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:

• 

  Loving my Es, Um I mean Avalon! - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By New Southerner - March 23 - 3:05 am

  If you like a touch of class, style, performance and panache from an automobile, this is the one for you. Several weeks ago I purchased a used 2014 Toyota Avalon. Having recently moved south from the Midwest, I wanted to shed my 4-wheel drive veh for something smaller. Initially I went looking for a gently used Lexus ES350. My reasons were simple: I’m getting closer to 40 and my automobile needs are starting to bend more toward function and less form. This meant arguing my ego down from the thought that I needed to ‘sit high’ or that I need 3 rows for the few times a year we use the 3rd one. So on to the car; I initially drove 3 or 4 ES’s and on one return test drive I ended up parking next to an Avalon. “What’s this?” I asked the salesman. He responded ‘the Avalon’ and proceeded to tell me of how the car rides a variation of the same platform as the ES. Really? Also that the engine and powertrain were virtually Identical. Really?? So I gave this car –which I had never even glanced at, much less considered before- a good once over. Lowered front end profile w/quadra-beam headlights, Aston-Marton inspired lower intake grill flanked by chrome enveloped fog lamps. A clean and handsome profile with a slightly ‘windswept’ greenhouse profile and a beautiful tail end w/LED lights and dual, trapezoidal exhaust…. “Hmm, will you get the keys for this”??? I asked. Got inside. ‘Whoa, seriously, nice!’ A 6 inch touch screen w/digital readouts for the HVAC just below. Mine has the lighter interior w/contrasting taupe, brown and black color scheme. It’s a very rich look accented by liberal swaths of chrome. On to the drive. The ride was the final deal cincher. The engine is buttery-smooth with plenty of power for passing. In fact, I had to learn how to properly finesse the engine when I am passing because stepping down to hard gives way more power than you probably were looking for. I want to address the ride quality itself though. Many have written that the car thunks or crashes over bumps. Honestly, I hadn’t noticed it at all. I think the ride is quite appropriate honestly and I have to believe those that don’t care for it are not the younger buyers Toyota had in mind with this departure from the traditional Avalon. The only places I have to give the car less than stellar marks are the sound system and touch screen. The base unit’s graphics seem a generation behind the two vehicles I have most recently owned and it suffers mightily from sun glare. You literally cannot see a thing it certain situations and that is with dealer placed tint on all windows. . Also, the basic sound system sounds very tinny and has very little bass. They are merely adequate and I have been accustomed to far better utility. (the unit in the base XLE doesn’t even show album artwork for ipod songs) All told, this car is a serious sleeper for most. For some, the prestige of that L in the Lexus nameplate is worth the extra money for what is in many important respects the same car. After spending days if not weeks looking for the perfect gently used Lexus ES, I finally found it. Just so happened that it wears a Toyota badge and prefers to be called Avalon.

• 

  A Reliable, No Frills, No Nonsense car - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Chris - March 23 - 2:00 am

  If youre just looking for an oldie but goody, no frills, point a to point B, this is a great car. Very reliable, 25 to 30 combined miles per gallon, nice comfortable and quiet ride. Not luxurious or sporty, but starts every time and runs great. The only bad points for me are fuel economy...with a small four I would expect better, and also power is a little iffy on hills and from a start, its still very zippy and since most other non-turbo 4-cylinders are similar, I cant fault it. The Transmission is fairly solid but will bog down on hills, otherwise a smooth shift. Fairly comfortable as I slept in it one night with the seat down. Only bad thing is I have replaced two A/C systems.

• 

  Great Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Mart - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car less than a year ago with 120,000 mi. on it. It now has 131,000 mi. It was well maintained by previous owner and it shows. Car rides and feels smooth and tight if you didnt look at the odometer you would think it had half the miles it actually does. Absolutely no problems so far . Gas mileage is just okay...low 20s in commuting traffic and very high 20s on the highway. It rides very smooth and quiet at highway speeds and is very comfy. Acceleration is not bad for a 2.2 L 4 cyl , enough for normal driving situations. It uses less than a quart of oil every 3,000 mi. Overall I am impressed with this car and would recommend it to others.

