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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  Transmission Problems - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By joenenninmo - November 19 - 9:52 pm

  At a steady speed, steady rpm between 2000 and 3000, on flat surface the rpm suddenly drops 200 to 500 rpm then jumps back up to cruise. Does this every fifteen seconds or so almost all the time. Dealer service says "Oh yeah, thats what Corollas do" "Theres no fix" Its VERY annoying. May have something to do with Downhill Braking assist of the electronic transmission. VERY annoying. Many other owners have reported exact same thing and Toyota doesnt appear to be doing anything about it. I would avoid Corrollas until they fix this.

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  Work Horse - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By MJ - November 19 - 7:03 pm

  I drive alot!! I put over 13000 miles on this little car since october 09. I have had no problems so far. With winter tires I get 43-44 mpg, and thats mostly at 74 mph. Windy conditions are a challenge for the prius.

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  Great car...some quality issues...poor customer experience... - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By tjbss - November 19 - 12:13 pm

  The only negative regarding this car relates to quality issues (power windows and sun visor) and specifically the way the dealership and Toyota executed their customer service. Otherwise, the vehicle is a joy to drive and (so far) very reliable. The drivers sun visor has broken twice in less than three years. The dealership, Rice Toyota, and Toyota have, in the end replaced the sun visor at no charge, however Toyota corps customer service has disappointed me due to failed follow up promises. The power window failed due to a nut that came off the window...a repair we paid for. These relatively "minor repairs make me less positive toward the brands quality and customer service.

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  Not perfect, but pretty nice - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Rexlion - November 18 - 9:23 pm

  This basic AWD model is almost identical in size to our 2000 Merc Mountaineer, but a little wider and way better ride. Interior fan so much quieter. Headlights much better illumination. Not as good looking or as much fun to drive as the Rav4 in my opinion, but we want to tow a 4000 lb travel trailer and the Rav wont quite do it. This Highlander has plenty of goodies as standard equipment. And 8" ground clearance, yet its easier to get in and out of than the old Mountaineer. My 52" wife is happy about that.

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  Tundra Terminator III - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Melvin Nieves - November 18 - 8:30 pm

  I feel super happy with my Tundra Limited 4wd 4 dr Crew cab 2007. Super quiet. Excellent suspension, very good movement, very strong when I need power, 381 hp is true. Fast acceleration. Excellent air conditioning. Excellent brake system. Interior fine and modern. Fuel economy is poor.

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  Nice Truck but poor Quality Control - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra - November 18 - 4:06 pm

  I like the truck, just upgraded from a 2006 tacoma. Lots of power and very comfortable to drive. But watch out for the recent Toyota problems. Within 150 miles of purchase check engine light came on. Was told it would take 5 days to fix, then was called later that day and told all i needed was an oil change. Upon internet research i found out there was more than likely metal in the oil filter from the manufacturing process. After discussions with the dealership This was confirmed when i reached the dealership. They extended my warranty to 6 yr 100000 miles bumper to bumper, but Toyota would not pay for it so the dealership made good on it.

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  Great, but some faults - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By eddie g. - November 18 - 10:50 am

  Overall our experience has been very good with our 2006 Avalon. The ride has been very smooth and quiet and the pick-up is very good. This may be one of the fastest cars weve owned (with a six).

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  2014 Sienna XLE w/o Nav/Entune - 2014 Toyota Sienna
  By defgoldvette47 - November 18 - 10:27 am

  I purposely looked for a "base" XLE without Navigation/Entune or rear entertainment (DVD) to get the more comfortable leather seats (front only, rear softex) and minimize options which would be expensive to repair after warranty. This is my second Sienna, with a 2011 Odyssey purchased in between. Ive read comments about the Odyssey being a better van, BUT my 2011 Touring ended up having transmission and engine issues, and it was an expensive vehicle. The Sienna has a great engine/trans combo, and the interior is very comfortable and spacious.

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  A Corolla with Camry Power - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Frederick - November 18 - 2:20 am

  This is a Corolla, but it looks sportier than previous model. Personally, I like to to look like a Corolla S which got a 1.8L powerplant - i.e. people will think that they can easily pass me. My XRS usually surprises people driving an Integra who think they can overtake me from stop (except they brutally cut into line, then I give up). It got tremendous torque for such a small car. However, it does come with a price - the gas mileage isnt great at all. Besides, the suspension is a bit too stiff. You can feel every manhole cover and every uneven spots on the road - a bit annoying. Aside from that, it is a nice little car - storage is great and interior feels spacious.

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  Excellent Transportation - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Felito - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Amazing little car it gets 39 MPG with 5 speed manual transmission. Excellent commuter. I paid $11,800 for this jewel brand new and it has been a very reliable automobile. Its going on 60K miles and no problem. It has Air Conditioning but no power windows.