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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  Advice - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By ready - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I am currently dealing with nightmare of the 2003 AWD Matrix. I do have a warranty. I am looking in to my rights under the lemon law. It seems to me that these cars are coming up with the same transmission problems and the transmission is different in the AWD then from other Matrixs that the trans is Faulty. And Toyota should be responsible. If anyone feels the same way or has any advice for me post on this forum ill be looking out. Thank you

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  Best Car Ever - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Mark - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I am one of those people that grows tired of cars after 2 years, but this one is a keeper. Bought it with 79K and now have 124K. The car looks, drives and sounds like new at 12 years old. The V-6 is one of the greatest engines ever in terms of performance and reliability. Weak points are wheels, which corrode with road salt and thin, easy-dent body panels. The best of nearly one dozen cars Ive owned.

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  XLE V6 - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Vincy - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car new and mine came from Japan. I change the oil regularly. Any problems have been electrical problems. The engine runs great til now. I may have to repair or replace the catalytic converter or its sensors. I thought about getting a new car but since this runs so well, what else would I buy?

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  Ok but quality not on par w prev Toyotas - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Fred - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Air conditioner failed 6 months after end of 3 year warranty. $900 to fix! Defective AC pipe which went to the rear AC unit. Part was on a 3 week back order because of numerous similar failures! Toyota better get its act together.

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  Forget flat free tires - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By ron strand - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Our sienna is a great car we enjoy it on trips the gps is a big help, had a little trouble finding a sat tuner for the radio but had one installed and it works well. The biggest draw back to this car is the flat free tires. They are not flat free the light is on more than off. There is not a Dunlap tire dealer in our area so we are left to the mercy of others. The local Toyota dealer is not helpful. I would buy regular tires for the car but they did not build a place for the spare, pretty stupid who ever heard of a car without a spare.

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  2002 Toyota Camry XLE (2.4L) - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By AA - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought used in 2004 with 45K. The vehicle has 160K and running great. The only repair was the tranny at 98K but covered under 100K warranty, that was close, repair would have been $4,000 at dealer. The cat converter went out at 110K, warranty expired. That was 2 years ago, no problem since. Brakes have been replaced. Good comfortable vehicle. Everyone that drives my vehicle always comment on how smooth it drives.

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  2010 Venza 4cyl. - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By john carey - October 11 - 10:00 am

  The four cylinder drives nice in the city, excellent front road view , very good gas mileage, they need to do a better job attenuating road noise. The back seat are very comfortable for a family with three teenagers. Vehicle feels compose and predictable when driving.

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  Still getting used to this car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By still adjusting .... - October 11 - 10:00 am

  We own a 2003 Toyota Camry & continue to use it every day & love it. We needed an additional car, so we decided to buy a 2011 Camry LE. We are both still getting used to this car.It seems to often drive like a "horse in the starting gate"-more than ready to take off, especially from a park or stop mode. It is a smooth ride on the open rode, but we both feel like we have to "manage" its tendency to want to accelerate when we drive it in the city. We may take it back to the dealer to have it evaluated for this. We also notice that the windshield is slow to clear when it is both humid and/or rainy. Other than these 2 problems, we are enjoying the car.

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  2008 4runner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - October 11 - 5:50 am

  Having previously purchased other makes and models (this is my first Toyota), this car is excellent. I have taken it everywhere, including on the beach! I am certain I will have this vehicle many years to come. I have owned Fords, Jeep (I liked my Jeep by the way), but this truck is top of the heap!

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  My new Toyota XLS - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Clayton L Greiman - October 11 - 3:36 am

  This is my first Toyota. All my previous auto were Oldsmobiles, but since they have dropped family sedans I was searching for a quality replacement. I have found it!. This car exceeds my every wish for a family car. Safety of passengers is outstanding. Quality of workmanship is apparent throughout the vehicle. Ease of operation from the drivers side with all the essential controls readily available, and easy to find. Truly a great car.