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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  Very Happy with my 2001 Sienna. - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By DaveB - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought new.Now have over 300k km and it just keeps going and going. Never had a major repair. Firm believer in preventative maintenance. Did all recommended maintenance exactly as prescribed in manual and have not had any problems. Lost rear wheel bearings at 260K km but fronts still in good condition. It has survived two teenage drivers and is a favorite for group road trips. Always had part of a sports team on-board going somewhere. Very comfortable to drive. I have since purchased 2 used 2001 corollas in 2004 and 2008 for my kids attending university and they just keep going and going. My non Toyota mechanic cant believe the condition of all 3 cars. 2001 was a very good year for Toyotas.

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  Never again! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By cert963 - May 19 - 10:00 am

  A lot of repairs due to everyday use, parts and labor at dealer very expensive. Build with very cheap materials that break unusually fast dealer and Toyota will blame you for anything that you touched or used on the vehicle even the radio that you listen to is your fault. My first and believe me last Toyota to buy. Happy with my other Nissan and infinity trucks that I own for far more years of service and far less problems!

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  Toyota quality no more - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Mark - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Having owned several Toyota vehicles dating back to the 70s, I am truly disappointed in the recent quality of their vehicles. Brakes wear prematurely, CV joints are bad, and automatic sliding door went out. All before 50,000 miles. And of course, all of these repairs are very expensive. No more Toyotas in my future.

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  My Second Rav4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Xiam - May 19 - 10:00 am

  My 2007 RAV4 had zero issues in 40K+ miles. Even the original brakes and tires were still serviceable. The 2010 has a few welcome pluses - More power on less gas [well see]; a scuff plate on the rear bumper and a nice mpg readout. Sure, the rides a little jiggly and the drivers seat not too comfy after an hour or two, and the idles rough with the A/C on, and that weird tailgate doesnt open like all the others - BUT - Theres plenty of space for 4/5 adults OR a lot of cargo with the seats down. About 25 mpg average; over 30 on the road. Plenty of zip, even with the I4/4 speed power train.

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  Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota camry - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle with a reliability, very durable and a affordable sedan for the masses.

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  10 months later - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By petras52 - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Still happy with my 4 cylinder le 10 months later. No reliability issues, observed mileage as high as 39 mpg in mostly hwy driving, decent performance from the smooth 4 cylinder 6 spd a/t does act differently from the 4 spds Im used to in that when coasting, car decelerates quicker but Im told this is normal, optional jbl stereo sounds good but display "washes out" in bright sunlight, very comfortable, quiet ride, maybe at the expense of better handling but thats ok considering my driving style. Absolutely no regrets buying this fine car.

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  Made in Japan, and it shows! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Jim - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Love my Prius so far, I am averaging 54 MPG. Solid feel, good handling. Previously owned 2010 Camry and was VERY disappointed with many technical problems. Prius is my 4th car, and I must say I am very happy with my investment. I plan to keep it for a long while.

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  Good Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By jt - May 19 - 8:46 am

  Bought the 2008 Toyota Prius with package 3. I love the Prius. Its so fun to play with and so easy to drive. Its a little slow from a dead stop, but it will really get up and go on the highway. The display screen is fun to play with. The seats are comfy for being a car. If youre over 60" you will fit just fine. I am 64" and i fit perfect. I can fit in the back comfortably with the front seats all the way back as well. I spent $30 to fill up. I used to have a cummins diesel and it took me $100 to fill up and I could only get about 400 miles off a 35 gallon tank. Now I am getting 500 miles off only 10 gallons!

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  Well worth the 5.7L - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By freddy five - May 18 - 10:03 pm

  This is my first truck. Every vehicle I have ever owned was under powered and I made an agreement with myself that I would not make this mistake in a truck. I took it a little to far, because this truck has more power than I will ever need. But it is so much fun to smoke an F150 off the line when they feel the need to egg me on.

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  Its awesome !! I LOVE my car - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By ilovesai - May 18 - 2:00 pm

  Its very funny that before buying this car I did not hear of it !! I wanted something midsize and the delear showed me Avalon XLS. I test run it and i fell in love.It was big though for me but than when I got it home and started drivining it its like dream come true.Its the most amazing car Ive ever driven. I really feel lucky to have this car as when I went out to buy I did not have this car in my mind..All my friends love it and I really really am in love with my car. It hit 100K today so I felt like writing about it. If you are considering buying a midsize car plz do check avalon and I bet you would not go anywhere else.