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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  Dream Car Review - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Frank - November 9 - 10:36 pm

  This is the first automobile that I have ever owned that exceeded all of my expectations. It is a real pleasure to drive. The ride is smooth, no wind noise, the power is awesome, road noise is very low, and the interior is great looking. Gas mileage is great for a car with 280 horsepower. Interior room is more than adequate, and the seats are very comfortable.

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  Love the Taco - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By DDragon - November 9 - 10:20 pm

  TRD and Limited pkgs: Get rid of the factory tires (BF Good All Terrain), horrible in rain (pavement). Not sure Limited pkg was worth the money, but overall the Tacoma has been very reliable. Works great off-road in the mud, sand etc. even w/o 4x4. Great for anyone wanting a truck that works like a full size, but with the smaller frame and enthusiasm to play hard.

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  Last of the great land yachts! Japanese Crown Vic! - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Indy Musician - November 9 - 4:26 pm

  Really, the ONLY negative things that can be said are the audio system is a bit lacking and the rear seats dont fold down. I love the seats...the thigh support keeps my legs from being fatigued as they do in the Camry. The car just floats down the road. Lexus quality at a fraction of the cost. Tons of leg room, the steering wheel telescopes out far enough (and tilts low enough....think old Buicks) that I can sit back and cruise effortlessly. Even the REAR seats have a feature to tilt back a bit! The Nav system takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it its quite effective. Ive owned the car since new....over five years now...and at almost 80,000 miles, Ive had no maintenance issues to speak of. Just regular maintenance (tires, plugs) and I can see my land yacht going 200,000 miles EASY. LOVE this car!!!!!

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  This is what a sport compact SHOULD BE!! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Chantilus - November 9 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased this car with 60,000 miles. This car is truly amazing. I have a fully loaded GT-S in red and it is by far the best car I have owned (out of 6). The steering is tight and precise, the shifter engaged beautifully and the handling is amazing. It isnt the quickest car but it is ultra lightweight and when the VVTL-i kicks in at 6200 rpm the thing really comes alive. I am 5 11" and the car fits me like a glove. Hatchback is very useful and holds a lot of cargo with the rear seats down. Never a single problem since Ive owned it. This is the ultimate Sports Compact!

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  Ultimate reliability - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Kevin McLean - November 9 - 6:03 am

  Coming up on 137,000 miles on my Avalon touring edition 2005, the car had zero problems. Of course I have changed the front brakes out once, and tires rotated/changed once. This car has been a sigh of relief in having the confidence this car will not break down. I realize that no car will not run into problems with regular maintenance performed. But, so far this is the most reliable car I have ever purchased. In one year alone I put up 55,000 miles on my Avalon with only a battery change. If youre in outside sales, having to keep every appointment, this is the car for you. Luxury & reliability, this Avalon will be the last car I will ever have to purchase.

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  Get excited everytime I drive it!! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Excited everytime!! - November 8 - 4:40 pm

  I just bought this 4runner 2.7L/4 cylinder/manual/rear diff lock four months ago, since I bought this 4runner I never had problems, I just changed brake caliper/changed oil and adjusted the rear brakes, I brought it to my mechanic after buying it and he said when he test drove it, it runs like 6 cylinder, he likes it!! It has 242800k in its engine but man it drives great!! I am planning to keep this truck til it drops. Routine check up needs to be followed and this stud will rock!!

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  Loving my Toyota 4-Runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By KC - November 8 - 12:10 pm

  I purchased the Toyota 4-Runner after months of looking and driving vehicles. When I saw the new Toyota 4- Runner for the first time, I knew that was the vehicle I was buying. I drove right at two hours to get my vehicle. I love my new vehicle. Vehicle handles great, great gas mileage for the size.

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  some problems; overall great car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By edmundsmikepla - November 8 - 4:41 am

  I bought this 1996 3 years ago. The problems Ive had: had to replace radiator- blew a hole in it, and got towed; replaced coolant temp. sensor gage- was reading faulty temperatures; replaced door handles, some inside and outside- were broken; some small vibration in the steering wheel, on and off. Overall very good reliability, maybe not pretty.

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  Loved it immediately - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Moondog452 - November 7 - 11:06 pm

  Great family car. My last 3 cars have been Toyotas and this one is every bit as good as the others and maybe more. The best car in this price range. It is a pleasure to drive and it has Toyota quality written all over it. If you are looking for a sedan in this price range dont buy until you try the 2007 Camry LE.

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  Great Car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Great Car - November 7 - 8:43 am

  I have had my car for 5 years now and just bought it at lease-end. I love it. It now has almost 75k miles on it and I have never had to fix anything. I considered buying another car at the end of the lease but I was afraid that not another car would live up to it, so I bought it out instead. This car may not look that exciting but the pick up is exceptional.