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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  2010 4Runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Yuri - May 3 - 10:46 am

  I switched from a Ford Explorer to 4Runner and I must admit I love my new toy. Its comfy, looks nice, sits high off the ground has awesome options and the leather heated seats in a 4RunnerÂ…I mean tough and comfyÂ… I love it! Initially I wanted to go with a black exterior and cloth 3 row interior, but after some more thought, I decided to do the dark gray (magnetic gray metallic) exterior and black leather interior with light gray paneling. It looks very sharpÂ… I am glad I chose the combination over my initial one.

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  Good but not great - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By brandon - May 3 - 9:30 am

  The Venza is my wifes new car that replaces her RX300. I have followed the Venza through its concept to completion and was anxious to get in one. Now after putting 1000 mi on her car I have developed mixed emotions on my feelings about the car. First off it is a great value especially the lease we got. However it is not even close to the interior build quality of my wifes ex Lexus or my XC70 wagon. The interior is a bit lackluster filled with cheap plastic textured panels that trap the spring pollen and feel cheap.The cloth seats offer little support as well. The CVT 4 cyl is peppy bet needs time to wind up. The ride is a bit rough and at times reminiscent of motion sickness.

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  Over 200k - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By johnkidding - May 3 - 8:16 am

  210k miles, and no major problems. Catalytic converter went bad at around 140k. Other than that, Ive only spent on tires, brake pads, and regular oil changes.

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  Its the best! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By SugarLandTexas - May 2 - 3:16 pm

  Purchased 4 cylinder in the summer of 2006 with 67,000 miles, currently in the spring of 2007 miles 88,000. Only items were EGR, minor distributor oil seep, had both fixed. Reliable, quiet, comfortable, low maintenance, good gas mileage. Regular maintenance. Distributor fried at 85,000, otherwise no issues. Plan on keeping and driving until the wheels fall off or engine wears out, probably at 300,000 mile or so!!!

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  `03 4WD Sequoia Ltd. - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By hemiden - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I researched many SUVs over a 4 month period. Although I wasnt looking for a full size SUV initially, I finally decided on the Sequoia for its hi-tech V8 engine, (which runs on regular gas), reliability and its decent towing capacity. The handling of such a large vehicle is very impressive and even better than my 2000 V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which I traded for the Seqouia (no regrets there). Of course, the added bonus of having the room for up to 8 passengers, and the quality fit and finish helps too. I have yet to find (any) quality or mechanical issues with this vehicle.

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  Rare: 5 speed v6 - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By edos - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car with 96,000 miles on it. Now has 104,000. Runs like new. I love the V6 power and 5 speed transmission. It is very quiet and comfortable on long trips. Good gas mileage. The only thing I noticed is the lower quality of small, unimportant parts inside the cabin such as loose air vents, weather strips on doors, etc. The mechanical and engine parts are fine. Great car.

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  The 1997 Camary XLE V6 is a great car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Denise - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1997 Camry brand new, and have had no problems out of it. I have 115,000 miles on it and it just had its first tune up. The orginaly brakes and battery lasted until 90,000 miles noone could believe it. I have had some problems recently with the car smoking some, but we just switched to synthetic oil and I believe that could be the problem. It has been a great car.

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  Just change the oil - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By dvettman - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My baby now enjoys this low maintanance 172,000 mile ride. It has to last another 8000 May 2003 when shell be my daughter the Doctor. 22 years in school is a long haul. The weak areas: Front exhaust pipe has been replaced every 5 years, CV joints about the same . I believe the rear struts are shot but no $$$ to have them replaced ..

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  Great Commuter Car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By jludes - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car almost a year ago to commute back and forth to college. I am getting 37 mpg on average(not too bad). There has been no problems for the first 18500 miles. Acceleration with the 5 speed is suprisingly good. I put on aftermarket 16" TRD wheels with low profile tires. This helped the horrible handling a lot. Overall, great commuter.

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  Watch out at 50,000 mi - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By chash - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I loved my Rav 4 untill 50,mi watch out anyone who owns one. at 50,000mi it falls apart. water pump, timing belt, shocks,valves, I dont know if my rav was built on a monday or a friday but I am positive that it was one of those days dont get me wrong I love my car but do yourself a favor and buy the extended warranty Toyotas dont run forever!!!