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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  steeringwheel clunking - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By mayson - May 30 - 2:50 am

  I have enjoyed the vehicle for 4 years. We take it to the Eastern Sierras for trout fishing and can take the steep grades with ease with the V6. The only problem that I have encountered is the steering wheel clunking on slow turns. The steering knuckle was replaced under warranty at approximately 15,000 miles. Now at 29,000 miles it is clunking again on the replaced unit. There is definitely a design flaw by Toyota and they need to own up to it. I will be taking it in for servicing and demand a replacement even if it is over 36 months warranty time limit.

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  Good Bet - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Japanesecarlover - May 30 - 12:00 am

  Bought the car with 114,000 miles on it and it runs better than all my friends cars with fewer miles. The interior ergonomics are to notch and so is the comfort. I drove it from Denver to Portland Oregon and it was a joy the entire time. The four cylinder purrs at idle and gives a satifying note on hard accel. (The engine is a version of an old Celica engine.) In Oregon, the acceleration of the 4 cyl is good, but at high altitude, such as in Colorado, it is lacking. This is something to take in to consideration. I would suggest getting the silky-smooth V6. The economy of the V6 is comparable to the 4 cyl. Body roll is moderate. Suited more for a comfortable ride, not a sporty one.

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  Our 1st Toyota - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By David White - May 29 - 5:06 pm

  We bought this car to replace a 17 year old Ford Taurus based upon reviews, resale value, perceived quality, etc. So far, we have been impressed with ride quality (handling could be better) as well as the fuel economy (22 - 34 mpg depending on city or highway driving). The interior & trunk are large and the ride comfortable with plenty of room for our family. Mud flaps have been added as well as pinstriping (which really dresses the car up), a clear bra and a wood dash/door panel kit (relatively inexpensive upgrades that make the car look better and protect it from the elements). With only 3,000 miles on it, we havent had any negative issues. The reliability factor is off to a good start.

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  Best Value family sedan - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By drjjjj - May 28 - 7:29 am

  The SE 2.5 has really impressed and Im a picky Engineer! It handles well, bank vault quiet, 30 mpg avg (70% highway 30% city) driving brisk, plenty of power, johnny on the spot tranny and roomy, comfortable , upscale for the $22k+ T & L (SE with pwr seat option only) I paid 10,000 miles ago with no negotitations via internet! Its the best value proposition because no CVT issues (driveability and repairs down the road-sealed unit, etc) no direct injection ( may require expensive repairs down the road-ultra high fuel pressure, etc) and because of top notch resale and low initial/ownership cost! Highly recommend after 10k miles! If gas goes and stays above 4.50 gal-should have got a prius!

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By gorzo55 - May 27 - 1:00 pm

  I bought my 2001 Corolla used in 2003 with 40k miles. It now has 120k miles and is still my primary car. No engine problems that others have reported. My catalytic converter was replaced at 115k though. Ive done by the book maintenance and have had no major problems. The only big repairs Ive had were break issues that were my fault from overly aggressive city driving. Im not sure about what others have said about burning oil...I havent noticed it but I know little about cars. This car gets better gas mileage than the current Corolla models. I once drove from Pittsburgh to Indianapolis on one tank.

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  The only problem is... - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By priusracer - May 27 - 2:25 am

  I have absolutely no regrets, however, I would have caught major flak from my peers were I still a Special Agent with the DEwho? I catch enough of it, now. Why? The reputation of the Prius, of course. I, myself, used to deride the car - who would name a car after a serious prostate condition (priapism)? Actually, I do have one regret - I cannot go off-road like I did in my Jeeps!

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  WISH I HAD GOTTEN A MURANO(NISSAN) - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By cr928008 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I WISH I HAD GOTTEN A MURANO FOR THE MONEY, IT IS A NICE CAR BUT DOES NOT HAVE VERY GOOD PICK=UP AND IT HAS POOR CRAFTMANSHIP ... THING RATTLE WHEN DRIVING.GLOVE COMPRTMT, SEATS AND A LOT OF OUTSIDE NOISE. MY OLD CAR WAS A VOLVO OF 10 YRS.

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  One of the best in class - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Jon - May 25 - 6:21 pm

  Thought it was only fair that I write one on these since, I have read so many. I bought my rav4 pre owned and certified. It has been a very good suv. It has surprisingly good pick up for a 4cyl. I have no problems with the family in the car passing others on the road when needed. I have had knock on wood no problems in over a year of ownership. The back seats are comfortable and recline. The front seats are comfortable as well. It is ok in the snow not a 4 wheel drive jeep but it gets the job done like most awd vehicles.

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  Best Value Ever - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Perry Hammmons - May 24 - 3:10 pm

  This truck is the best of the 3 Toyota pickups Ive owned since 1987. Checking the Kelly Blue Book and Nada a year after purchase I found it has INCREASED in value. I paid $19,888 for it and with $15,500 miles on it retail book is $22,000 Wholesale is just a few hundred dollars less than the purchase price.

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  RAV4 Limited Is a Gas Hog - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By srubida - May 24 - 8:28 am

  Purchased my RAV4 on 5-27-2011 and already wish I could afford to trade it in on something else. Its awful gas mileage is affecting my lifestyle because now I dont go anywhere that I dont have to, at an average 16mpg (and I drive "lightly" and carefully). The vehicle itself is fine; I am glad it is a little larger than previous editions. The fittings, cup holders, etc., are all fine (Im not picky, I just want transportation). At 16mpg, I might as well be driving a monster truck rather than a smallish SUV. This will be my second and last Toyota, because it replaces a well-tended Highlander that needed $3000 in repairs and failed its legendary durability reputation. Bye bye, Toyota.