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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  Smart Buy - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By spotbearsd - December 11 - 2:10 am

  I really disliked the idea of going back into another large SUV. I am so glad I did! I cross-shopped this with an Expedition, F150 Supercrew, Titan, Tundra, Pathfinder, Armada.The Sequoia was hands down the nicest driving. Its smooth as a Lexus (for a truck) and is not fluffed up or affected by gross depreciation like a Ford the minute its driven off the lot. Ford offered $3000 more for my trade and $2500 under invoice, but even with the higher price of the Toyota, it was clear which would be worth more in 6 months. The Toyota dealership was nothing special. Felt as though they really didnt try to sell the car. I had to really work at getting the price I wanted.Did not see the value in LIMITED model.

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  Still love it even with more problems - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ToolTom - December 11 - 1:03 am

  I already wrote a review four months ago, but I need to add to it. They have finally fixed my transmission. I am very happy with it now. However, more problems have developed. There are still rattles in the dash and now the roof now has a bad rattle. Also, the paint is chipping terribly all over the car. Well, at least the car shifts better now!

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  Big Winner - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Mean Gene - December 10 - 11:33 am

  I went out and drove every truck made, plus read every review possible. The Toyota Tundra won hands down. I like the looks of others but a 6 MPG Hemi dont cut it for me. I did have a minor problem with the truck cutting in and out when below zero. But seem to correct itself, mileage around 14 with a K & N filter. Great truck, but I wish all options were avaiable, not by region.

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  low TCO / reliable transporter - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Jo Jo the Monkey Boy - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a reliable car. Toyota has the "bullet proof" rep for quality - and Consumer Reports gave the Echo the highest quality rating of the low-end compact sedans. I am very pleased with the gas mileage - better than Kia, Hyundai, or Chevy Aveo - and Ive really appreciated that with gas prices being so high this summer. I really dont car about styling, acceleration, handling - its a good little car to get me to work. I dont want to spend time haggling with auto mechanics trying to rip me off and I think the Echo has the built-in quality to stay out of the shop.

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  Poor Water Pump Desgn - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Frank713 - December 10 - 10:00 am

  59.5 K miles and noted the coolant reservoir was dry just prior to long trip Denver to Grand Canyon. Water pump was leaking and very expensive to replace...similar to changin timing belt laybor. Was out of warranty by time...but I called Go Toyota and they agreed to pay for the pump, but not the laybor. Im happy with the truck, but dissappointed with the failed water pump with so few miles...no off road. Mechanic told me pump was a bad design by Toyota and it is a common repair for this truck.

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  1999 Corolla, Wifes choice. - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By jlhaxby - December 10 - 10:00 am

  We were looking for a new vehicle in 1999. My wife suggested the corolla because her sister had a 1997 model. We looked at Ford, Chevys and Chyslers, but decided on the corolla. We only drive approximately 7500 miles per year and have had zero problems with the car, except for a dead battery. Just one minor crash into a wall, but it held up well. (The wife did it.)

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  My 04 Doublecab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By rON - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Tundra, its the four door four wheel drive model. Lots of room and pulls my boat better than my Silverado 5.3 ever did. The interior is pretty plain.....but the reliability of Toyota keeps me coming back and the Exterior is easy on the eyes.

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  good for what you pay for - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By P-Dub - December 8 - 2:00 am

  The Corolla is not a performance car obviously, but for the money you get a car with great build quility and high reliabilty. Compared to the cars in its price bracket it has the best ride, and quality, and inside the wind noise is none existent unlike many cars in its price range. Performance sucks but what do you expect if this car had more HP this car would be a 10 out of 10.

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  Money well spent - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By love2drive - December 8 - 2:00 am

  As a single parent and college student, I just wanted a car that would take me from A to B safely and worry free. I got more than I bargained for. The dash and front panel are made with quality material. This car can really get around. I do 99% city driving in Manhattan and sometimes the Bronx – I put this car to the test against serious automobiles. It handles very well in traffic that demands maneuverability. It could afford better shock absorption, faster pick-up and a quieter engine. But considering the price, the car drives like a dream. Plus, My daughter loves the space in the back.

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  Moving up to a Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Baron Finn - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had the Camry LE for a month. I moved up when my Corolla was totaled in a flood. I am quite well pleased with the smooth quiet ride and the ammenities. The 4 cylender does not feel underpowered and gas millage is good for a midsize. I am not real crazy for Toyotas cruise control, it seems to forget where I set it when I re- engage but other than that I have no real complaints.