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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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joe - August 19 - 1:20 am

  I tow a boat so I feel more comfortable with a body on frame setup. I fell in love with the 4 runner after the first drive. It is comfortable and has a great quiet ride. I got 21 mpg in mixed driving which I was pleasantly surprised. I traded in a 2002 Tahoe which was a great vehicle and I use to get 16.5 mpg under the same driving conditions. My only complaints are that you cant get some options on the SR5. I dont like leather seats, there cold in the winter and hot in the summer, but most of all in my opinion they are not nearly as comfortable as cloth. So I dont want to pay for something I dont like. I dont know why car companies dont offer their upper end models without leather!

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  80,000 miles and still lovin it - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Kim - August 18 - 2:43 pm

  This is the 6th Toyota I have purchased new and love it just as much as the day we brought it home. There have been no major mechanical issues. We recently had a new computer update put in for the jerky transmission. That problem is gone now. Take note if you still have warranty get your dealership to install the update. Love the gas mileage average 27 mpg & have had it up to 35 on expressway road trips. The motor has had a tick in it since day one (sounds a bit like an old Mercedes diesel, not as loud) but it doesnt seem to be having any issues. New brakes & rotors @ 60,000,and it seems like the muffler may be getting ready to be replaced. Have done all maintenance as scheduled. LOVE IT LOVE IT!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By bruce - August 18 - 5:30 am

  After looking at many cute utes and mid-size SUVs, my wife and I settled for the Highlander. After driving a 1992 Subaru Legacy we feel like we are driving a great handling and powerful SUV. I am very pleased with the overall appearance and driveablility. The only drawback is a slight hesitation when accelerating to merge into traffic. I found if I dont punch down on the accelerator, but give a more gradual throttle, the hesitation is minimal. Even though we bought this Highlander used, it comes highly recommended. Any vehicle that can stand the heavy usage that comes with a daily rental and still feel very solid is well designed and solidly put together.

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  The Best Small Car in the market - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Abe Ganguly - August 18 - 5:00 am

  Toyota Corolla 2005 is a fun to drive good looking compact car. Reliable, quiet, smooth, powerful sound system, attractive dashboard, automatic headlights. Excellent buy for recent graduates and others who love compact cars at an affordable price.

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  Toyota matrix XRS - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By codywindham - August 17 - 11:52 pm

  I am 16 years old and bought this as my first car. It has 241000 miles on it but it still runs like its new. It has great pickup and great handling and is really fun to drive. It gets decent gas mileage. The only thing I had to do was change the hoses but that is normal with cars with a lot of miles. I highly recommend this car.

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  Best truck ever owned - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By lscheall - August 17 - 11:25 pm

  I have owned trucks made by all of the big three and the only other truck that can come close to a Tundra is a Ford. Dodge and GM trucks are cheaply made crap that is over priced and break down way to often. The power comfort and performace of the Tundra is unmatched. Not to mention that it is the only truck that is actually made in the US while the others are made everywhere but the U.S. My only problem with the interior design is the amount of chrome, I have had two eye surgeries and to me it is overwhelming at times. Other then that small flaw I love this truck, and would and have recommended it to my friends.

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  Reliability - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By clow - August 17 - 7:10 pm

  After having my 4Runner for 3 years, I can say that it is a very reliable SUV. I purchased it with 101,000 miles on it in 2002. I am now at 161,000 miles. Other than changing the usual, such as oil, filters, etc. I have recently replaced the shocks, struts, and battery(the old one was the original). The truck starts at the turn of the key and eveything still works, including the air conditioner. I have nothing, but good things to say about Toyota.

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  2016 CAMRY CLEARANCE PURCHASE - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Bonnie Konjevich - August 17 - 10:52 am

  Better MADE AND SAFER than my 8 YR OLD Honda Civic

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  Fantastic quality automobile... Classic - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By Keith - August 17 - 12:43 am

  This car was owned by my brother first for 4 years. It went through many drivers when he owned it and was always extremely reliable and economical to own. I bought it a few months ago after a minor accident. I fixed the imperfections and am now driving it everyday. Its getting about 23 mpg with the top down most of the time. It shifts very smooth and takes corners effortlessly. Acceleration is about 10 seconds to 60 mph (automatic) and has about 93k on it. The styling is classic and even though a 96, not out of style in the least. Mine is black on black and always gets great comments on its looks.

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  Very good car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By joe b. - August 16 - 10:36 pm

  This is an excellent car. Great ride, plenty or interior space. The engine is smooth and quiet. The exterior is a great improvement over the previous models, which were rather bland. Great value for the money.