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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  2004 Avalon XLS - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Noma - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Rally smooth driving car. Lots of luxury features. Put a spoiler on it to jazz it up a little. A real sleeper of a Lux car. Dont know why they advertize this car more. Over all a really nice car to drive.

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  Awsome - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By K Bell - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my 04 Tundra. It is such a smooth ride. I go driving for the hell of it just cause it is so fun to drive. The only thing that sucks is the fuel.

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  I love it, my first new car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Crasherr - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my Rolla S back in June. I figured I would wait a while before writing the review about. I drove all the types of the 05 Civic, Sentra, Corolla, Focus, Mazda 3. It was between the Sentra and the Corolla. Well I went with the Corolla since it was a better value. Toyotas are good for keeping their value and the last forever unlike some Nissans I know, I had two of them so I know. But I love the car, and Im glad I went with it. I absoulty Love this car. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Outstanding Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacoMan - June 17 - 8:40 am

  Would have rathered a Tundra but still very much satisified with my Tacoma Prerunner. The seats seem to be coming apart. TRD Sport

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  WOW! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By JonJon1223 - June 17 - 4:06 am

  I just bought my Corolla and this car is EXCELLENT! Peppy, fun, handles extremely well. I feel Ive got a top quality car! Cant wait to see the gas mileage after my first fill-up. Compared to other models in its class, this car is still top notch and sets the standard. I urge everyone to test drive one, then buy it!

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  thank Heaven for my tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Steven Balestra - June 16 - 9:37 pm

  This is by far the best truck I have ever owned. I have 233,000 miles and only brakes, shocks and o/2 sensors been replaced.

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  Too many issues - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By mm - June 16 - 7:50 pm

  Good: ride, airbags, tether, handling. Bad: quality (started rattling at 20000 miles), warranty repair, failing steering column at 31000 miles in non-demanding driving conditions (mostly flat or slightly hilly terrain). Very dissapointing experience with my 3rd Toyota.

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  Wish I would have kept my caravan - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By minivan mom - June 16 - 6:16 pm

  I traded my 2005 Grand Caravan in on the 2009 Toyota sienna because everyone told me they have the best quality (WRONG). Its been in the shop more than I have owned it with motor and trans issues and the elusive noise they cant seem to find. Give me back my grand caravan.

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  new transmission,etc. and a rental car for free! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By amigo4 - June 16 - 4:01 pm

  My transmission compleley died a week ago. I have some good news. It was towed to Precision Toyota, Tucson AZ; immediately I was told that there will be no charge for anything. And I was told just that way. I also was told that the repair can take up to 16 weeks. I called Toyota customer sercvice requesting a rental car for whatever time is takes for the repair. Received a call back the next day; I was advised to pick out the 2011 Toytoa car or van that I wanted to use from the rental department. I am now driving a 2011 Rav4 for free-and my car insurance covers the insurance. I am very happy!

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  Vibration Nation - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Denmont - June 16 - 3:18 pm

  The engine is weak compared to the 2nd Generation Tacoma. The transmission shifts erratically, even after the electronic transmission "learns" your driving behaviors. Im averaging 17 MPG gas mileage, despite the 18-20 MPG advertisement. Worst, the 2016 is plagued by several vibration problems. First, a driveline vibration/shudder on acceleration. This was a vexing problem with the the Tacoma since 2005. And Toyotas Chief Engineer Mike Sweers claims they completely eliminated this problem in the 2016. Nope. Its still there. Now add to the 2016 a strong buzzing vibration that transmits through the steering wheel and gas pedal on acceleration. This wasnt there on previous Tacomas Ive owned before 2016. The buzzing traverses through your skin and clothes (not hyperbole). Its annoying on street driving; but its downright ridiculous and dangerous on highway driving, when youre exposed to it for long periods. Toyotas response to all of this has officially been "these are normal and characteristic; were sorry you dont like it." So, they intentionally designed vibrations into the truck. Dont be fooled by the "its a truck" excuse. Ive owned many trucks, including Tacomas, and a normal truck doesnt do this. Period. Overall, very disappointing.