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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  Nice car for the money - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By loski09 - November 22 - 6:50 pm

  We now have 2500 mi. on the vehicle. Considering it has 4 cyl., performance is more than adequate. It is comfortable to ride in. Ours has leather, heated seats, power both sides, side curtain air bags and vehicle stbility control. Radio is good but mode control on steering wheel is easy to hit when driving (relocating on wheel would help). Fuel economy is not as good as it should be, hope it gets better with more miles on engine. Info Center (Avg. Mpg.) is "goofy", shows 7+ mpg. more than actual mpg. Not "fun" to drive, but handling, in-out design very good,quality and reliability is a "given" for Toyota. Tried Accord, Maxima and Altima. Camry XLE is the choice for me.

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  Toyota trouble Flex fuel issues - 2012 Toyota Tundra
  By pvtcable - November 22 - 8:31 am

  Buyer beware of flex fuel problems. 2012 In temps of 50 degrees or less it fails to start about every 7-8 fill ups. Requires service each time to fix. No fix yet. Go to the lemon law. Its the Only way to get anything done. To avoid the problem just dont run less than a quarter tank of gas, never run less than 5 minutes, use only flex fuel( if u can find it), move to a warmer climate. Seriously! No joke! $50k truck. 9 months of problems,no help from Toyota. Once you sign your name your stuck on a long rough, frustrating, costly, ride. Thanks Toyota for not standing behind your product. You should stop selling them until you have the problems fixed or at least tell the customer .

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Tucute17 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The celica is a awesome car. It handles like a dream! The gas mileage is pretty good considering its a sports car!

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  Toyota Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By pjcho - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed this car. Moving seats up, back, and over is so easy. I can store groceries, boxes, plants, big objects easily. My kids love the comfort, I love driving it. It is the best SUV for a busy family in my opinion.

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  Well-Pleased - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By rikat - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I researched long and hard to choose a mini-van. The Sienna was at the top of my list and I am not disappointed with it. It is very smooth, the quality of workmanship is great, the gas mileage is good (22-26 mpg), and this car is very roomy inside. The rear seats stow away easily; when 2nd row is removed the interior is cavernous.

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  Here in the Real World - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Doug - November 21 - 12:26 am

  We purchased our Rav 4 in Febuary and so far so good. Typical Toyota quality. Snow, ice, and now mud doesnt slow this baby down. Although its not a hardcore 4X4, it does the job. Id buy another one tomorrow.

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  Suburban Hauler - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By David - November 21 - 12:10 am

  After driving Ford explorers for over 10 years, I purchased the 4runner 3 months ago. Likes: -dealer experience -build quality (except doors tinny when shut hard) -big buttons -gas mileage really 17 city/ 23 freeway -practical, not luxurious -rides well on rough dirt roads, as well as smooth pavement -quiet cabin -quiet engine (like a sewing machine) -satellite radio, usb port, -not a minivan -power rear window (excellent ventilation when combined with sunroof) -rear seats fold down flat dislikes: -way too high off the ground and no running boards -orange dials very difficult to read in bright sunlight -too much hard plastic -needs optional cargo cover

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  Great A to B car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By srichey - November 20 - 4:30 pm

  I owned it for 4 years and did not have one problem with it. Best car I have ever owned. Excellent used car, very reliable and handles quite well on the freeway. The gas mileage isnt bad either if you drive correctly.

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  Charcoal canister & sensor - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By parmiller - November 20 - 10:00 am

  At 17000 miles had to replace charcoal canister at cost of $400. Dealer said we were overfilling the fuel tank. This week at 21000 same problem, engine dash light comes on. Now they say we need an air sensor for $261 plus labor.Cause was stated as using Mobil gas, should use Sunoco. $800 in repair bills for fuel related problems. This is rediculus.

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  My Camry - Now 4 years old - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By AliArman - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This is such a great car. Its like anld dependable friend who comes thru every time. The suspension is a little soft and theres a little bit of this and a little bit of that in the interior but I have driven many other cars and no one comes close to Camry.