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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  7 1/2 years and still going - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By SuMac - February 20 - 4:53 am

  Bought my RAV4L in Nov 2000. She has over 110,000 miles now and still going strong. I have only done regular maintenance. The only thing that has failed is the passenger power lock is not working (which could be related to the add-on car starter/door opener package I had put on). Called today to see about a "timing belt" change (since Ive never done that and everyone said I should) -- only to find out that once again, Toyota has outdone themselves and the timing CHAIN never needs replacing. So shes getting a tuneup next week. Ive had her detailed 2 times and both times she looks like a brand new car afterward. I hope to see 300,000 miles on this one! Gas mileage: 27 / 29.

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  I am the original owner - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Rob Aeron - February 20 - 4:19 am

  I bought my 1999 Camry V6 manual transmission brand new and enjoyed very much the car. Good performance, reliability, and gas miles. Last year, I changed the clutch. With 102K original miles, I am doing minor body work, new alloy rims, replacing wood trim in dashboard and installing a trunk spoiler. I am planning to keep my car unless someone gives me an offer that I cant refuse.

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  Avalon - the best car ever made! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By jbossmin - February 19 - 11:46 pm

  Luxurious, fun to drive, lots of power, easy on the eyes, lots of standard options (XLS model), and very comfortable!

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  Awesome SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By pch316 - February 19 - 2:10 pm

  My wife and I just purchased the 08 Highlander Limited awd. We love this vehicle it drives really smooth, comfortable and quiet. There are so many features in the Limited model. We really wanted the nav. but there wasnt one available so we just took the one on the showroom which was the Blizzard Pearl without the nav. and DVD. I love the 19" wheels, they look really nice. Im planning to accessorize this suv with wind deflectors on the hood and running boards. Good luck to all.

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  Matrix AWD - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Steve - February 19 - 10:50 am

  This is my wifes car and she loves it. It is great around town, nimble, solid. She picked it mainly because of the hatchback and fold flat rear seats which are very nice. Great for golf clubs. Now has 25K miles and we did have a check engine light that required replacement of an oxygen sensor under warranty. One thing that I consider a defect was the factory tires. The front left tire wore on one side enough to require replacement after only 15K miles!!! Of course they wouldnt honor anything since they were not rotated every 5K miles. Replaced all 4 tires and had the front end aligned and it was very close to in specs so dont know what caused the tire wear.

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  Smooth & Powerful-Wish I bought an SE - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Paul3637 - February 18 - 6:16 pm

  At 36 mpg real world highway mpg, this rivals or exceeds the underpowered 2.4L I4 or the hybrid. At 12,500 miles and 18 months I brought my car to the dealer for its third oil change yesterday - have had zero defects, zero repairs. zero oil consumption... but dealer confirmed that like all pre April 2008 build 3.5L V6 Toyotas it has a rubber vvti oil line that can rupture resulting in engine failure. No TSB or recall yet - dealer acknowledged problem but wants $250 to fix with new metal line. Bidgestone 16" tires were about over half worn at 8K miles so replaced the el cheapo tires & hubcaps with 215/55/17 SE style alloys & Michelins which improved handling. Seats are very comfortable. In retrospect, I would pay the extra $1200 for the SE package for nicer interior and 17" alloy wheels.

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  Paint Problem - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Paint - February 18 - 4:36 pm

  Bought my RAV in Febuary 07, and recently noticed a variation in the Barcelona Red Panels on the rear door surrounding the spare tire cover. Informed dealer, regional service manager and the Corporate Customer Center in CA. Noted that same problem was on a vehicle from GA, and conversed with other dealers regarding same, noting from them it is common on all RAVs to have discoloration thru out the rear door. Advised corporate of problem by both myself and the district service rep. stating that it was a manufacturing/paint problem not a servicable problem. Other than that, I get 25 mpg on country roads and only moan when going up a hill with the cruise trying to find the right gear.

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  Great hockey family car! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Zany - February 18 - 1:16 pm

  Worth every penny for its 9 years and 234,000 miles to date!

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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bernard - February 18 - 1:00 pm

  I love this car. i read all the reviews and went with ppls comments. blue tooth is cool, dual climate control, heated seats. i love the second screen in the speedometer. aux jack for ipod and a control holder on the side. smooth, quiet ride compared to my old 95 corolla. great deal, but in high demand.

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  My 2 cents - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By 4x4 - February 18 - 9:26 am

  Just trying to help all that are looking into purchasing a Tacoma. This truck is good over all, yes it does have its minor flaws in the design and seems to have common problems with all us owners. It works good for me since I am single and do quite a bit of hauling and driving. The gas mileage is good on highways but poor in town, the rattles that everyone is having, I too have up around the dash. The outside noise comes from the way the wind wraps around the side of the cab and not the rear wall. I still love this truck because it is reliable and is worth almost what I paid for it. One thing I hate is when I am braking and hit a bump, the anti-lock kicks in and causes me to slide a bit.