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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  Refreshing - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By stew - July 16 - 11:20 am

  After two windstars which I was happy with I decided to buy this Toyota after driving all the others first. This is better then the 2010 Honda but nothing wrong with any of them. The difference from the windstar is night and day. Hwy mileage so far is as advertised 24 mpg. At 75 miles per hour. The only thing I dont care for so far is the back up camera/screen, its way too small. Other than that I simply love this van and so does my wife who is a Honda fan.

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  Pleased with my purchase. - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Silkey - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this Toyota a few months ago. I like everything about it except the comfort of the seat. Im older now than I was when I owned my last Toyota pickup. I didnt mind the seat then. It could use a little more padding. Truck runs great and I anticipate it will for years.

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  2001 TUNDRA ACCESS CAB V8 2WD GAS SUCKER - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By FLBODACIOUS2U@AOL - July 16 - 10:00 am

  30,200 MILES NOW ON 2001.TWO OF FOUR OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED BY 25K,GAS MILEAGE HAS BEEN AT 11-12MPG SINCE 2ND OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED, TOYOTAS SCAN TOOL ON MY TRUCKS COMPUTER "CANT FIND ANY PROBLEM"! FRONT BRAKES REDONE UNDER "SERVICE BULLETIN" NO PROBLEM THERE! SERPENTINE BELT WAS WORN AT 25K.DRIVEN BY 49 Y/O FEMALE ON PAVED CITY/INTERSTATE. YES, GUYS..THE TIRES ARE AIRED UP TO 35LBS. THIS 2001 HAS TURNED INTO AN ARAB OIL SALEMANS DREAM AND A FREAKIN NIGHTMARE TO BUY FUEL FOR AT $150 PER MONTH COST TO DRIVE 1,000 MILES!!! 11.22MPG/CITY&12MPG/HWY.THIS TRUCK IS COSTING ME $170 PER WEEK TO LEASE,INSURE, GAS AND OIL CHANGE!!!

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  Another GREAT truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By bravo22 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I work for plumbing contracting company and we have several Toyota pick-ups, one has over 400,000 miles! All are bullet proof tough and reliable. The 2002 4WD Xtra cab that I drive is no exception. I have had a dash rattle and that is it in the problem dept.

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  Honda lost a sale - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By flyhi152 - July 16 - 7:54 am

  I was going to buy a Honda Civic but then I changed my mind because the red color is only available with a disgusting beige interior, the seats reminded me of my grandfathers TV couch. So I bought a Corolla S-Plus with the convenience package. I just returned from a 700 mile test drive to Los Angeles. What I can say is that I am less tired now compared to the same trip in other vehicles. Driving at speeds of up to 80 mp/h feels like driving 60 in other vehicles. The noise level is low, the suspension and steering are excellent, the climate control is very user friendly.

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  A second look 4 months later - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By dwarner - July 14 - 4:50 pm

  I reviewed this vehicle shortly after I bought it and gave high marks across the board, especially to the engine. I still like the car overall, but have a major complaint towards Toyota. After 3 months of driving, paint has chipped from the "running board" part of the passenger side doorframe at the edge between the vertical outside of the car and the horizontal ledge of the frame. The only logical prospective physical cause from my activity has been my shoes rubbing getting in and out. Toyota denied warranty coverage over this item, essentially suggesting I must have done something else. My shoes have been the same for 20 years with no prior problems of this type on any other car.

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  New age of riding - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By p-town - July 14 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this camry to replace my gas drainer (Chevy Tahoe). The difference in gas usage is great, you can tell a big difference in the savings. HWY mpg is about 36 and City mpg is about 38. I believe that Im ready to go anywhere.

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  Almost a year now - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Eroc69 - July 14 - 12:33 pm

  Ive had my V-6 since 12-06. 13000 miles. The driver seat is still soft and mostly uncomfortable. MPG is great for a 6cyl. The tranny hesitates but not frequently and does not flare but we dont use the cruise control. I have tons of scratches and the paint does seem thin. The biggest complaints are the softness of the seat, the super cheap interior dash plastic and the location of the door pulls, they render the door arm rests useless. New problem showed up and my tires are more than half gone. Car has 13K on it, thats unacceptable. I cant sink $400 on tires now. Unfortunately I will trade this in on something in the next year or so, maybe a used TL.

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  Not sure these trucks can be killed. - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By shelbert1 - July 13 - 8:17 am

  I have owned 2 vehicles since 1985, my whole driving life. My 1st truck at 15 was a 1980 toyota pickup, I ran it to 550k miles before giving it to my brother in 1998. I purchases this 1996 Tacoma as a replacement. Was hoping for half the life of my 1st. It did not disappointed me yet. Just turned over 350k miles and is still my daily driver. Would not even think twice about heading cross country. I have replaced a starter, clutch master cylinder, and all bushings and ball joints (only one failed but I changed them all). Have yet to even replace the clutch but it is starting to slip I will buy another one if this one does give it up.

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  Just Finished A 1 Week Rental... - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By PapaBill - July 10 - 11:51 am

  I recently put 400 miles on a 15 SE in southwest Florida and Im impressed. Fit & finish are very good both inside and out. The slightly sportier suspension is evident on curvy on ramps at above normal speeds. The front interior room is almost as big as my old 04 Avalon XLS (now in my sons hands with 190K miles using synthetic oil). Bluetooth connection was easy - compared to my wifes 12 Avalon, which wont recognize my Droid Razr. The halogen headlights throw the light well. The 6 speed transmission with paddle shifters moves the car smartly from a stop. The A/C was more than adequate in a black car with black interior. Controls are easy to operate. In combined driving I averaged 28 mpg with at times a heavy right foot. The nit picks : The fuel mileage bar graph and ECO indicator are redundant as there is a trip computer. Some of the indicator icons are small but still readable. Red stitching in a black interior? The OE Michelins are a bit noisy. I suggest Kumho or Perelli P7s as a replacement. Both excellent tires in the snow. The back up camera guidelines dont turn with the wheel. Even GM products have that feature. The V6 option must move this car quick if my wifes heavier Avalon with the same motor is any indication. Its not my BMW 5 series but its decently sporty for a Toyota.