate assist should get a raise. Also the standard Tire Pressure Monitor system is a plus. And did I mention standard VSC, ABS, TRAC, EBD and the huge (13.9 in) front brakes.

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  Uncomfortable seat - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Bruce - September 9 - 8:06 am

  I start lease this van from May. Exterior design is best compared with others. But seat quality is no good even compared with previous model yr2007 & 2005 which we had. Only 1 hour drive, my wife complained this seat is terrible and I agreed. Im not talking about material and design. I felt like sit on sponge. Toyota should learn more from Germans car seat.

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  Great car! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - September 9 - 4:23 am

  Bought new Oct 2006. Now have 13,500 miles on it. Zero problems. Extremely quiet, very little motor or wind noise. So quiet you tend to speed. Great, honest gas mileage. Freeway at 75 mph I get 34 - 36. Combined city and highway at lower speeds I get 36 - 38. Comfortable seating but "wings" on drivers seat dig into my back; could be softer. Steering wheel too far away!! Im 62" and have my seat pushed back. Good ride, especially on highway. My only complaint is that the Bridgestone tires are very noisy on coarse pavement. Big trunk, roomy backseat for a small car. The LE is nicely appointed, a mini "luxury" car. Its a great car for the money.