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:

• 

  Happy and Disappointed - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By cwpa - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my Honda Pilot on the 4runner to get back into a Toyota. While the materials and I think build quality is much better on the Toyota, the seats in the 4runner are very uncomfortable compared to the Pilot. After having it a few weeks, between the ride, seats being too short on the bottom and the lack of interior size compared to the Pilot, I may end up going back to Honda. The car purchase taught me that no car is perfect, I need Toyota build quality, Pilot interior size and ride. What is interesting is that the power of this 4runner seems less than my 2006 I had. I would drive it for decent test drive to see if you can tolerate the truck ride and seat comfort.

• 

  Is this a great car or what? - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By rafi - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Best cargo space in its class, lots of useful compartments. Was skeptical of the spare on back and swinging back door - now I love those features, make the car even more practical. Leg room in the second row is impressive. Acceleration is adequate. Gas mileage great if you drive carefully and dont unnecessarily rev up the engine; on a highway when driving not more than 65mph you can easily get 30 mpg. I own mine for 2 months now, I do 50/50 city/highway mix and my average mpg is 28.2, weather and driving conditions were perfect, though - during winter and sweltering summer days I expect the average mpg drop a little, perhaps to 27 not lower. Oil change every 5K instead 3K - like it too.

• 

  Good Buy - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By M. Viejo - March 5 - 2:00 am

  We decided to purchase the 2011 XLE instead of the new Odyssey strictly because of the exterior Design. Overall the van is a great buy with a a few minor needed improvements.

• 

  Worst experience - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Unavailable - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Majority of the time i go over a speed bump, sewer, and even pot holes there is a loud disturbing girding noise took it to the dealership and "observed normal operation" still to this day i have continued with this argument and nothing. Just today i drove over small bumps and had my foot on the brakes and still kept going.. Very UNRELIABLE! Worked for this car for 3 Years to get this. An accident is waiting to happen before they help.

• 

  Not perfect, but very good overall - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Maurice - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2010 S model for a year, and am very happy with it overall. First of all, the gas mileage is awesome. I have a 5 speed, and if the MPG monitor is right, I can get about 38-39 MPG on the highway. I average 35 on a whole tank of gas. The styling is great. Nice aggressive lowering of the front end, and the ground effects and spoiler make it look much better than the standard models. Interior is nice. There is a lot of plastic components. A few negatives, although minor. Could use back seat pockets. The fabric is loosely attached. One issue Ive experienced with the radio is during cold weather, the volume knob will not work. The interior needs to warm up first.

• 

  Awesome - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Lisa - March 5 - 1:50 am

  I traded in my Chevy Avalanche for this and am very satisfied. The vehicles braking and acceleration is quick, the inside is young looking. It is sporty and surprisingly roomy. Although it doesnt look roomy from the outside. You have to get inside of this vehicle and test drive it. Do not judge it from the outside like I did. I love it and its reputation and resale value cannot be beat.

• 

  Tires, Brakes, Oxygen Sensor Issues - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By 4redwings - March 5 - 12:49 am

  Tires were shot at 30,000 miles. Odd size makes replacement expensive. Rear brake pads shot at 30,000 miles (grinding heard on LR rotor). Lots of life left on the front pads, so whats up with that? Biggest disappointment was at 30,000 miles and 3.5 years both oxygen sensors on right exhaust went out at the same time. Bank 1 Sensor 1 and Bank 1 Sensor 2 to be exact. $700 repair. I like the car but the reliability is coming into question for us.

• 

  Best truck ever - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By LunarEclipseGSX - March 4 - 8:33 pm

  Ive driven dozens of vehicles from sports cars to turbo-diesel heavy duty trucks, and this Tacoma is the best of both worlds. Not only can I haul (literally) a ton of material, but I can easily tow another fully laden Tacoma. The interior is simple, yet sophisticated, and it simply looks better than any other truck on the road. Its not the best on gas mileage, but Im only noticing cuz my previous vehicle was a 1.6L Sentra. This is a great overall vehicle and I highly recommend it, unless youre on a tight fuel budget.

• 

  Great - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By lee - March 4 - 4:33 pm

  I traded an 05 XLE 6c. for an 08 XLE 4c. and it has as much pep even on hills. Good gas mileage. I am very pleased with the car thus far.

• 

  2003 Toyota Avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By BLH - March 4 - 2:40 pm

  Exceptionally comfortable and functionally includes everything, but lacks excitement. Still gets great gas milage.