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:

• 

  My first foreign - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kimmy - August 9 - 7:10 pm

  I love the new dash, the new bed is really nice, no need to buy a bed liner. Im already getting 17 mpg city driving, it can only get better. Warms up in the matter of minutes. Cant lock my keys in it, the doors wont lock with the key in the ignition. I love it, rides really smooth. Feels like Im in a car.

• 

  2005 Sienna failures - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By bahnted - August 9 - 3:20 pm

  My Sienna ran fine for first 36,000 miles. The next 20,000 miles have had numerous failures: 1) Fuel injector - $383; 2) Catalytic converter - warranty $0; 3) Fuel hose disconnect - $105 leaving me stranded 20 miles from Cody, WY; 4) Drivers door check strap $380 - the door can fold back against the fender making closure impossible! I wrote and contacted Toyota Customer Service. They initially refused to do anything, taking no responsibility. After I wrote Seiichi Sudo, President and CEO, suddenly they wanted to "help" with a $600 good faith payment on nearly $900 of repairs. I now find the door check strap cannot be re-welded and door must be replaced, a $2000 repair! Stay away!

• 

  One Dumb Purchase - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By flemdog - August 9 - 2:03 pm

  There is no position on the heater/AC controls that will shut off outside air from coming in through the vents, which is a problem if you live in a colder climate as I do. The wind noise overpowers conversation and the radio, the wipers make an irritating “thunk/thunk” noise, and the outside temp/compass indicator is difficult enough to read due to a reflective glare. The seat bolsters are narrow and uncomfortable. Gas & brake pedals are too close.

• 

  Cant get any better than this! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Beacon - August 9 - 7:46 am

  I have had my Camry hybrid for a month now, with 2000 mi on it. I waited to submit a review to make sure of my opinion. This car is so much better than my Highlander! Whoever planned the interior of that car must have been asleep. This car on the other hand is just about perfect inside. Very well planned, very comfortable. It took me just one day to get used to the little quirks of the hybrid. When starting from a stand still there is a little vibration from the gas engine starting up. I dont even notice it now. Im consistently getting between 36 and 42 MPG without even trying. Not bad for a large luxury car. One of the best cars I have ever owned.

• 

  3rd great tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By mcs-m - August 9 - 7:30 am

  3rd tundra, first one was an 00 sr5 reg. cab., long box 4wd. 2nd one was an 05 reg cab long box 4wd, which was used heavily this last year in Wisconsins cruddy winter. The 4wd held up fine after a beating. The new tundra rides nice (a bit more jittery than the 05, 00) but has great room inside. It was really hard to find int. wipers and cruise control in this model, looks like a ploy to have everyone buy the sr5.

• 

  Good First Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Trippmatic - August 9 - 6:30 am

  While I havent had my vehicle long enough to warrant an in depth review, thus far it has been a pleasure to drive and very good on fuel. I will not remark on its reliability except to say that it has 26000 miles on it so far and no reported maintenance other than tire repair and replacement. It is a great economy car, perhaps the best, when considering cost of maintenance, cost to drive, looks, ease of operation, and the fact that it is a Toyota.

• 

  Oh, what a feeling! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Greg - August 9 - 5:10 am

  This Toyota is rolling right along. I bought it with 19,000 miles as a lease turn in. I now have 203,000 miles on it and still a daily driver. NO major repairs. Just batteries, tires, water pump and timing belt. Its one thing to pay the upfront cost, but then the maintenance cost over the years is where this car shines.

• 

  Toyota emerges from the smoke. - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Ray - August 8 - 10:30 pm

  Toyota just got raked through the coals with the "sudden acceleration/sticking gas pedal" debacle in Feb/Mar, 2010, and as was the case with Audi in the 90s, much of the blame falls on errant drivers and not the cars themselves. Audi nearly went bankrupt because of it; Toyota should emerge OK, but has had to drastically cut prices and offer incredible deals to win back the favor of buyers. This allowed me to lease my 2011 Camry (base) automatic for an amazing $210/mo (including tax, license) with zero drive-off costs! Folks, get em while theyre being generous. Its a beautiful car, with loads of space, comfort and value for the money. Just stick to your guns when dealing :)

• 

  It Gets er Done - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By barney - August 8 - 5:16 pm

  All things considered, its an excellent vehicle. All Ive had to do is the regular maintenance. Ive had no downtime whatsoever (well, except for the one recall but the dealer took care of it and gave me a free loaner). It pulled a U-Haul on my move from Missouri to California with no problem. It drives like a car. Plenty of power with the V6. The steering and the engine are very responsive which is a plus on the California freeways.

• 

  Excellent, quiet and reliable - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By RS - August 8 - 10:46 am

  Car still rides quiet (make sure to use quiet riding tires), has had very few problems that required any major work. Gives 18 city, 22 highway in Summers at speed limit. Take 10% off in CT winters. My car was built in Japan. Only brakes and scheduled maintenance work have been needed. Had engine check light come on after maintenance, but mechanic reset it at no charge. Battery needed change after 6 years. On the negative side, I the old tires wore out unevenly. Now I get them aligned annually. Great SUV. Will buy again if mileage is improved significantly without too much loss of power. This SUV still looks modern in styling and finish.