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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  Bad Engine! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By jbass5 - September 15 - 1:29 am

  We bought our Highlander four years ago and have loved it til now. It seems there are a batch of Toyota 6cyl engines with bad valve seals. Toyota was repairing these engines until 2010. They absolve themselves after a vehicle is 8 years old. We bought our Highlander in 2010 with only 87000mi. It now has 133000mi. Now in the last six months the engine consumes large quantities of oil. The symptom of these engines with bad seals is they consume oil when driven at highway speeds. A service mgr at the local Toyota dealer confirmed this valve seal problem when I described the pattern of oil consumption, a $2700. repair at the dealer if it is still repairable! the six seals cost $6 each!

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  Annoying Shifting - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Annoying Shifting - September 14 - 11:33 am

  I have had the car only a little while and drive in a lot of stop and go traffic to and from work. I can already tell that this is not the car for driving in heavy traffic. The up and down shifting is jerky and the car does not provide a smooth ride. I almost want to go back to my 1998 camry which has a smoother ride at low speeds! I wish there was traffic when I took the test drive so I could have noticed this before buying...

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  Toyota Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By RICHARD12342 - September 13 - 5:40 pm

  I just bought this vehicle because of a desire to do my part against OPEC and I needed a new one. The car started out with a mileage of 11.5 miles per gallon on the dash board computer. After approx 120 miles it is up to 22.5. So far I am disappointed because I am expecting to get the sticker mileage of 27 MPG. I was shocked and disappointed by the lack of luggage room when the fold away seats were unfolded. Folded there is plenty of room for stuff. I missed having my headlights turn on automatically when needed. I love the key less operation but because of the quietness I have gotten out of the car with the car still "running." roof needs protective strips to protect carrying baggage.

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  Quiet but a bit boring - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By hurls - September 13 - 5:40 am

  This is my first Toyota. I narrowed it down to the Accord, Fusion and Camry. Chose Camry because I got the best deal. After factoring the Toyota 0% for 60 months it made Camry several thousand less than the others. I have had the Camry for a few days and each day I like it better. Feels solid and a very quiet ride. First tank of gas was only 24mpg with 60% Freeway/30% City. I think I am going to be very happy with this vehicle for years to come. Its just not a smile on your face, blast to drive.

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  Tires humming - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Vic Patel - September 13 - 12:20 am

  I bought this vehicle used. No problem for a first couple of months. Even at 125,000 miles, the only problem is tires. I bought all four tires brand new. After about 20,000 miles on the tires they started to hum at speeds of 40 and up. The faster you go the more annoying the humming sound gets. I have had checked the front end alignment, and the tires seem to have worn evenly. Still I do not know what the problem is.

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  Dependable car but uncomfortable seats - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Shelly - September 12 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car for the dependability and easy handling. You dont need muscles to turn the steering wheel or stop the car. However, the drivers seat is uncomfortably hard and I hurt after a few minutes of highway driving. Also theres no lateral support. The head thing hits me when Im on the road. I never feel like I can relax in the seat. I have to sit leaning forward, lumbar deflated, grasping the wheel at 10 and 2, or Im in pain. Ive had pains around my hip muscles and lower back since buying this car. Also, I cant see behind me when backing out of parking space due to pillars. Otherwise, it has a nice ride and looks good.

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  Needs extras - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe - September 12 - 5:40 am

  Traded in my wifes 03 G35 for the Touring sedan because the rear wheel drive was dangerous in bad weather. Love the interior. Plenty of room and comfort in rear. If the gas mileage indicator is correct (never checked), the mileage is much better than I expected (32 hwy). Nice smooth ride and quiet engine. Good in inclement weather.

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  Not cheap, but not crap - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pascal - September 10 - 4:03 am

  I have my new X-runner for 4 days yet, very good truck. I read a lot on the net before I made the move because a lot of reviewers says the truck is very bumpy. After a road test of a 2006 one, I found the truck very comfortable. Yes it is a little bumpy but not really more than any other trucks on the market. Road handling is incredible, the trucks really eats curves. Lots of torque below 2000 RPM from the engine so it makes it very fun to drive, you can literally declutch the truck in 1st gear normally without slip, without giving gas and the engine wont shake or stall. Subwoofer is a good idea but is very badly calibrated, too much bass in voices when listening to radio.

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  2002 bad valve guides -- expensive! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By KERRY - September 9 - 3:03 pm

  The car is leased. Traded in a 2002 Buick Rendezvous with 100,000 miles on it. Only have 2,500 on the Rav4 sofar. It is a fun car to drive. The V6 is powerful and the steering very responsive. Im a little larger in size than some and the on drivers door the ridge that extends out gives me some trouble. Wouldnt mind it being flatter for more leg room. If I put the seat all the way down it works better for me. MPG has averaged out at 23.4 all around on the gauge. Best MPG so far 27 MPG going from Illinois to Mackinac, MI; averaging 65 -70 MPH. I would say the A/C definitely holds the MPG down about 2 MPG with constant use during the recent 90+ weather here. JBL speakers are great.

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  Uncomfortable seat - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Bruce - September 9 - 8:06 am

  I start lease this van from May. Exterior design is best compared with others. But seat quality is no good even compared with previous model yr2007 & 2005 which we had. Only 1 hour drive, my wife complained this seat is terrible and I agreed. Im not talking about material and design. I felt like sit on sponge. Toyota should learn more from Germans car seat.