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:

• 

  Perfect for Empty-Nesters - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By BBoomer - September 1 - 10:00 am

  After 1400 miles, 3 washings and one waxing, I have not found any imperfection in the build quality of this vehicle. Good all purpose vehicle for those of us who like the comfort of a car and the ability to haul materials for weekend projects. Predictable handling on interstates as well as gravel roads. Easy entry and exit for us boomers with stiff knees.

• 

  I love this vehicle - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By AMAZING CAR - August 31 - 8:56 pm

  Bought this car last year, with 130K on it. I love this car, I wish cars were still made this well and felt this stable. With Shell Vpower, I can get 34 MPG with 40% city 60% highway. Never needs anything but oil changes, and they are a snap to do yourself. It is not the most fun to drive, but with the manual trans it is better than most camrys.

• 

  Best Car I Have Ever Had - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rkempen - August 31 - 7:33 pm

  I am amazed of how much I love this car.

• 

  Tundra Double Cab SR5 4 x 4 TRD - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By tch3mkr - August 31 - 5:03 am

  had some seat problems intially with the Air Bag not working properly. Overall a decent truck, real light in the rear end. Wants to spin out in turns especially on wet pavement because of the power and light rear end, but its a nice truck. Just need to get used to it more as this is the first foreign vehicle I ever bought for myself. Did buy a 2003 Corolla for my wife.

• 

  Cold Seats - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By tom - August 31 - 4:06 am

  Altogether a great car. FWD gets us anywhere in Northern MI. Orig. Toyo tires were very, very bad - they would cause hydroplaning even in light rain. Ave miles are 20=21 mpg. Plenty of power seems like a v6. Worst problem is cold air gets in from the doors and causes very cold behinds on both sides. We installed lambswool seat covers but it did not help. Dont buy unless you have heated seats installed. Otherwise expect 5 months of cold behinds.

• 

  Ugh - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Ket - August 31 - 1:50 am

  I bought this car new. I have never been in an accident, but the cars been in the shop 4 months out of the 4 years Ive had it anyway. The throttle body assembly went, both of the O2 sensors went, the AC went, my sunroof was fixed for leaking, both windows fixed for leaking, left window motor replaced, and the front hoods paint job is messed up/chipping despite my constant attention to it. I get an oil change every 3,000 miles, no exceptions and suggested services as necessary (tune-ups, fluid flushes, etc). Its only got 57,000 miles on it. Guess I got a bad one.

• 

  Runs better than a Timex! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mell - August 30 - 8:00 pm

  Ive owned my 4Runner for 7yrs. I have 193,000 miles on it with no reason to believe I wont get another 100,000. It has only been in the shop for normal maintenance and a check engine light that keeps coming on for a few weeks and then goes off. Cant find the reason so Im not worrying about it. I dont like how it drives in the snow. 4WD gets me up my steep driveway but doesnt help me stop on slippery roads. Getting about 16 mpg and the small tank means Im always at the gas station. Very comfortable on long drives and cargo space galore. My dogs love the electric rear window and so do I. Its the main reason I bought it. Hardly any rust either. Great SUV! Not too big -- not too small.

• 

  05 Tundra DC - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By jmk - August 30 - 1:50 pm

  Love the truck. I compared Chev, Ford and Nissan 1/2 ton 4 full door trucks. The Toy has the largest bed by far and plenty of room for the family. Excellent ride and great gas mileage over the 2500 HD I traded in. Stereo is very good, visibility is good and the major controls are easy to reach. Hauls a full load of gear for four in the back plus towing a boat (3000 lbs). Passengers comment on the car- like ride.

• 

  Great Vehicle! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By thinklingsbird - August 30 - 1:10 pm

  I bought this 13 months ago from a friend of mine for a mere $1,500. It had about 148K on it and Ive put probably 15K on it since. Within the past year Ive had to change a battery, replace a cooling fan, and thats about it. Nothing major. It starts up every time and runs great. I get roughly 30mpg on the highway and 20-something around town. Its not a beauty, but its certainly a great car for its utility.

• 

  Poor quality Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Johnwar - August 30 - 12:20 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Camry LE 4cyl, believing that it would be a good value and quality for the money I am putting in. After bringing it home and made a better look at it, I found out that the carpets were not even tacked to the floor. The rug seams were not even sewn together, and is hidden under the chairs. Looking under, I found the drive shaft were rusting badly and looks as if it is made of cheap steel. It may rust out in another year. I felt I bought a defective merchandise. THEN CAME THE RECALL..