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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  awesome truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By ffffff - August 17 - 6:00 pm

  Fun to drive, very comfortable and roomy. Suspension is soft as easy to drive. Very little plastic inside on dash and around doors, prevents a lot of sqeeking and fading.

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  Our first Sequoia - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By g4zilla - August 17 - 5:50 pm

  Were 500 miles into our 2006 Sequoia, and are very impressed. This rig is smooth, rock solid, and very well appointed. Our kids, both teenagers, love the roominess ("Dad! My knees dont touch your seat!") and I look forward to Toyotas legendary dependability. Though its a large SUV, it handles like a smaller vehicle. I never feel as though Im driving a school bus! Recently, my son and I were traveling on the highway, and he turned to me and said, "Dad, this Sequoia is so quiet!" He was absolutely right. I looked down at the speedometer...oops, 80 mph! And that is my final point: the quiet, smooth ride betrays nothing of your speed.

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  Great Mileage SUV/CUV - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ejo1 - August 17 - 12:54 pm

  I needed a good mileage vehicle to pull my Boston Whaler after running a small CUV with decent mileage. Every car and pickup I looked at would get 20 mpg or less a few maybe low 20s when not pulling a boat and as 98% of the time Im not pulling a boat this was not a good option to go from 24 mpg average daily driving to <20mpg. I found this Highlander and now get 26-27 mpg average and easily can pull and launch my boat and when doing so get 21 or more mpg. All this in luxury.

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  Whats all the hype? - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By brian4cde - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I find this vehicle roomy & comfortable, but frustrating! Ignition is great: no holding key. Climate controls are OK. Defogging windshield is difficult. Controls, at steering column & elsewhere, are awkwardly placed & frustrating to use. Beware: power outlets go dead when the car is off. Seats are easy to move once you get used to it. Oddly enough, you cant get the rear spoiler w/the moonroof we wanted. This brings me to the most annoying thing: Noise & odors are ridiculous with open windows. The rear gate window is adjustable, but, dont open it when you accelerate: you will suck fumes. Open the side window and you get a loud pulsating noise. Open the moonroof & it sounds like an airport.

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  First Toyota - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Ronb - August 17 - 6:30 am

  Talked to some Avalon owners before making purchase. Have had the car for two years putting 15k on per year. Overall, we are pleased. It has great design, size, ride, performance and comfort expected. Replaced the OEM Michelin tires at about 27K with some Yokahama. The OEM still had tread, but not enough for winter driving. Problem to date is what appears to be a "gap", missing bushing or poorly fitting parts somewhere in the steering assembly. After stopping, there is a slight drop in the steering wheel of about 1/8 inch with a little "klunk" when we start again. Dealer replaced steering assemble shaft, but problem still exists. Having hard time replicating when we take it in.

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  sequia - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By JP - August 17 - 6:13 am

  I am very satisfied with this suv. On long runs, using cruise control, mileage hits 19 mpg.It is very comfortable and handles very well.

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  My 2005 Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ed Wheelis - August 17 - 5:36 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. I still have problems in telling the difference from my 05 Limited, and many models of the Lexus. Actually, I think it looks much better. At 65, Ive never before been able to sit in and drive a car with a sunroof. I can sit in this car with several inches to spare.

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  Great car - 2013 Toyota 4Runner
  By runner33 - August 17 - 4:33 am

  This is my second 4Runner. I love this car.

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  Great Value - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By JohnR - August 17 - 2:23 am

  This 2011 Camry is a tremendous value for the money. Compared to the main competition (Accord, Altima, Sonata) this vehicle was clearly head of the class.

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  Happy to have it! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - August 17 - 1:23 am

  I bought this pre-runner for my wife and I love it. Ive always like Toyotas and have owned several. The new style is great and the size is better. I got between 20 and 22.5 MPG on a trip I just took driving 75 with A/C. Not as good as advertised but OK. Weve ordered some nerf bars to help my 53" wife get in and a camper shell to transport the dogs. I wish we had power mirrors and locks but it isnt a problem once you get use to it. Rides well on a long trip and the A/C will freeze you! Overall we couldnt be more pleased. This one is a keeper.