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:

• 

  Good except for the 1MZ-FE - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By loser65 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  If you get the V6 of the 94-96, be prepared for maintenance. When I hit 100,000 miles it started to develop some leaks and have water pump go out. I did run it hard, but I still expected more from Toyota.

• 

  Good, with a few flaws..... - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By 2000 Camry - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought 00 Camry as a Certified used vehicle in 03 with only less than 20K miles. Is an extremly smooth car to drive on an everyday basis, but the fit and finish it not as good as I expected. The car has "seasonal noises" - the dash rattles in the winter and something in the front-end squeaks in the summer (AC). Also, the steering vibrated at speeds greater than 55 which was solved by replacing the strange looking factory hubcaps. It is clear that Toyota was trying to keep the costs low on this vehicle, but they may have gone a bit too far - no map lights, no lights on the visor mirrors...

• 

  Very Nice for the money! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Valley Gifts - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Just got this car, and it is has been a very pleasant surprise so far! I only wish that cruise and power windows were standard, but otherwise very good quality for the money.

• 

  Sequoia is Best in Class! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By bamadaves - September 7 - 10:00 am

  After comparing and test driving Sequoia, Tahoe/Yukon, Expedition we decided that the Sequoia was best for us. This vehicle drives like a limosine on the highway and is much quieter than its domestic counterparts. It also has significantly more room behind the 3rd seat which is great for storage/luggage. Great 2nd seat leg room. More expensive that similarly equipped competitor models but I was willing to pay for Toyota reliability/quality. Also resale value is very high. There are many reasons why this vehicle heads up the editors and consumers most wanted lists for SUVs.

• 

  Venza (2.7 L -4-Cyl) Dont buy it - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By David Miller - September 5 - 10:43 am

  We just purchased the vehicle and as other people have said the car is very versatile and nicely made. However we are greatly disappointed in the ride quality. We did not take the car on the freeway during our test drive which was a big mistake. The Venza picks up every nook and cranny on the highway/road. Of course the roads in California are poorly maintained and made. It is running the 19 inch wheels and Bridgestone Hueler Tires which from website reviews are not good tires. The Venza bounces back and forth and up and down to the point it almost undriveable. We use to have a Nissan Murano which drove twice as good. I wish I could take it back and get back our old IS300 Lexus.

• 

  Tough to beat - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ed Evans - September 4 - 7:53 pm

  After owning both a Suburban and Expedition, I can say this is the best of the breed. The smooth ride, tight control, luxurious interior, and JBL sound system make long trips enjoyable. The heart of a Tundra and the soul of a Lexus. I love it!

• 

  My Review - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Bob Lang - September 4 - 4:50 pm

  I have owned my Highlander for several weeks and have only 300 miles on the odometer. I wanted to replace our 1997 Lexus LS 400 with a vehicle which would carry more items for us to carry to our summer home. On our first tank of gas the meter says we are getting 26.5 mpg on all local driving. It drives and handles very well and has a surprising acceleration compared with our Lexus. The amenities compare favorably with the Lexus, but I miss the automatic seat and steeringwheel tilt adjustments as well as the additional leg room in the second row of seats.

• 

  My Tacoma - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tango Falcon - September 4 - 10:00 am

  TRD package adds serious horsepower to the truck and you can diffinitely fell it when the red light turns green. The power to weight ratio is not the greatest but for a day to day use it is diffinitely bangin.

• 

  Shiney new Black head turner - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Cynthia M. - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Too new to know about reliability, but the styling, the quiet drive is wonderful so far. A real head-turner w/the top down.

• 

  Problems after 60k - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By charlie from boston - September 3 - 12:50 pm

  We bought a Camry after many problems with our 1999 Mitsubishi Gallant. We bought on brand reputation and looks of car. The car ran great until the 36k warranty expired. First thing was that a fuel sensor went bad shortly after warranty expired. $450 Then the paint on the car started to peel.The seatbelts in front have always locked up while driving..Has never drove well in snow and back end tends to swerve in snowy weather. Changed tires because original tires did not grip the road well. Needed new struts at 45k. At 65k the oxygen sensor went and shortly after that the power steering failed. No next time!