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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  Like this car, but have had problems - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By PennMom - August 5 - 10:03 am

  I was one of first in my area to purchase this model. For the first 18 months it was a great car, although the display needed to be replaced. Then it broke down on me (computer failure) at 18 months (15,000 miles). The computer was replaced, and immediately my MPG went down significantly. My 54 MPG highway went to 44 MPG highway for the same route (same seasonal temperature). My local MPG went from 41 to 35 MPG. Dealer thought the software recall/upgrade would help but it has not. Others seem to report this problem. Dealer has not offered any solutions. Aside from these problems, I have enjoyed this car, but I want my great MPG back!

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  great van , has its ups and downs - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By danlee4 - August 4 - 9:59 pm

  I have owned both 04 and 06 sienna Le model. 04 model had numerous issues with a/c and for 06 it got a minor face lift so we sold it with only 20k miles of use. The 06 le was perfect, had 40k miles of use, mechanically perfect, never had issue with brakes, engine, axles,trans, doors like most other people are complaining about. we averaged 22 mpg in its entire life, mixed city/hwy use. Honestly brakes are still had over 70% life left. My only gripe was it had a noisy acceleration, it likes to rev low, great for gas mileage, and provides a super quiet in cruising mode. It does shop for gears if you have it on cruise control especially climbing gears, so I just take it out of cruise.

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  2002 Toyota Celica Malfunctions! - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By kb85 - August 4 - 12:22 pm

  My toyota celica has many probs that seem to be common with celicas of different yrs. My belt needs replacing, my lights always burn out simultaneously (no way they could die at exact same time!), just got into an accident last night and my seatbelt never locked and my airbags never deployed! Now I am suffering from injury from bouncing off my steering wheel that couldve and shouldve been prevented. Wanted ppl to know in case they are considering purchasing a celica or if anyone knows of legal action I should persue. Thank You.

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  Good car for the money - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By nlambert182 - August 3 - 9:45 am

  Bought this car in 2011 for my wife. Its a red Camry SE Sport edition with the 4 cylinder. Overall its a good little car. We typically get 25mpg+ city driving. We bought it with 99k miles on it and it currently has 128k on it now. The only mechanical issue weve ever had was the left front wheel bearing failing and it cost less than $100 to repair at the dealership. The interior finish is a little disappointing, as the silver painted trim wears easily so we can see black plastic through some areas but overall held up well and its comfortable to drive and extremely reliable. The 4 cylinders idle rough which we dont like, but confirmed this is normal on these cars and it runs fine.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By kptak17 - August 3 - 8:40 am

  I recently switched from driving a truck, so my opinions are skewed a bit. I personally dont like being low to the pavement or the small mirrors compared to what my truck used to be, but the gas milage is awesome! Its a sharp looking car with a comfortable ride. The positives far outweigh the two negatives I mentioned earlier, but those are due to the change in vehicle type, I would be saying that about any car that I would have chosen. I recommend this car.

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  Not perfect, but best of the field - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By JMcE - August 2 - 9:56 am

  I have 15,000 km on this vehicle and it is used for open road travel (little commuting) and some gravel roads. Overall, this is an excellent performing vehicle. The 5-speed auto is seamless and shifts when it should. The V6 really smokes when you need it. I dont need a fast vehicle, but the power is a safety advantage when passing on congested 2-lane highways. Ample room in the interior and the fold-down rear seats are essential for persons carrying camping gear, sports equipment (diving), or toting boxes from place-to- place. Sports model seems v. secure, even when buffeted by strong cross winds on a hwy. It is roomier than a Honda CRV, Subaru and Jeep Liberty. Test drive one!

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  Love it - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike - August 2 - 6:06 am

  Its a smooth ride for such a strong SUV. The v6 version is the one I bought. In comparison to the ford and the chevy it had about the same power but more pick up and go in the 4runner. Size wise its about the same.

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  RIP my dearly departed Tacoma - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By janakins42 - August 1 - 3:34 am

  This truck was the best vehicle I have ever had. She made me fall in love with trucks and Toyotas. I fell in love with her after I learned how to drive a stick. I bought her with 60k miles and put 100k on her before her unfortunate end. She saved my life after colliding with a Grand Am. I have never had to do any major repairs or anything else besides routine maintainence. She took all the abuse I gave her. She got me through a very bad winter back in 08. She was even my home for a couple of months. I miss her dearly. I cry everytime I think about her. I havent had a decent car since...not even my 4Runner. Hold onto this car forever. This car will never let you down.

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  Balanced, quality package - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Nipsy - August 1 - 1:56 am

  This car is a pleasure. Handling & performance are good and comfort is outstanding. Stable on the road, adequate mileage. For my money, it is the best balance of quality, price, performance, and comfort.

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  Wish for better gas mileage - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Belle Jones - July 31 - 3:20 pm

  The Solara is a great Camry. Comfortable, good visual fields available. Only one complaint; II cant read the time, temperature outside, etc. on the upper dash. The displays are "hooded" and there is no back light. In the South, we have lots of sunny days so the numbers appear "shadowed" and therefore, not legible. My car is actually a 2004 model but I couldnt change the year model when I filled in the fields. The Solara is my favorite car ...of my lifetime!