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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  My last Toyota - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By shyam - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought this RAV4, I have taken this to the dealer more than 10 times to fix problems. I took this to fix the rattle noise from dash and other places more than 5 times. Couple of times to fix the engine light. Now it is back with the dealer to fix the engine light and this time they have to replace the Cat converter and the transmission. It has only 23k miles. This is my first and last toyota.

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  4Runner cruisin - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By BG - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Although the 4Runner does have some faults, I truely enjoyed its driving experience. I find the V6 engine to be more than enough power. The power and available options are what sold me when first looking at this SUV.

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  Cant go wrong with this minivan - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Soccer Dad - December 20 - 1:20 am

  This vehicle made perfect sense for my family with three children. Timing couldnt be better, either, with some summer trips to the mountains planned. The roof rack is very sturdy and Yakima makes planting the bikes up there an easy proposition for under $300. However, like another guy said elsewhere, running boards would make this task a bit easier. But $2,000?! I feel a little like a soccer dad driving this rather immense vehicle around, but once you get used to it, the Sienna feels very car-like. On the other hand, I piled some 4x8 foot plywood among other manly Home Depot pieces to get my machismo back. My main complaint are the too many gadgets to "protect" you - beepers/buzzers.

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  Just got it and love it - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Bennett - December 19 - 9:16 pm

  Recently purchase XL model without any extras. Doesnt matter as it came with everything and more than I needed. I really like the clean center console. With the audio controls on the steering wheel I leave all the compartments closed for a clean sleek uncluttered look. We took our first trip with our new Avalon and averaged over 32 mpg at 75 mph. Just came out of a F150 so I really appreciate the gas mileage. Also, recently had 5 adults in the car. My back seat passengers were amazed by the leg room. I also like the seats. They are not the sporty type with built up sides that you find in most cars today. Basically this is a Japanese Sedan DeVille.....

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  Chapter 1: Enlightenment - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By MFS - December 19 - 11:53 am

  Excellent family vehicle. I have the Sienna SE premium model.. Smooth ride. Spacious interior with comfortable heated seats. Good MPG but should be better. Regular fuel. Overall; an excellent vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Pat BROWN - December 19 - 2:24 am

  Driving a Prius for the last 8 years. Its great for fuel economy and maintenance. I highly recommend it.

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  Careful of Sliding door and run flat tir - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Darlene - December 18 - 9:26 pm

  I have been ok with my mini van, but I would NOT recommend this van to a friend. First I had huge problems with the Run Flat tires- that Toyota eventually agreed to replace one set- after I had already paid for a set- then of course those wore out fast too- Now Im stuck- even though I put on regular tires- I cant get a spare for less than $700!! Brakes also wear fast on AWD, very fast! Next HUGE problem both of my sliding back doors started sticking and giving me problems just two years after I bought it- Now neither will open and Im being told it will cost 3,600 to fix- the car isnt even 5 years old yet AND one of the parts was just replaced 14 months ago, will it just break again?! Owned a Toyota tercel before for 5 years with NO problems & husband owned a Camry with no problems. Too bad I cant say the same for the Sienna.

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  Nicest Car I Have Ever Owned - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By reel_freak - December 18 - 8:40 pm

  A great car. Fit and finish are superb. When the door shuts, you feel encapsulated in your own world. Our three daughters love the back seat and think the reclining feature is the coolest thing. Im impressed with fuel economy thus far. After 1000 miles, I am averaging 26 MPG city/highway. The engine has plenty of power, but the transmission seems to search for the proper gear when the gas pedal is mashed. Not an unsafe feeling, but car seems uncertain of how or when to shift. Ride is smooth and quiet. Despite being the Touring model, I wouldnt consider this a sports sedan. However, handling for a car this size is adequate. I do wish it had an integrated compass. Very happy overall.

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  2007 Toyota Camry CE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CamV6SE - December 18 - 2:23 pm

  The interior is very luxurious and comfortable, however the car feels slower than my 2002 Camry LE. Ride is smooth. Improved brake feel. The CE is more fun to drive.

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  Amazing! - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By jim - December 18 - 2:13 pm

  My ratings are based on this trucks performance in its best days. 4cyl, 4 spd, basic model. Sadly, at 310,000 miles its begining to decline. I bought it with 4500 miles and since then all thats been replaced other than the usual things is the starter - NOTHING ELSE! Clutch began to slip at 290,000; AC broke at 295,000 but thats it! Im having to downshift a lot to get it up hills but its been a phenomenal vehicle. I just sold an 03 fully equipped 4wd CrewCab Tacoma with almost 100k that looked and performed like new. Sad to see it go but I didnt need a fancy commuter anymore. Hope our 01 Sequoia will perform as well even with all its fancy stuff.