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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  Typical Toyota Dependability - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By 4jblund - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent family vehicle. The only real problems are the weak brakes, rattle in the rear (found in plastic panels and fixed with foam tape), and confusing accessory controls on steering wheel. Small price to pay for unequaled dependability and family safety.

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  Dont miss Explorer... - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By P L - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this to replace my 98 Explorer. There is no comparison between the two. My 4Runner feels like a bank vault in comparison, and is just a nicer, better vehicle in almost every way, except the auto 4x4 which I miss using (but not fixing). I passed up new baby SUVs and newer domestics that cost the same so I could get Toyota quality and a real truck. I was really burned on my Explorer as it was constantly in the shop. Lesson learned.

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  THE TRUE RATING - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By BSCOOBY - October 10 - 2:00 am

  FIRST OF ALL THIS VEHICLE IS A GAS HOG. I HAVE READ RATINGS OF GREAT GAS MILEAGE. MY COMBINED IS ABOUT 13-15 MPG. THIS IS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE IN THE BRIGHT SUN. WITH SUNGLASSES ON ITS HARD TO SEE THE SPEEDOMETER AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO READ THE TEMPERATURE AND RADIO STATION READOUTS. THE POWER WINDOW IN THE BACK SHOULD BE A POP-UP LIKE ALL THE OTHER MFGS. THAT WINDOW IS ONE PAIN IN THE BUTT AND NOT USER FRIENDLY. OTHER THAN THAT WITH THIS BEING MY FIRST JAPANESE VEHICLE (IVE BEEN DRIVING DOMESTICS FOR 33 YEARS) IM SATISFIED WITH IT. I WAS TIRED OF GETTING NOTHING FOR MY DOMESTIC TRADE-INS.

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  I dont like the tires they had one the car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Dominique Montiero - October 10 - 12:42 am

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  DVD system is a nightmare - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By elizabeth - October 9 - 11:33 am

  We purchased this van after renting the sienna many times for road trips. reasons are obvious: reliable, roomy, user friendly and super duper cargo friendly! We have really enjoyed the van and it has made our lives much easier. We do not care for the DVD system. It is controlled from the back only. Our children are small and are in booster seats which means we must stop the car to load/unload movies and start them. BIG PAIN in the neck. Somebody please tell Toyota to make it possible to load from the front seat, possibly by the stereo.

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  new and very good - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By x2073 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Just got it

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  One year with the Sequoia - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By krisko - October 9 - 10:00 am

  If you are considering a full sized SUV, the Sequoia must be a serious contender. It features gobs of room, numerous safety features, plenty of luxo goodies yet is relatively fun and easy to drive for such a big vehicle. While a tad pricey compared to the competition, I think in the long run it will be cheaper when repairs and depreciation are considered. I paid $38,700 for mine with everything but sunroof and 4wd. I could have bought the same Expedition or Durango for almost $10,000 less but I know Id have problems down the road. Bottom line? Peace of mind is worth money to me.

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  My Yota - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Monica - October 9 - 2:30 am

  I had a 2004 4runner and I absolutely loved it! I recently decided it was time to upgrade to a third row seat. so I bought my Sequoia. I love the Sequoia but the only problem is that it gets horrible gas mileage. 13.7 mpg. with gas reaching $4 a gallon Im wishing I would have gone with a hybrid. All of our cars are Toyotas b/c you cant beat the quality. Im looking forward to getting rid of a carseat or two and opting for a Prius. If you have the money to keep up with the gas then youll be fine.

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  Too many issues - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Lady Jen - October 8 - 6:26 pm

  I leased this car and had to buy 4 new tires at 16K mi., had the seatbelt holder repaired after two months of driving, and the transmission seems to not want to shift down properly. Added to all those joys, the recalls. This car is garbage and I cant wait until next year to move over to Honda.

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  1999 4 runner saved from clueless owner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By john - October 8 - 5:30 pm

  Bought off ebay 7/2007 with 100k, did all of the deferred issues,+ new springs, shocks, 1 " lift, changed all fluids, cold air intake. Great quality (mini Land Cruiser) same looks, better mileage. Better 4 wh drive system. Power is a little weak, gas gauge reads empty with 5 gal. in tank (common) this is a true 300K truck with the right mechanic working on it, 1999s are the year to buy, they sit an in. higher than all the other years. Had a 1993 land cruiser for 14 years, great but sucked gas. This 4run get 17 21 town/highway. Will cruise 90 mph all day long. No oil usage or leaks 285.75 /16 tires & spring spacers & it looks ready for anything, great for anywhere.