• 

  The average car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Scheets - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used a few years ago with 50,000 or so miles on it. I now have around 105,000 miles. So far it has been pretty reliable. We have not had any major problems so far. The engine still runs well, the transmission shifts smoothly in all temps and weather conditions. The audio system isnt great, but acceptable. The interior has a decent amount of space for a small car, and the trunk is pretty big. Road noise is average, but I always have music playing. Heat and A/C still work great. It has a very awkward steering wheel position and the handling is not very good. The gas is very touchy.

• 

  Not the best, but better than many - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mariano - March 21 - 11:13 pm

  Although this car has been categorized as "sports", it isnt. It lacks the power to support, "sports". What many people are complaining about I have to agree with as far as easy scratches, "ears" on my top when dropped, and fogged headlights. However, I love the interior of this car as basic and simple as it is. It has what you need, not what you want. Thats what I want. Of course it would be ideal if this car was a lexus, but it isnt. I highly recommend to purchase this car used and invest another 3k into a turbo and another 1k into suspension components. I will have spent a total of 11k into this car if I do so with the purchase price; then the car would be phenomenally fast and handling.

• 

  Tough Decision - So Glad I Bought It! - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By mpace - March 21 - 2:22 pm

  I agonized over buying a mid-sized SUV. I looked at all the usual suspects, including the Explorer, Tuareg and Grand Cherokee. In the end, I chose the 4-Runner because of its off-road capability. I also find that it handles very well, and is very smooth, on the freeway. Dont listen to many reviews of this vehicle, as its great. I opted for the Limited for the interior upgrades. I love the stereo system - great sounding radio and CD. The one compromise, in my opinion, was the 20-inch wheels. They are more highway-ready than off-road capable, given that they are more narrow than their 17-inch counterparts on the SR5 and Trail. So far, its performed great, even off-road.

• 

  gas mileage? - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By O - March 21 - 4:06 am

  I purchased a Camry SE 4Cyl. last month, and have already reached 1500 miles, but no improvement to the gas mileage, still just around 25m/g. ItÂ’s supposed to be getting around 34. The only problem I have had is the middle console keeps opening on its own, so must go back to dealer.

• 

  nice car, but dash sqeaks and rattles drive me nuts! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ctgardengirl - March 20 - 6:51 pm

  Our first Toyota, bought used Nov 2010, bought base model because of tire issues on sport and ltd, and cost. Went from 1997 Plymouth Voyager van to this - what a difference in driving. It scared me for awhile, getting used to the electronic/computer driving process, seemed out of control to me until I got used to it, now its fine. What drives me crazy is the dash rattles, which is way worse in winter. My old van didnt rattle like this! It makes me want to sell it, and buy another, but afraid of same problem. Radio is ok, bass is terrible. Roomy inside. Seats ok, but not that comfortable on day long drives. Back seat rattles now. What next?

• 

  A New Owner - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Edwin Celette - March 19 - 9:06 pm

  I have only owned the V-6 for a few weeks, but it has lived up to the expectations I had when I bought it. The styling, both exterior and interior, is modern and eyecatching. It is peppy, quiet and fun to drive.

• 

  4 Years Later, Still A Solid Vehicle - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By bulldogvillan - March 19 - 9:24 am

  I purchased my Highlander in November 2009. 48k miles later and she still drives like she did off of the lot. Plenty of cargo space to accommodate our family of 4. Enough acceleration to make merging onto any freeway a breeze. Its average around 20 mpg. The interior of the car has held up very well. Plenty of room and head clearance (Im 63"). Quiet and soft ride. It handles much like a Camry. Weve had no problems, other than the tires wearing out at 30k miles. Put some Michelin tires on and they havent had any wear after 18k miles. I do wish it had an outside temp reading on the dash. The 3rd row is very cramped, and hard to get to, but we dont really need it anyways.