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 3rd Tacoma - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jerry B - May 12 - 4:03 am

  I just purchased the SR5 Access cab in the new Timberland Mica (dark green) and really enjoy the smooth ride this truck offers. I have a 4 cyl. 1998 and had a 2004 PreRunner, but I like this truck better than the 6 Cyl. PreRunner; easier to get in and out. I wish the fog lights were standard egpt., but I had the dealer add them, along with the XM radio. The 4 cyl. has plenty of power and it rides like my wifes Highlander Limited. This is one nice little truck; thanks again, Toyota.

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  So Far Its Great! 2011 SR5 4WD 6 cyl - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Have had my 2011 4Runner since 10/29/10. Right out fo the gate, there is a slight engine stutter between 40 mph and 50 mph - havent taken it in yet as it doesnt impact performance . So far Ive taken it off-road; sand/mud/snow, as well as day-to-day pavement. This thing is GREAT ALL-AROUND. I got just over 200K miles out of my Chevy Trailblazer and expect to get at least that out of this 4Runner.

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  solid car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine in 2007 with 6k on it. This has been an excellent car, best Ive owned, but also the lowest mileage. It now has 76k on it. No issues, and a consistently great performing car. I put TripleTread tires on and it does awesome in the rain now. I too love the steering wheel radio controls, cruise works great, great visibility. And Ill share a condensed story: was passing a car on a two-lane one day.. punk kid thought hed be cute and not let me get around. I punched it hard and took off like a rocket, from 60mph, quickly jumping to 100mph! left him in the dust. This from a 4 cyl! Ive wanted to trade it in several times for something sportier, but cant bring myself to do it yet.

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  I love minvans - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the SE due to its awesome looks. Chose the color White. We live in snow county so I was concerned about the 19" low profile performance tires for traction in the snow. Much to my delight this is a tank in the snow even with these very sharp hi-tech tires. What a relief. Same traction as my 08 Odyssey which was quite good. Also had 4 Suburban vehicles prior and traction for the minivan is comparable. Minivans are quite, more room than Suburbans, handle much better, much easier in and out, much better gas mileage. Most guys I know love them but the wives still feel they dont want them yet. I hope this will change. Minivans are the greatest. What a way to Tour. SE is a WOW !!!

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  Saving dough, but could use more go - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By SynergyDriverinVA - May 11 - 9:10 pm

  Just bought the car a few days ago. I sprung for the leather and Nav. The build quality is excellent. The materials are very nice for a car that stickers a few hundred bucks north of 30K. I really like the Nav screen and the "Consumption" display, I find myself paying too much attention to the MPGs. There is a small lag in power when you first try to get up to speed. In my opinion this is cause by the CVT. I would like to see a little more power, like the Highlander Hybrid has. Overall, I am very pleased with the car. I dont think Im going to average 40 MPG, but I will come close and Ill do it in style.

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  Great Ride, Good MPG,= Happy Owners - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By frtlinr - May 11 - 9:40 am

  Took our new Highlander on a 10 day, 2400 mile trip starting with only 200 miles on the odometer when we left home. With so few miles on the vehicle, I wasnt expecting it to average 23 mpg on the trip, but it did. 1600 miles were on the highway, and the balance driven around town. The ride was comfortable plus, the cabin is roomy, and very quiet. Decent sound system too. The instrument panel is laid out very thoughtfully, everything is in easy reach for the driver causing no distractions.

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  Love that car!!! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By CDA Mom - May 11 - 9:06 am

  I just bought this car last week. I love it. I have not had any problems I have seen in some comments. I am thoroughly impressed with the creature comforts of the interior. I also love the features on the vehicle, laser cruise, nav system, remote start, keyless entry, and the best (in my opinion) is the heated/cooled seats (I have lower back problems). The vehicle is a great value -- a lexus similarly outfitted would be substantially more money with higher costs, tires, premium gas, etc. I do not care about the badge, more important is the luxury, quality and the features. Great vehicle!!!

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  Best money I have spent on a vehicle - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Brandon Valentine - May 11 - 8:36 am

  I bought my 03 Limited with 60k miles. Today I have 175k. I changed the timing belt at 105k (book recommends at 95k). Average 15.7 mpg. It does like to use brake pads, but nothing unexpected from a large SUV. I get it serviced at the dealership and keep the regular maintenance. The rear window motor went $500. It went a year later and I have not repaired it. Other than that this vehicle is reliable. I am confident taking long road trips with it even at 175k miles. My family of 5 and 2 dogs and all the luggage fit comfortably. My wife wants to replace it with a new one, but I see no need. My heart will be heavy the day I part with this vehicle. 10/27/016, It now has 195k. Took it for a 6k road trip last summer; Phoenix to Michigan and back with much wandering in between. Just last week had to replace the rear gate latch for the second time ($508). This Sequoia is still the best money I have ever spent. 4/27/017, 201k miles. Does not burn oil and does not leak. The seats are beginning to show wear; leather cracked on passenger side front seat. Still the best money I ever spent on a vehicle. Finally parted with her after 206k. Still the best money I ever spent on a vehicle.

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  A baby Lexus? - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Larry - May 11 - 6:20 am

  This is my second Corolla. The first was a 1998. As good as the 1998 Corolla was the 2003 was like night and day - fantastic. The car is solid, reliable, handles very well and has a good pick up. The charted overall mileage since 8-02 is slightly below 28.5 mpg. The car has a good sound system. The layout is user friendly. The car has held its value over the years far better, I would say, than anything American in that price range.

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  good car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By corey - May 10 - 6:03 am

  this car is a peppy car it gets in to the tight spots easily its a fast car get nice gas milage and looks nice. over all good car.