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:

• 

  Proven, Capable, SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By onthe4frnt - September 9 - 1:21 pm

  Bought this used with 89,000 miles from a friend who took very good care of the vehicle. Cant be happier with my new purchase, extremely reliable, no rattles or squeaks. Gas mileage is the only sticking point, but was expected when purchasing the vehicle. Surprisingly, Im getting better gas mileage than what I expected. The trip computer on the car states 21.9 - 22 MPG, but calculating the mileage by hand is about 19 - 20.5 mpg. Thats with 50/50 city/hwy driving. Navigation is decent, slightly cumbersome system, not as easy as Garmin. Leather is like-new and heat seaters are amazing!

• 

  The new Ultimate SUV - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chad from Mill Creek - September 9 - 10:50 am

  Drives like a sedan with a bit of sport feel. In the snow its an animal, you cant loose control and I tried.

• 

  Economical Sports Car! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By GUY_HANDY - September 9 - 9:50 am

  I have owned this car since new, body #251. This has been an exceptional car with the only mechanical problem being a belt tensioner that squeals a bit on cold wet days (Toyota has a Service Bulletin, and I should have had this replaced under warranty). This car feels so tightly put together, I honestly think Ill have it for another decade. Its economical on gas and insurance but delivers real sports car fun. Handling and braking are exceptional (corvette territory). Acceleration could be better but 0-60 in the low 7 sec range is just fine. Sixth gear on a long highway trip is a relaxing idle at 80mph. Highly stable even at triple digit speeds (youll never hit top end... 155mph)

• 

  Best in Class - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Jugdish - September 9 - 5:46 am

  Replaced a 2003 Chrysler T&C Ltd, had many problems covered by warranty, but got sick of down time. The Sienna has a far better ride than the chrysler and seems to have a better reilability history. Passed on the Sienna XLE Ltd, as I thought the price did not justify the difference in options. Overall a great ride.

• 

  Fantastic car - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By hayguy - September 9 - 12:07 am

  My history of five BMWs, two Lexuss, one Mercedes added a 2013 Avalon Hybrid Limited with the tech package. I have put 9,000 miles on it since June and it is probably the best car I have owned. It is very stylish inside and out, luxurious, quiet, quick and very frugal on fuel. On a recent trip to Mesa. Az, the Kanab, Ut. to Mesa leg with speeds from 75 to 90 yielded an actual mileage of 38.2 MPG. Passing on the two lane roads was amazing. Accelerating from 70 mph and pulling back into lane over 100 mph…with a hybrid! This car does not lack for power! In Blizzard Pearl the car receives constant compliments and people often stop me to ask questions about it. What a car!

• 

  This is a great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lauren - September 8 - 6:00 pm

  I bought one for my daughter in college. I liked it so much I bought another one for my daughter in high school. The combination of the low cost, fuel efficiency, design, build quality, and Toyota reliability made this choice a no brainer.

• 

  Avalon is the Greatest - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalon - September 7 - 3:40 pm

  Our 2000 Toyotal Avalon is the best car we have owned. Smooth ride, excellent handling and great pick- up. Solid, safe car for family. Very comfortable seats.

• 

  Reliable as none - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Javier - September 7 - 12:36 pm

  This is my second consecutive Corolla and my third consecutive Toyota in general. Since I discover Toyota, and comparing with previous other car-makers, I will buy Toyotas until the day I die. My previous Corolla ran for 153,000 miles and it never needed a repair. The interior is like you purchased a luxury car. The drive is smooth and it gives you the sensation that every piece is in the right place. I keep buying this car because it gives me security that not matter the distance or the time I will always make it to my destination without a problem. Thats a big peace of mind.

• 

  One of the best trucks ever made - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brushymount - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is hands down one of the best trucks I have ever owned.It had 45000 miles on it when it was bought.It now has 113000 miles and has not missed a beat.I have used it like a truck as well; from hauling heavy loads to driving 1000 miles to visit relatives and the occasional romp in the mud.This truck has never and I mean never let me down.

• 

  Solid and reliable - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By LarryGWilson - September 7 - 2:00 am

  The Sienna has delivered solid performance, mileage and comfort. Weve put 70,000 miles on it and nothing has ever needed repair. We have two kids that can break anything they put their minds to, but thus far the Sienna has stood up to their punishment admirably. Driving this van is more like driving a car than any other van we tested. Thats the main reason we bought it. The fact that it got the highest safety rating of any passenger van in 1999 was also appealing. Complaints? The quad-seat layout we got makes getting into the third row difficult for adults. The audio system, a 6-speaker CD/AM-FM combo, isnt as punchy as I like.