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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  toyota quality - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By johnp - March 20 - 7:36 pm

  Great car, bought it used with 8000 now have 67000 miles on it. Only problem we have is the CD player died and the throttle plate sticks which I need to clean (maintenance issue), solid, solid car

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  nice car, but dash sqeaks and rattles drive me nuts! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ctgardengirl - March 20 - 6:51 pm

  Our first Toyota, bought used Nov 2010, bought base model because of tire issues on sport and ltd, and cost. Went from 1997 Plymouth Voyager van to this - what a difference in driving. It scared me for awhile, getting used to the electronic/computer driving process, seemed out of control to me until I got used to it, now its fine. What drives me crazy is the dash rattles, which is way worse in winter. My old van didnt rattle like this! It makes me want to sell it, and buy another, but afraid of same problem. Radio is ok, bass is terrible. Roomy inside. Seats ok, but not that comfortable on day long drives. Back seat rattles now. What next?

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  So far so good - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SC - March 20 - 4:16 pm

  After driving it for 14k miles, Im now not so excited, but still satisfied with it. The only complaint besides the rear blind spots, is the original front tires worn out at 13k miles. Its fun, fast, stable, beautiful, and comfortable on the road. Very good for a V4. We like it.

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  Best Value of any Car...Period - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Tony - March 20 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned the car for over 5 yrs now and have minimal problems. Purchased car with 22k miles in 2003 and have just put my 2nd set of tires on it (third total set but original Dunlaps were toasted when we bought it). Passenger window is broken, needs new motor. I just also did the front brakes, pads and rotors. New battery a few weeks ago. Other than this, in 5+ yrs, nothing is wron with this car. Nice style and of course, superior toyota quality. This is the BEST CAR VALUE for the MONEY ! I bet with proper maintenence/oil changes, this car would run 300k+ ! If this car fits your budget, buy it, you will not be disappointed!!

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  A New Owner - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Edwin Celette - March 19 - 9:06 pm

  I have only owned the V-6 for a few weeks, but it has lived up to the expectations I had when I bought it. The styling, both exterior and interior, is modern and eyecatching. It is peppy, quiet and fun to drive.

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  Best Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By bhcar - March 19 - 3:53 pm

  Almost flawless, plenty of comfort and power. Quiet. Reliable.

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  Ny Army green - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By warrior8@charter.net - March 19 - 12:33 pm

  Outstanding. Test drive in the Sierras. Handled just fine. Averaging 51.1 MPG Ive only have had it 6 months, unable to enter annual mileage.

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  Surprised at defects in first two years - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Jim Burke - March 19 - 9:46 am

  So far, Toyota has replaced the radiator and fuel tank under recall as well as an electrical issue and a door seal issue. Under warranty the lift gate plungers were replaced after they outright broke off. Then, the A/C compressor had to be replaced because apparently some kind of road hazzard bounced up and put a hole in it. Poor design / positioning? I mean thats an expensive component to be left exposed to a rock on the interstate. N bolders out there. All in all, I bought a Toyota because of the reliability reputation and so far in 2 years it has been at the dealer a total of 9 days. That seems excessive in just two years.

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  4 Years Later, Still A Solid Vehicle - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By bulldogvillan - March 19 - 9:24 am

  I purchased my Highlander in November 2009. 48k miles later and she still drives like she did off of the lot. Plenty of cargo space to accommodate our family of 4. Enough acceleration to make merging onto any freeway a breeze. Its average around 20 mpg. The interior of the car has held up very well. Plenty of room and head clearance (Im 63"). Quiet and soft ride. It handles much like a Camry. Weve had no problems, other than the tires wearing out at 30k miles. Put some Michelin tires on and they havent had any wear after 18k miles. I do wish it had an outside temp reading on the dash. The 3rd row is very cramped, and hard to get to, but we dont really need it anyways.

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  TRD - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By TRD - March 19 - 7:36 am

  Regardless of what some write ups may say, my suspension and drive train and much much more stiff than any of my friends other trucks. I have the TRD and tow package and the suspension is uncomparable. Even though the horsepower rating may be less, Its "rear wheel" horsepower and not engine horsepower thats important. Even with less horsepower, my truck will still beat all of the competitors in the 1/4 mile. The drive train is very basic. All of the power from the motor goes directly to the rear without any traction control and other HP robbing items. The only problem is that I get a slight off start clunking from the rear. But Im finding out that this is normal for this truck.