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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  Best car of the 7 weve owned - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Nancy - September 8 - 6:00 pm

  We purchased this new, and after 7 years, I have had only one repair, other than routine maintenance. The breaks needed to be replaced after 85,000. The car is extremely quiet, which I really like. It now has 93000 miles, and I expect to have it another 7 years!

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  Paint peeling off front bumper - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Jill - September 8 - 7:20 am

  Went to dealership. Said rock chip caused peeling, wont cover repair. I have had Toyotas before, under the same driving conditions for 4 yrs without this problem. Also, 1st gear is geared too high, have to rev engine or slip clutch to take off. Also, console storage and cup holders are not as usable as my 04 Corolla. Gear shifter hits cup in cupholder when shifting into 2nd, 4th or reverse.

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  Sienna SE is pretty good, but could be better - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By stratpack - September 8 - 4:13 am

  we choose the Sienna based on build quality (I work for a Toyota supplier). The reliability seems to be there, but Toyota went cheap on a couple of things. The interior plastics belong on a lowly Kia, they are hard to the touch and Im guessing will be prone to sqeaking in due time. The sliding doors stick frequently. The van is fun to drive, for a van, the steering is precise and the handling on the SE is probably the most fun of all minivans. The looks are pretty aggressive and hats off to Toyota for putting 19" rims on it, giving the van a sporty stance. Swagger wagon marketing is valid on the SE.

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  Beware of Gas Mileage and Erratic Acceleration - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By bosnol - September 7 - 8:10 pm

  Although stylish and roomy, the Venzas gas mileage, even for a 4 cylinder, is poor compared to what is advertised, especially since we are careful, conservative drivers. It might be the overly sensitive accelerator pedal that results in excess gas consumption. The ride is not smooth either compared to the Ford Escape (we have had an Escape for 2 years). The satellite radio does not perform as well as it does in the Ford models such as the Escape. The dashboard mileage display screen is wired way too sensitive and cannot be adjusted.

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  Good truck, some bugs - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By m9431 - September 7 - 7:10 am

  Theres a lot to like with the latest Tacoma truck. Nice interior and the V6 is smooth and powerful. Its size is just right. Issues? The auto trans doesnt seem to shift right. Rear springs are weak (I had to replace and I dont haul anything heavy) or put up with it bottoming out. Front end gets out of alignment easily. Does the PreRunner really need to be be so high off the ground? Id like better MPG, but at least I can get 20 or better.

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  Great little truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By J to the B - September 7 - 3:33 am

  Toyota truck number three for me. Base 2wd, regular cab, short bed. The second I shifted into second gear on the test drive I knew she was mine. I love the front end styling of the truck, but think the rear end is ugly. Mileage consistently in the very low 20s (mix of hwy and city) which is a little disappointing. The truck accelerated the same with 1,000 lbs of sand in the back or with nothing in the back, which surprised me (a good thing). I love my little truck.

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  Beware of Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By bwarren2 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Yes the Sequoia is very nice, extremely smooth ride no question. However, two things prompted me to sell mine. First, Toyota needs to recall all of the Brake rotors. 18K miles and mine needed to be replaced 3 times...absolutely horrible! Another thing that drove me crazy was the way the SUV would just get blown from one lane to another for no apparent resaon. This wasnt wind related or asphalt related. It almost made me wreck 2 times. I am not the only one ot have these issues either. So beware. The Sequoia is a very attractive SUV, very large yes. It does have several bad blind spots and a few Toyota design flaws that make it overpriced.

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  Still going strong - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By toyota - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my camry new in 97. The V6 is smooth and still very strong with over 130k miles. Its been in the shop once in 6 years for a small repair. This car handles great in the snow, the traction control helps.

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  very comfortable, so-so mileage - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By chuynh - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 99-4Runner SR5 4WD used in 1/00 w/24k miles for $28k. Have replaced tires, brakes, spark plugs @ 65k. The 4Runner is an adequate compromise between my prev. vehicles: Toyota pickup STD cab (utility) & Dodge Intrepid ES (looks & performance). Sound system & speakers are above average w/excellent tweeter positioning. 4WD works well in MN winters. I like the height of the vehicle. Makes moving in-out of car traffic easy. Synching infant & toddler car seats are adequate w/help of pre-tensioner belts.

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  Hood Protector, Tires - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ironmike - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a hood protector (factory installed)that deflects every piece of debris from the road into my windshield. It looks as if someone took shots at my car...about 20 cracks. The dunlop tires put on the 2002 models were junk that had no treadwear. Replaced them after 22,000 miles. 2001 model had michelin ltx, which are great. Oil gauge went bad, and fuel latch was on service bulletin. Could not put gas in my car, until it was fixed. All else is well.