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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  Pleased but not completely satisfied - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Big Jay - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The truck has done everything I have wanted it to do. It has performed well off road, on the highway and in the snow. I have put it to work hauling and towing and it has not failed me. As discussed below, Toyota put cheap tires on the truck. I shouldnt have to replace them at 25K. One of the tires had a crack in it. The local Firestone dealer told me that they tires were to light for the truck. If do your own general maintenance such as oil changes, you will hate Toyota. Changing the oil is time consuming and difficult. See below. I think the under-seat storage bin should be standard. I recommend it. The gas mileage has been as expected: 11-14 in town and 16-18 on the highway.

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  Great Car for Great Money - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By bc21 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I am replacing a 2010 LE that was totaled in a rear end crash. I am buying another Camry because no there were no injuries (not even a stiff neck). The SEs ride is firm compared to the floaty LE. I find the SE fun to drive on curvy roads and the leisurely drive on the highway. I drove the V6 and its a rocket, but the 4 cyl is no slouch. The 4 cyl meets all my needs plus puts an extra $1500.00 in my pocket. My company car is a malibu which is nice but not in the same league as the Toyota. Drive one and I am sure you will love it.

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  Mixed feelings - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Jo - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Am I the only one that HATES gas mileage Im getting? Mostly hwy, also city and Im averaging 23-24 mpg. My 2003 Camry got better gas! Nice design, inside and out. They changed spot for moving side mirrors, more inconvenient as I have to feel around for it at night. 2003 had it on the door, much easier.

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  A Bad Boy looking to get unleashed - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By daifaylow - November 16 - 6:43 am

  I took delivery of my RAV4 Sport V6 on the first day it snowed in Vancouver, Canada (usually we dont get snow)so my new baby was parked in garage until the snow melted a week later...paranoid of lousy drivers in Vanc. First impression when I finally was able to drive it, WOW!!! This is one bad a$$ puppy that loves to go fast. I feel the V6 engine is constantly looking to go faster and unleash its potential. Flint Mica colour and black interior is HOT!! Have not accelerated hard yet so torque steer not evident. Handling in snow was accurate and precise. Visibility excellent even with wheel on rear door. Ample legroom in rear seats when reclined. Avg 15L/100km so far before break in.

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  Good car, but terrible quality. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ToyotaTodd - November 16 - 5:26 am

  I love the way this car looks, drives and handles. However, the quality is absolutely terrible for a Toyota. It has major transmission issues, which I have had fixed twice. It has awful rattles and squeaks in the moonroof, dash, and rear deck. The dealer has tried to fix them, but the noises wont go away. I will keep this car, but I hope Toyota improves their quality to their older standards of the mid 90s.

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  Great on Gas, Poor on Reliability - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mrack - November 16 - 3:43 am

  I average 32mpg in city per tank, 40mpg pure highway driving. Ample storage. Enough power to get you moving. Throttle response varies from 0.2 sec (noticeable, but on par with other DBW cars) to well OVER a second on warm days (omg what is wrong w/ my car). Variable means you cant adapt to it because it changes. This causes premature clutch wear because rev-matching for downshifts cannot be done reliably. Toyota will not warranty clutch repair no matter how few miles. Mine is still holding on, but it has developed a shudder at 20k miles... its just a matter of time. No tach available on the manual hatchback. Im on my 3rd factory MP3 stereo.

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  Awesome Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ssmithri - November 16 - 3:00 am

  Owning and driving this car pleases all of the senses and sensibilities. At a base price around $21,000 (I spent $24k with options), the Prius is affordable. The roominess (comparable to a Camry inside) allows for space for children or cargo (or both). The stylish outside and detailed appointments inside(multi-function display, sleek lines, etc...) are easy on the eyes. The ears and and nose appreciate the silent operation in electric only mode (the engine automatically shuts off /on depending on power/speed needs) and the near zero emissions leaves no foul oily taste in the mouth. The handling is responsive and tight and leaves one with a feeling of having a midas touch.

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  Love the Sienna! - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By dburnrph - November 16 - 2:14 am

  We traded in our 2007 Saturn Outlook XE for the new Sienna SE. We are very happy. Love the look and drive of the sporty SE. Great gas mileage, huge amount of room.

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  Best SUV Value - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Terry Cumiskey - November 16 - 12:30 am

  1st SUV, 6th Toyota since 1980. Best SUV product value on the market today.

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  Great little truck - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Man - November 15 - 9:40 pm

  Bought this truck after many years of saving up with 114K. Got the 2.7L I4, got good power without sacraficing too much mileage. Gas mileage is about 18.5. However, drivers side rear leaf spring broke shortly after purchase. Was a heafty $400 to replace with aftermarket springs. I was told this was very common with first year Tacomas. Overall, no major problems yet, doesnt burn oil, dont make noise. Ride is a little rough though.