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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  Wanted one for years - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Danjo - February 1 - 7:46 pm

  After reading tons of these reviews and finally getting a 4Runner I would like to put in my two cents. Build quality is great. Did not get the sunroof option as it really does limit head room. I get about 14-15 mpg in the city but average 21-22 on the highway. The only way that I have been able to get better on the highway is on roads with a 55mph limit. Then I can get around 24mpg. I really like pretty much everything else about this vehicle. We pulled out the fold up rear seats and used the 4runner as pick up during a recent move. Great family vehicle as well.

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  New 2011 Sienna SE - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By PghRegi - February 1 - 5:56 pm

  Just brought home the new 2011 Sienna SE days ago. Loving it so far! I traded in a 1999 Grand Caravan (loved that one also!). The Sienna ride is stiffer than my G. Caravan, but probably a good thing as I feel more in control of the vehicle, especially when cornering. I am disappointed that the rear quarter windows are not powered on the SE. I believe they are on the XLE and Limited. Also, there doesnt seem to be a compass feature on the trip computer display, had one on the old G. Caravan and miss it now. We wanted the "sportier" look of the SE though--it has to be the best looking van on the road today! So far, after 4 days, we are happy with our purchase.

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  CE with cruise - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By steve05401 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  hate to disagree with 14SC14, but if he/she bought their 2003 Corolla CE in the US, cruise is NOT standard. it is available as an OPTION, but it is NOT standard. check for yourself on Toyotas own website.

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  2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Yangster - February 1 - 8:26 am

  Bought it used w/ 78k in Aug. of 2006. No problems yet with it and 105k currently in just a little over 1yr of owning it. All I did to it was put tires and keep on driving. Due for the 90k Toyota recommended tune up. Drives nice like a truck w/ an SUV feeling. My dog absolutely loves the roll down rear window. Could use a little more space but what do you expect from a midsize truck. The gas is ok, not complaining. I average 16-17 city mix w/ hwy driving. Straight hwy is about 20-21 mpg. Not too bad. V6 motor is weak but a phenomenal mileage motor known to exceed 300k. Looking forward to upgrading to a Sequoia. Growing family. Love the truck though. 11in clearance for snow and 4wd A+

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  At 32k mi, this is what I have to say - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Mister_T - January 31 - 8:03 pm

  Owned since aug 03 and now at end of lease term. Chose to keep. Ill skip what has been covered. Turn radius is awful, 45 feet... takes 4 and a half lanes to make a U turn. Still just too small. Add 5 more inches it will make a world of diff. Gas mileage on my v6 is not very good. Very comfortable. I use for long hwy trips and never need to stop to stretch. A serious work truck? Yes. Work truck capabilities? No. Styling on 03 looks too imported. Paint not too good. V6 is SLOW! No mech probs. No chk eng. No plastic parts falling off. As good as it gets.

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  Expected more thought - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tim - January 31 - 2:23 am

  My first Toyota. I bought it for the resale value, the reputation of Toyota but most of all from the off road reputation of the 4Runner. The ride is excellent the gas mileage sure beats the 15mpg I was getting in my 98 Durango. Looks great and performance is better than I expected from a V-6. The stereo is probably the biggest disappointment for a 2005 I would have thought that with all the interest in music that it would at least be as good if not better that the 98 Durango I traded for it. I have a two-speaker work van that sounds better.

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  9 years and still going - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By barc77 - January 31 - 12:03 am

  I wrote a review about 2 years ago at 74,000 miles. Car is still running well with 94,000 miles. No issues, only routine maintenance since purchased new. No oil burning issues as others have stated. Just replaced plugs for first time (were worn but no indication of oil or other issues). The car still seems to go through brakes and tires quickly. Always starts and runs smooth. Nothing exciting but gets me to work every day without any issues. Gas mileage 28-30 mpg in mixed driving. Interior has held up very well. Acceleration is as expected for a car with 125 HP.

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  End of the line - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By GM - January 30 - 9:53 am

  I had reservations about buying a car I knew was no longer being manufactured. However, there simply is not a convertible out there that provides the smoothness, comfort, feature set, and room anywhere near this price point. And the close-out incentives were certainly compelling. This car is not about driving excitement. Freeway curves easily taken at 80 in my 3-series need to be adjusted down to 60 in the Solara. Acceleration is good, but not dramatic. However, everything about this car exudes refinement - whisper-quiet Lexus grade engine, solid thunk of the trunk, smooth switch gear, damped cup holder cover, efficient top mechanism.

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  Good little car. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Stick Shift Driver - January 29 - 9:56 am

  When I turned 16 my parents bought a practical economy car so I could get to school and work. The car rides nice for an economy car, and it rides and sits higher than my Dads Honda Fit. The car is obviously not that fast, but it can swiftly accelerate when it needs to. I really like the center mounted gauges. The car doesnt really have much other than the power package, which I actually didnt want, but it was all the dealer had. The car has a lot of headroom for a tiny car, and the rear seats can fold down to make more cargo room. I originally wanted a truck, but I am happy with 42 on the highway, and Id recommend it to anyone who is looking to buy a practical commuting car.

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  Bad Tires - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Northappy - January 27 - 1:43 pm

  Good SUV, weird size tires on Sport & Limited. Goes ok in snow but wont stop. Due to odd tire size there are only 2 tires available. Tires are very expensive and need replaced at 20K.