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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  V6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By 101 Toyota - March 18 - 12:00 pm

  I got V6 LE auto, so far so good, overall is very good car, had easy time in local dealership. V6 is only way to go,4 is only 1500 less. Amazing how smart is Toyota to sell so much for so less, if money is no matter go with MB E class

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  Excellent Mini-van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Yogen - March 18 - 9:23 am

  First thing I should say, it has an EXCELLENT turning radius. I used to drive my small scion xA but observed no difference in handling Sienna while turning. Next thing I should say,it has an EXCELLENT tight steering control. I love it, really LOVE it. It gives confidence to the drivers while driving a mini-van like this. Quiet engine. Nice roomy interior with sufficient compartments. Good rear view when you look over your shoulder while crossing the lanes. Good value if you want to settle with a single car for a long time. I was (am) worrying about its tire as few people in this forum is complaining. I yet to see for it. I yet to see its fuel efficiency (I believe it may not be worse).

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  GREAT LITTLE CAR..... - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By DENISE - March 18 - 1:03 am

  Bought my car brand new five years ago...just love it...love that it is compact and an easy car to drive and manage. And of course the savings in gas money...cost me now with the high price in gas approx. $40 - 50 a month...have had no problems mechanically until recent...the fuel injector went and the sensors...was surprised since the car has such low mileage. Was disappointed about that, cost me 600 to fix. Other than that I still have the original battery and just finished replacing the 4th original tire, which I do say, hugs the road better.

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  Bad Rear A/C line, low quality tire, and bad rear most mirror molding - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By nk_17 - March 18 - 12:42 am

  Bought Toyota Sienna 2008. Today is July 6, 2012. About ~4.25 year and 39000 miles, and facing following problems already: 1) Rear A/C line leaks. Dealer said it was due to rust after leak test. Then I request to see myself and saw oily residue on rear passenger side tire area. No rust at all. Dealer said, originally, line will have to be replaced. Then I think he had a slip of tounge and said leaky o-ring. Whatever it is. The cost to repair is $900. I went ahead with the repair since dealer (Elmhurst Toyota, IL -chicago area) scared me that it could damage the compressor if oil keep leaking. 2) both sides vent window molding falling $85 each to repair 3) original tires lasted only 30k.

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  Highlander - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Herb Hagmann - March 17 - 6:23 pm

  Best suv I ever drove, including my former Ford Escape Hybrid

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  Great Everyday Pickup - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Andy - March 17 - 5:40 pm

  This truck is a great value for those looking for a balance between work and play. It will easily get your boat to the lake and your landscaping trailer to the job site. It handles moderate payloads comfortably and is comparable to most trucks in its class. The interior fits 5 adults comfortably and the controls are simple and straight forward. It does everything a pickup is supposed to while having a extremely comfortable ride. If you carry a lot of tools and other nic nacs, you will need a tool box due to lack of interior storage. The upside is, the bed is a full half-foot longer than the Titan, F-150, and Silverado Crew Cabs. You wont have to give up a lot of bed space for it.

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  Overall good, honest transportation - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By JMG - March 17 - 1:40 pm

  The Corolla is a good commuter car that will retain its value and last for years. Its cheap, honest transportation with a few bonuses like standard side impact airbags. The biggest drawback with the 09 Corolla is the steering. Its incredibly vague and drifts on the freeway. Looking back, I wish I would have leased the car with a manual transmission. At the time, there werent that many on the lot. I love Toyotas in general. We also have an 87 Camry in the family. Service has been very good at our local dealer.

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  Cockroach - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By isnide23 - March 17 - 12:57 pm

  I am the 3rd owner. bought it with 60k miles. right now it has 150k miles. all I have done is changed oil and tires. It has been on rough dirt roads, countless snowstorms and numerous road trips of 1000+ miles. I have driven the piss out of this car and taken it on dirt roads it probably should have stayed away from. Toyota knows how to make a reliable motor and powertrain. There is a reason Toyota dominates other companies on reliability. This vehicle is a cockroach that refused to slow down.

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  2001 Tundra Ext Cab V8 - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By BC - March 17 - 9:53 am

  I have owned my 2001 Tundra for almost 4 years now, and I have put 50K miles on it so far. I have loved everything about this truck so far. Reliability has been excellent. I have taken the truck to the dealership once when an O2 sensor went out (fairly common problem among Tundras). The warranty fixed it for free. The gas mileage is as advertised (about 18 mpg on the highway), and the 26 gallon fuel tank gives me plenty of range. I can fit a baby seat in the back seat, but the front seat will be a tad tight. I am 64", and I have plenty of room in the front seats. The back seats are OK for short trips, but I would not want to be back there for more than an hour or so on trips.

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  Vantastic - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Bubs - March 17 - 8:23 am

  This van is just great. Acceleration is very surprising for a minivan. Handling is great too. The ride is like a jetliner, very smooth. My kids love it too and want to always ride in it. The satellite radio is fun with lots of choices. Best thing has to be the hands-free Bluetooth connected to my phone. It automatically connects when I get in the car and will lower the radio and ring over the speakers when there is an inbound call. That, combined with the steering wheel controls could make it the best safety feature out there. We DID NOT get the RES or NAV. You dont need it. Kids are happy just watching out the window and talking to you or listening to the radio. Rear-backup camera: awesome