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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  Top tier vehicle - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By tmkh - April 3 - 9:46 am

  Strangely, I traded a 2002 F-350 diesel for the 2005 4Runner. We wanted a vehicle that both my wife and I could drive. The F-350 was too much for my wife. Although I really miss the diesel motor on my truck (and the camper), the 4.7 liter v-8 is very nice. Its enough to pull my 17" boat, and should be able to handle a small trailer. The fit and finish of the 4Runner is really top notch. I am amazed at how refined the interior is, especially compared to my Ford, which, with the Lariat trim, was no slouch. But the superior build quality of the Toyota is already apparent.

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  Great remake of the old Landcruisers - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DPRusk - April 3 - 5:53 am

  The FJ is a great remake of the original Landcruisers - the ones we all remember seeing on TV as kids on National Geographic trudging through an African reserve or remote mountain trail. The new remake of the orignal mid-50s design (internally designated FJ by Toyota) has enough comfort for every day around town use, but didnt lose its functionality like the current luxury monster using the Landcrusier name. Having worked in the Australian bush country where the older landcruisers rule, Ive always held this reliable, simple yet functional design in high regard. The new FJ has plently of storage space, good elbow & shoulder room and ample power. It feels solid and functional.

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  Avalon is affordable luxury and power - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Jerry Boothe - April 2 - 11:26 pm

  Ive driven my Avalon Limited for about a month now and truly enjoy the features and power it brings. I like a car that not everybody buys and you dont see that many on the streets. I did have a 94 Toyota 2 dr Camry and it was a head turner, people still thought it was a new Camry. I tested the Lexus and Hondas and the Avalon to me was the better buy for the money, the luxury AND the power.

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  Electrical Problems galore - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Atlanta ALA - April 2 - 9:10 pm

  Comfortable SUV; easy to handle; Unfortunately we have had persistent electrical problems that the dealer has been unable to repair, or at least repair properly. At times the headlights would not turn off or if turned off would automatically turn back on. The rear window got stuck a few times and would not function. Overall, it could be a great SUV, but for the money it was very frustrating not being able to get it properly repaired. It is our understanding that the dealer called Toyota a time or two for help.

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  Purchased 3 days ago - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By camryxse_15_ - April 2 - 4:26 pm

  The sound system is terrible. The USB navigation is terrible. The sound system was by far a last concern. Very high treble with little to no bass. Very disappointed in the system. Very simple over looks. Very apparent the sound system and stereo were not a concern in the design process. Navigation is very nice. Speed limits are not correct pretty often. Otherwise I love the car. They just looked over some simple things that are frustrating. I will be purchasing a new sound system for the car. Which is disappointing since I purchased the premium upgrade for the car.

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  Traded up using my 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mykecusa - April 2 - 10:41 am

  I really liked the Ford and was disappointed they did not continue the hybrid line. The Highlander is bigger, which I find more comfortable. It is higher off the ground which gives me better visibility. Since it is bigger and heavier, it does not get the fuel economy I got with the Ford. With the Ford I could rely upon 32 mpg in the Spring and Fall, and 29 mpg in the Winter and Summer. Thus far I am getting a solid 27-28 mpg (Spring/Summer) with the Highlander on mixe city/highway driving without air-conditioning, or heating. Is 4-5 mpg less in order to have twice the cargo capacity worth it ? I think it is, There is so much more to learn and understand about the Highlander Hybride over the Escape Hybrid. The Owners manual is at least 3 times as thick. I like how quiet the Highlander is compared to the Escape (6 cylinder vs 4 cylinder engine might have something to do with that). I like the visibility of the Highlander over the Escape (the 19" wheels on the Highlander vs the 16" wheels on the Escape might account for that). I have a service dog that goes where I go. When my girl friend and her dog and me with my dog need to go someplace the Highlander will earn its price, for the Highlander is after all a Family oriented vehicle. One I think hard to beat. A big point in many professional writeups is the low (relative) price of gasoline does not justify the $6,000 cost increase in the hybrid. I bought the Escape when gasoline went up to $4 a gallon. I expect one day it will be back there. In the mean time I like the lower emissions put out by the hybrid ... just my version of being a Tree hugger.

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  Perfect....except for those bumps! - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By David Luke - April 1 - 10:36 am

  This model year only suffers from one drawback - the suspension. While Avalons are known for soft and comfortable rides, this model year suffers from the inability to weather potholes and uneven surfaces. Ive read that the subsequent year models have corrected this problem, but beware if you get a 2014 - stay away from off-track!

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  My puddle skipper - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By puddle jumper - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had this puddle skipper for 3 years. We purchased it when they first came out. I must say other than the interior a bit small we have had no problems with it. We now have over 75000 miles and it still runs great. A great little car for a kid thats off to college or for a fuel minded person. It even is ok on 500 mile trips for 3 people. We have done it with 4 but thats kinda tight.

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  Overall Package Works Well. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By casper90651 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This was the first 2-door Camry that I could ever recall. It certainly was as relaxing as the sedan, but the expectation of a coupe is different than that of a sedan. But, what compensated for that lack of was the Lexus-like quietness of the cabin and the smooth ride quality of a Lexus. The only negative experience I had with it was a defective cold valve that wouldnt open and cause the engine to die during cold starts. The dealer wasnt very cooperative. Other than that I am satisfied with the vehicle.

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  Driver comfort - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Greg Misemer - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Love the mileage. The car handles well. Its a great car for running back and forth to work and around town. The front seats need better lower back support. My kids have a hard time see out from the back seat. It is a hard car to beat for the price.