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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  a disappointed owner - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark Fontenot - June 15 - 11:13 am

  I really loved the truck and still do this is my second Tacoma. After I bought the truck I realized that it was making a noise. I brought my truck to my dealer to fix the problem. After the 3rd attempt of trying to get the truck fixed they finally told me that they would change the shock in the back. I was happy until I picked up the truck and there was a new shock on and I drive it down the road and hit a little bump to find out that it was still there well to end this I was told that toyota has a new shock on their tacomas and that is just the noise that it makes and trust me it is very easy to hear and very disappointing. I do hope they fix this problem quickly.

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  Interesting Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Linda Bear - June 15 - 8:26 am

  I do like the quietness and the driving response. It is a fun SUV to drive. I have yet to test it on a very snowy day - I hope that it performs, because I am used to 4wd. The gas mileage consumption has not lived-up to what it should be. The navi is great and the brakes are very good as well.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Check It - June 15 - 6:23 am

  Its a very nice car . I got this the 2nd week after release. I love it, no doubt its an excellent car. Some people are saying its slow with pickup, its not true. If you are going for a family 4 cyl car thats what you will get. I dont see any issues with this.

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  Good Value - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By spearing - June 15 - 3:16 am

  I purchased my 2001 Sequoia in Feb 2001 and currently have just over 127k miles. During my ownership i have never had any mechanical problems (thank God) and have had only a few cosmetic issues( had to replace a/c adjustment knob, rear hatch door latch, drivers side seat adj knob, and currently rear window not working/not sure if i will fix)Overall, it has been very reliable vehicle and still attracts plenty looks and complimentary comments to this day(20 in. chrome rims/ silver vehicle). Getting ready to invest a lil money in areas that are beginning to show some wear(exterior window moulding & seats .

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  A step up from 2004 in most respects - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By chucktaylorr - June 14 - 7:40 pm

  Great truck all around. I stepped up from a 2004 PreRunner. Great engine, easy to maintain. Very comfortable for long trips and capable off-road. Composite bed limits the choices for aftermarket parts (lumber rack, some covers, some tool boxes, etc.) but is great for most hauling applications. This is our new "family" vehicle.

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  What a Great Choice! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Andy P - June 14 - 6:23 pm

  Comfortable. Great performance. Good mileage. Love the way it looks. Fun to drive. If you need an SUV, here it is. If you need a vehicle that pretends to be one, look elsewhere. This SUV is not for everyone.

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  58K and ive done nothing - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By paowner - June 14 - 12:36 pm

  Great car. Ive had no problem with comfort in front seats (im 5-7). Great room in back. More acceleration than I expected. More handling than I expected. Traded Acura Integra for car that could carry my 3 kids. Have done absolutely nothing in 58k miles and get 28 mpg. Huge trunk. Perfect fit and finish.

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  Very pleased from a car guy - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By jtallequipment - June 14 - 5:33 am

  I have 1000 miles on my 2013 Avalon. I am very impressed with the car. I am a bit of a car nut. I own 5 cars, a 1970 Trans Am, a 1976 Bronco, both consistent show winners, a Corvette convertible, and a Z71 Tahoe. I purchased the Avalon on November 30. I traded in a 2009 Cadillac CTS that was loaded with every option, 3.6 DI engine and all wheel drive. I do not regret my decision at all. This car is fantastic. In comparison to the CTS the car is quiter, smoother, handles better and I think its faster. It is much roomier and the fit and finish are first rate. I first test drove the 2013 ES and I find that the Avalon is less soft, more of a drivers car and the quality seemed the same.

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  I Love My Sequoia! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Alipanzo - June 14 - 2:00 am

  When the Sequoia was first introduced, I wanted to have a closer look. I admired the 8-seat feature--thats a plus. It is so roomy in the rear; my children love it.

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  More for Less - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By fmrapisura - June 14 - 2:00 am

  With my Sequoia, Im impressed how Toyota was able to combine luxury, design, comfort, size and performance at a price below $45,000. At 17 mpg rating,(although Im only getting 16), Im glad that it uses only 87 octane gasoline.