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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  Thinking of another brand - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Hmmm.... - March 23 - 9:03 am

  I have owned five Toyotas- trucks, cars, station wagon, Loved them all until this van. It has been nothing but problems, expense and disappointment. Battery replaced twice, display lights not trusted, VSF and TRAC failed within 14 months, radiator replacement, brakes constantly needing work, cover casket needs replacement, radiator seam cracked again- recalls. Electrical breaking down so auto door unlock no longer works when turn car off, rear gate breakdown/dangerous etc. A most expensive vehicle and one that has me wondering if my next car will be a Toyota after more than twenty years. Reminds me of the poor quality American brands- cant tell you how disappointed I am.

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  Reliable car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By tomsw210 - March 23 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car brand new in 11/8/06 with 107 mile on the odo. Never did anything to the car except for oil change and tires. Replace brakes, spark plug at 100,00 mile and I replace the serpentine belt at 155000 mile. Now my Camry se have 175256 mile on the odo and still counting. im waiting to hit 200,000 mile then i will be replacing the water pump, do tune up, brakes all around + rotor, trans flush + filter and coolant flush. then go for another 200,000 miles lol

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  Good Choice - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bctundra - March 22 - 9:43 pm

  Did a lot of research and test drove all manufacturers and all sizes. This truck was the most impressive, bought three of them in fact. Everyone is amazed with the performance and absolutely loves the styling. Was hesitant to buy anything other than a domestic but couldnt pass on this truck.

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  2003 corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By MITCH - March 22 - 7:30 pm

  Having the car x 3 years, I can safely say that it has: fairly comfortable ride, Im spoiled with the gas mileage, great room for 5 (3 kids), and rock-of-gibralter reliability. Changing the tires to Michelins helped the handling on my mountain roads. Now if it only looked like a Mazda...

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  Another Great Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By CNJ #4 - March 22 - 7:16 pm

  This is my 5th Camry!!! 87,90,94,98,2009 I have put over 200k miles on each, kept at least for 9-10 years and still sold them for over $3k after that. Just replaced the 98 w 245k miles. This is unbelievable, great smooth ride, great mileage, ave 36-38. Lots of toys! I have had it 2 months and had no issues. This is a loaded w Nav, roof, leather etc... got a great deal $33k list paid $27,700! - darn right they are hurting bad to sell these cars below invoice. The kids love the Ipod plug, and video.. the Push button start is the coolest! Anyway just to be safe I took the 100k 6 yr no deductible warranty... the salesman said these ware made 100% in Japan...anyone know that to be true?

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  Great comfortable car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Matt Valadez Valadez - March 22 - 6:09 pm

  Bought the Avalon with 150,000 miles on it. Now has 205,000 & just routine maintenance battery, brakes, oil changes & tires. It rides as good as my Mothers cadillac dts. Very comfortable car for road trips or just city driving. I would highly recommend this car, after all its a Toyota, what more can I say - extremely dependable! Overall a classy luxury car for the young or young at heart.

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  Great and very reliable car!! - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Lulu - March 22 - 5:23 pm

  I bought this car new in 2001. I love the 6-speed manual transmission. Its now six years old and I never have any problem with this car nor any major repairs. I am however, diligent about routine maintenance and oil changes, and making sure my car stay fine tuned just like new. Prior to this car, I owned a 1987 white Celica GT-S brought new that served me for for 14 years with 112,000 miles under harsh Midwest weather condition. I love the reliability, performance, affordability and quality of Celica and Toyota in general. It is very sporty in looks and excellent handling. The only thing I hate is the cheap looking dashboard.

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  Awesome family sedan... saves $$$$ - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By H-Hybrid-G - March 22 - 3:46 pm

  Hi All, We just bought a new 09 Camry hybrid. The car speaks for itself... best hybrid system in the world... so quiet n smooth, the ppl crossing road in front could not imagine I was trailing them for good 40-50 seconds (*until I honked and woke them!!)... the gas average is awesome, love the animation to show circulation in the car (*wheels-- >motor and vice versa)... the comfort, space, steering and cushion in ride are best for the buck. REALLY a good choice for a middle class family guy/starters who wants to save big bucks! Thanks a ton to Toyota dealership.

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  Reliable transportation spruced up with Aftermarket GPS radio - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By johnpatty2014 - March 22 - 4:10 am

  Ive had my Camry for 6 years now. It has never broken down, and Ive never had any problems. I feel safe in the car and its got quite a lot of pick up. The build quality is pretty good. The one upgrade I did do an was worth it was add like stock after market GPS radio, you can find a review of the model I used here: abrandao.com/2014/07/23/review-generic-toyota-camry-car-radio-navigation-head-unit knowing how reliable my Camry is, Im definitely considering another Toyota.

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  Poor performance, poor resale value, huge problem - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By disappointed former toyota owner - March 22 - 12:45 am

  The overall sticker price was $38,500.00 in 2014 right now the car is worth trade in $20,000.00 DO not believe that an avalon will hold its value b/c it did not. After just one year it depreciated so much that I was unable to trade it in .The side assist after being back at the dealer has not worked in 3 tries . I am a toyota buyer and this is my 5th toyota but I will NEVER purchase another toyota product EVER! I called corporate they said it was MY opinion no its their product that depreciated so much. I am just screaming to not ever buy a toyota avalon you will be disappointed in the trade in value. $18,500 depreciated is JUST unacceptable .