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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  Toyota - beware of their engine problem - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Ying Li - March 21 - 9:50 pm

  I used to have great faith on Toyota until I realized my 42 K mile 5 year old toyota has an engine problem that is truly a manufacture defect! I bought it when it was 17 K miles. In May 05, I noticed oil light on and checked there was NO oil left in my engine at all. Immediately I took it to a very good car repair place and changed oil and they did not detect any leak. The assumption then was the previous oil change was not done properly; then 6 weeks later (yesterday) the oil light came back on and same issue - NO OIL in the car. I am not very pleased with the engine problem but it seems to me Toyota wont do anything about it which is unacceptable.

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  First Foreign Car Buy a Disappointment - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By KB - March 21 - 8:16 pm

  After all of the great reviews on here and on Consumer Reports for Toyota, I was really excited to buy the new RAV4 Limited, my first foreign car. Im not sure Id do it again if I knew a few things in advance - Im 61" tall and I need 1 or 2 more inches of driver side leg room, headlights dont turn on automatically and the electric outlet only works when car is on. Also, the acceleration is excellent, but the transmission doesnt seem to know how to accommodate it from a stop; my tires squeal too easily... and Im not a stranger to good acceleration.

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  Acceleration problem - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Lynn - March 21 - 6:36 pm

  Theres a problem in acceleration delay/throttle lag that Toyota should be aware of by now. Since taking delivery JAN06, weve experienced continual erratic acceleration problems. These are significant delays - from 3-6 seconds - in delivering forward speed from either rolling starts or dead stops and is most evident when turning corners or going up hills. The delay is followed by a sudden delivery of power, then the car lurches forward with no change in pressure on the accelerator. When attempting to pass at highway speeds, after the delay it goes into passing gear and immediately drops back out. All conditions when this happens can be dangerous. I have reported to NHTSA. Dealer is no help.

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  Got Game - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By BIG D - March 21 - 10:33 am

  No doubt about the Echo, its GOT GAME !! The car has guts, its a lot of fun to drive in the city, easy on the pocket book, and comfortable for a 63 soccer coach. I strongly recommend this car its solid, safe, and sexy. Ok forget the sexy... but you wont regret the decision.

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  Best Purchase - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By luvthatsequoia - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Had this 03 for a few weeks and love it. Huge interior space, can pack the kids in easily. Power is no problem, handles superbly on the highway. Very quiet on all types of roads. Interior is sound and of high quality. Exterior design turns heads. Definately recommend this one.

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  Reliable AND Fun - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Car Fanatic - March 21 - 10:00 am

  With 39K on the odometer, this car is excellent and everything works. Drives like new and the 4-Speed Auto is smooth. The 1.8 VVT-i is peppy and I just by a hair beat a Sunfire GT (2.4?) from a stoplight. Cruise control and AUTO down drivers window are handy features. I do drive fast at times and still get 37MPG. The looks are also nice. I get compliments.

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  Best and ONLY small car to buy! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By 37K and no issues! - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car in June 2001 and to date, we have 37,000 miles on it with NO PROBLEMS AT ALL.

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  It is a nice car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By hde - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall, it is a excellent car.

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  M3M - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Michael Mellon - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Towing capabilities with a carlike ride. Stylish SUV. Not an overgrown gas hog like the large SUV. Just right.

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  Love it, Love it! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dogfly001 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I had a 98 Nissan Maxima SE and a 86 Toyota Land Cruiser, but I need to get rid one due to space; so i decided to get rid of both and settle on the Dble Cab. Best decision I have ever made. The only complaint, like everyone else, the clock position is useless! Smooth engine and excellent handling, compared to other trucks. TRD package is too harsh for some with weak bladders, but I love it.