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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  Wheel Bearings - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By michele - July 25 - 10:00 am

  My brother talked me into buying a Toyota and I do love it. However, I had to replace the drivers side wheel bearing in July of last year, no problem - I expect to have to pay for this type of maintenance. I had about 110,000 miles on it. A year later and 25,000 miles later - the same wheel bearing goes. I explain to the dealer that it doesnt make sense that I have to replace it yet again. The other one has never been replaced. They simply said its normal wear and tear because of the amount of miles I have put on it. We even called Toyota directly and we are waiting for some answers. Hopefully they will make it right. I was sold on Toyota, but may not be now. Will depend on how they respond.

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  Great Toyota reliability - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By So. Calif. Toyota - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I am 6 feet tall and the only major issue is the legroom. The Toyota Sienna center console is very wide and my right knee hits the console and is very crowded for a 6 foot tall person. Except for the comfort issue, this has been a great minivan. The Toyota has about 20,000 miles with no repairs. The Toyota is smooth and fast on the road. I also own a 1999 Honda Odyssey which has more legroom for a taller person. The Honda Odyssey center console is 3 inches narrower than Toyota. I prefer the Honda Odyssey for seating comfort and the Toyota Sienna for a fast, smooth ride. I am currently planning to buy a Toyota Highlander which has more legroom for taller people.

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  Better than competition - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Mat Leopard - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I upgraded from a Toyota Tacoma 4.0 V6 to the Tundra 4.6 V8. I got the 4.6 Liter because it was closer to the V6 as far as gas mileage and I wouldnt be sacrificing a lot. The 4.6 L is rated for 15 mpg around town and I am averaging 17 mpg around town. I had to retrain myself how to accelerate and be aware of how Im driving, but it has made all the difference! Value for dollar, I would pass on the Tacoma any day and go for the Tundra.

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  Good Quality Truck - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By Kevin - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Wife talked me into going Toyota for my next truck. The Tundra is priced the same as a Tacoma 4 door but you get a better riding truck for the highway. Since it is a V8 I am not expecting a miracle in mileage but if it gets 17+ mpg I am happy. Its very roomy and a comfortable ride for highway driving. A little bumpy in city driving but all full size trucks will be that way.

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  Upgraded to Rav4 from 2005 Nissan Altima - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4_Lover - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Being upgraded from 2005 Nissan Altima (Sedan). This is my first ever new car in my life. I love my Rav4 for the roominess, comfort & great performance. Fun & Steady driving. My family loves it. I4cyl has great power in it compared to CR-V. Had to return the Sport model, as the sport tuned suspension did not give a comfortable ride for the rear seated passengers.

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  I love my Prius! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By luvmyPriusII - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Hondas all my life. the two recent being a 2003 Honda Civic and a 2008 Honda Fit. they were both excellent cars, fun to drive, amazing reliability, and good fuel economy. except the Fit Sport which i was averaging around 25mpg!! and in the three years i owned the Fit, the body panels had gaps that seemed to get bigger which i never experienced before. so since i have been dreaming about the new 2010 Prius even before it came out, i decided to upgrade and upgrade i have!! the Prius II is a luxury car compared to the Fit. it rides smooth, the exterior is beautiful, the interior is amazing with all its graphics and info. the quality materials are top notch. dont wait. buy one!!

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  LOVE IT!! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By MikeyF - July 25 - 12:30 am

  Ive always liked the Echo and my Taurus (great car) was finally fixing to die. Managed to get a white, 2-door, 5- speed, and I love it. Faster to 60 than my V6 Taurus, roomy as its tall if short, and great economy. Everything about it is well designed and quality made. Im a BIG guy and it fits me well. Also excellent view of the road. TONS of storage. They really thought this one out.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By kloogee - July 25 - 12:13 am

  So far this has been a great car. It is very spacious inside, has great power, and rides very smoothly. After a recent long distance trip, we all felt very fresh after a long day traveling. City MPG seems like it could be a bit better but is probably a result of my heavy foot. Highway mileage while in cruise control is good. With 5 passengers (4 large adults and a small child) plus a trunk stuffed completely full, we were averaging nearly 30 MPG while cruising steadily.

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  Unreliable Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By abhishek - July 24 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this car with such an excitement in 2006, but since then it has been giving me troubles and nothing else. The whole tranny defaulted within 1st month. I had to call up customer service and dealership, only god knows how many times to get the problem resolved. Instead of giving me a new car they finally admitted the problems with transmission and replaced it with a new one, free of cost to me ($6500) cost to them. After two years, last month the tires worn out at 20000 miles. Bridgestone Potenza (worst tires). My driving habits are just as normal as others and I am not driving this car on a raceway, how can possibly they go bad?

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  satisfied, but would consider others, too - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By SS - July 24 - 10:16 pm

  I got what I expected, reliability. I do not think the brakes are as good as my 1992 Camry. Front seats are not deep enough. Head rests do not fit a short person! Some plastic interior pieces are cheap. I like not having to have headlights on.