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:

• 

  Very reliable - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By D Brown - April 9 - 3:46 am

  The car has performed very well. Gas mileage is good, especially for this cars size. It is extremely smooth and quiet, running as well as it did when it was new. Brakes were changed at 72K miles. Other than that, have only done fluid changes, batteries, tires, filters and timing belt/water pump -- all recommended maintenance. It is extremely comfortable on long trips. Back seat has tremendous leg and head room.

• 

  A Vehicle Thats Appreciating - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By ML - April 9 - 1:20 am

  I traded in a performance luxury sedan (of the 3-letter ilk) expecting to make concessions in reducing my carbon footprint. I found that this vehicle, while not as zippy or cornering-agile, was as comfortable, spacious, and amenity-rich (Package #6) as any of my previous vehicles. It also boasts the best MPG (49 Hwy, 46 Cty) of any of my previous vehicles including my beloved Honda CRX in the 80s. As oil approaches $200/barrel, the demand for the Prius will increase and it will hold its value longer, adding to its appeal. I enjoy driving it more than any other car Ive had (and IÂ’ve owned 25!). I remain excited to see the next model which I hope will include the improvements below.

• 

  Off road capable and comfortable in town - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mark Abbott - April 9 - 12:10 am

  Im very happy with my 07 4Runner SR5 4X4. This SUV does everything well. V6 has plenty of power (recommend V8 if you tow). The ride is very smooth and handling is excellent for a truck based SUV. I compared the 4Runner with all the competition and it is obvious that Toyota has the upper hand in quality. If you never venture offroad, other SUVs may better suit your needs. The 4Runner 4X4 has serious offroad capability without sacrificing a smooth ride and comfort. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this SUV.

• 

  I know Ill never have a car made this good again. - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Clay - April 8 - 11:49 pm

  I bought this 2000 Camry XLE as a certified used car from Toyota with about 25k on it. I had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and i wanted to buy my wife a reliable car to drive if I wasnt around. That was over 15 years ago. Im still around and so is the Camry. The only parts I have replaced (other than routine maintenance items) are the rear struts. They went bad at about 230k miles. The car now has 250k miles and runs, drives, and looks as well as it ever did. I dont know how far it will go, but I think now it could well outlast me.

• 

  Needs better fold down rear seats - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Jerry - April 8 - 9:03 am

  I bought this van because it was a Toyota. I tried a Dodge and the only thing I thought that was better on the Dodge was that all the rear seats folded down easily. Only the third row seats fold in the Toyota and it is more difficult to fold them down. The middle seats are so difficult to remove and replace that once I got them back into the van I decided never to move them. They are much more difficult to remove than the seats in my 1993 Plymouth Voyager.

• 

  Very disappointed - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By j ram - April 7 - 10:36 am

  Many changes have been made since my 98 Camry that are downright irritating. To be brief, my complaints w/ the V4 LE are: (1) oil filter no longer easily accessible (2) Engine revs irregularly (tires squeal pulling out from a stop; hesitates at other times, giving an irregular jolt forward that is noticeably jarring (3) Car alarm placed on key where it is too easily triggered (16 times in 7 months) (3) Transmission wont shift from Park unless brake lights are on;my brake fuse went out, and the car LOCKED up on me in park). (4)OBNOXIOUS fasten- seatbelt alarm that goes off (at ANY TIME) if there is anything weighted on the passenger seat (I almost got in a wreck because of it); (4)Door lock system-get out after driving, ALL doors are still locked (why?);unlocked doors SELF-RE-LOCK

• 

  My good friend - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By topcat - April 6 - 10:00 am

  It has been the most reliable vehicle I ever seen. It took me everywhere for last 6 years without giving me any trouble, not even a flat tire.great milege. I am getting 40/mpg on highways.

• 

  Overall bargain - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Kimmons - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had the 2000 Celica GT since 03/2000. No mechanical problems or complaints. Good pick-up, great fuel economy. Sporty car with luxury features without the initial or maintenance costs.

• 

  Excellent! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tony Y. Shen - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Its an excellent car, one of the most, if not the most, comfortable car in the market.

• 

  Consider the Vibe too! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Gogginsmit - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I test drove both the Vibe GT and the Matrix XRS and contrary to what the Toyota salesmen may state, the cars are interiors and mechanics of the cars are identical. Really, the main difference is that Pontiac consistently seems to offer more rebates, financing incentives, and seems to haggle more. Be sure to price out both before you make a decision!