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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  Disappointed - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By bjapril45 - January 2 - 5:00 pm

  I have owned my Sienna XLE since April 2010 and have enjoyed it except for the rattling that developed shortly after I purchased it. The right rear passenger door panel is loose and the door and second row seats rattle when driving on all but the smoothest roads. The van has been in for repair of this issue six times at two dealerships, with no satisfactory resolution. As with all my four previously owned Toyota vehicles, I have had no mechanical problems with the Sienna. I have always had a great deal of confidence in Toyota products, but if this issue isnt resolved I probably will sell or trade the van. Not sure I would purchase another Toyota product.

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  2000Celica long-term test - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Bobbi - January 2 - 7:20 am

  The 2000 Toyota Celica delivers in the sports category of coupes under $30,000. Unlike its predecessor, this car has been designed with performance as the primary focus. Both the GT and GTS trim deliver stout acceleration and power- combined with lightness and near neutal handling. Remember, the GT is only a mere 300lbs heavier than the featherweight MR2 Spyder.

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  Lemon - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By DevScott - December 31 - 10:00 am

  My tacoma broke down after a week, had it fixed, broke down again two weeks later. They have been blaming it on interior water leaks that short out the electronics. Its in for the third time now, still leaking water, still breaking down. 2000 km. 5 weeks old. Its been in the shop for 12 days and counting. Anybody can make a lemon. Dont get caught up in

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  Toyota "Blunder" Limited - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Toyota Blunder - December 29 - 5:40 pm

  Have owned most light trucks over the last 25 years. This by far disappoints in most categories. The ride is harsh and poorly dampened, the radio, though upgraded could not keep a station. The integrated phone system, though great in concept worked when it wanted to. The steering is vague, the transmission needs improvement. 6 spd. sounds good until you put it to the test. Coming to a stop it was evident that you could experience each speed back to 1st. 6th gear is like the old 3sp. stick if you shifted too quickly the vehicle sounded as if it were lagging... same for the Tundra. The interior: plastic. I have bought a new Avalanche, top of the line for less money... fabulous

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  2009 Matrix get a 1.8 engine not a 2.4 - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Dude - December 27 - 1:56 pm

  The Matrix 2009 is a great looker but terrible on gas mileage maybe 17 if I am lucky. If you drive like a old man at 55 maybe get 20. I screwed up and wanted power and bought the 2.4 engine instead of the 1.8 . With a 2.4 the gas goes down these fuel injectors like its no tomorrow. Its really a shame I picked a gas guzzler and it doesnt look like a SUV.

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  Poor Build Quality - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By schweizer - December 27 - 7:33 am

  Bought my Camry new and now have just over 70k miles on it. Has been religiously serviced and pampered. Issues with paint. Chips easy, rusts easy(in spots where there is no chips). Leaks through the driver side air bag when washed. Cars interior is noisy. Sounds like a ball bearing is rolling through the dash. On the passenger side it sounds as if the engine isnt even shielded and we get an airy high pitch noise coming into the cabin. Dash rattles in places. No thigh support in the seats. Have replaced several bulbs, front, rear lights etc. Dash control lights are out on a couple(Ive heard of other complaints about this). All issues came about within the first couple of years.

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  Blew a Head Gasket at 85,000 miles. - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By shannon2257 - December 25 - 10:52 pm

  Bought this car new. I am a "little old lady" driver. A few weeks ago at 85,000 miles this car blew a head gasket which the repair shop believes this also ruined the oxygen sensors. 4000.00 repair bill. Needless to say, I am HIGHLY disappointed in my car. Additionally, the front driver seat is not very comfortable. I can feel the springs through it. Probably will not be getting another Toyota.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Rose Christopher - December 23 - 8:26 pm

  I bought a Camry because in the past I had driven them. I found the engine to be quiet to the point that you didnt know the car was running. Not my Camry, when starting it up it sounds as if a truck is running. When changing gears it sounds as if I have duel mufflers. I had it in for service, this is what they say " its a 4 cylinder" "the car is new" "there is nothing mechanical wrong with the car".

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  Reliable, but plain grandma car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By andahku - December 19 - 1:51 pm

  I drove this car up until a few weeks ago. It was in the family since new. It was very reliable, and never broke down on me until the very end. It lasted until 190K miles, but it probably could have lasted longer if I had spent money to investigate the check engine light. Then one day the head gasket blew and the engine overheated and that was the end of it. Before that, all normal maintenance repairs for its age. A very boring, plain vehicle but if youre looking for a reliable mid size sedan with reasonable acceleration power, this is for you.

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  Ouch, what a feeling! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Former Prius Lover - December 16 - 7:40 pm

  Bought pre-owned in 07 with 70K. Now have 205K. Accident, replaced HID headlight went out 2 weeks after warranty expired. Quoted $565 to replace! Now the brake ECU have gone and they want $2675 to replace or I can take my chances crashing into a tree! Toyota Customer Care is worse than useless; I feel like taking a shower after talking to them to get rid of the slime! Any fuel savings have been wiped out by the outrageous cost of repair and service. Their dealerships arent built like palaces from proceeds from recycling soda cans! Never again, Toyota! The new Fiesta is supposed to get 40 mpg highway without using golden flux capacitors!