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:

• 

  Not as good as expected - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By S A Holt - December 24 - 2:00 am

  After five Camaros and reading Toyotas reviews, I decided to get one. The Toyota was more expensive, but I thought I would keep it longer due to reliabily claims. I really like overall look and handling of the car, but my experience has been less than great. The car has been in the shop more than my Camaro. I have had the Emissions Canister, Service Computer, Sun Visor, door panel and light in glove box replaced and I still have a rattle. This Toyota has had more rattles. The ride is very rough for a car this size (worse than Camaro). I can feel every bump in the road. I like the car, but I dont know if I would ever purchase one again.

• 

  Toyota dealers needs work - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Colin Drew - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The dealer is the cars biggest downfall. So far they have told me that the CE model is not avaible with ABS, cass/cd player, side airbags, and cruse control, even though it is listed as options. Toyota will not make the CE with the advertised options. You have to move up to the LE or S model to get these options. The only problem that has occured is a recall on the Power train axle assembly, and the head lights turn on at night after car has been parked for several hours. Toyota said it is a broken light senser on daylight running lights. I am waiting on a trunk mat that was listed on sticker but not with the car.

• 

  Very nice at 100K+ - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Derrick - December 23 - 9:36 pm

  I bought this car used with around 60,000 miles on it. Im now at just over 110,000 and not having any problems with it at all. I got fog lamps placed on it as well as aftermarket cruise control. I have a 5-speed manual and it responds great. It only has a 4 cylinder in it so in any race I end up losing but it handles very nicely on the highway for 16 hour drives and doesnt cost much in maintenance except for a few things that that have needed to be replaced, but doesnt seem bad at 110,000 and still runs clean and smooth. I wish it would hurry up and break down so I could justify going to get a Tacoma truck now.

• 

  1997 TOYOTA CAMRY LE - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By DIXON - December 22 - 10:00 am

  have had excellent reliability from the use of this vehicle. have performed periodic maintenance per the recommendations of the toyota manual ie. oil changes, replaced tires (6000 miles on new set), brakes replaced recently, battery replaced recently, paint on car is in good condition. has a couple of small dents on body. interior is in good condition - not worn looking. this car will provide very reliable service.

• 

  CE is a lot of BANG for your BUCK - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By knormand - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our van 2 months now. We are still smiling at each other and saying "we love it". Stepping up from a CR-V, this vehicle is in another league. The comfort and seat arrangement are an order of magnitude better. Its very roomy. Our 2-year- old likes to ride in the back seat, so we leave the captain seat in front of him tilted forward for easy access to the back. The infant rides in the captain seat that we positioned near the center of the 2nd row. This is a very solid vehicle... you can tell by the weight of the doors and the force needed to close them.

• 

  Lemon? - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Lynn68 - December 22 - 8:36 am

  So far I am not impressed by my new 4Runner in the least. I was so excited to get this truck, as I have had a 4Runner in the past (2004). Now I am regretting my decision. I am taking it back to the dealer for the third time in two weeks. Rattle in the overhead compartment is driving me nuts. My brakes are hard to press and have a metal releasing/vibration feeling to them. Very unnerving. Each time I reach 40mph the engine starts to sputter and miss. Trying to merge onto the highway is a mess. The first time I was told this is "normal for a 4Runner". Then told it was the ECO and to turn it off. No dice. Not at all Toyota "quality".

• 

  A Fantastic Adventure Travel Vehicle! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By George - December 21 - 12:20 pm

  We ordered our 4Runner from Japan because we couldnt buy a Sport Edition with GPS navigation off a dealers lot. We also added 4WD. The car rides and handles great. ZERO mech. probs. Powerful V6 with decent economy. You really dont need the V8. The 4WD and off-road stability systems are amazing. I used them in a rare snow & ice storm in the Chisos Mtns in Big Bend National Park and was amazed at this SUVs sure-footedness. A few quibbles: Front cupholders stink. Must contort arms & hands to reach window and door lock switches on doors. Tire pressure and oil change idiot lights are annoying to reset. Overall, though, we LOVE this SUV. Even $4 gas cant persuade us to part with it!

• 

  First time truck owner - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By George - December 21 - 11:28 am

  I finally decided to buy a truck but did quite of bit of research and test drives before I purchased on my 2016 Tacoma Sport Double cab. I read a lot of bad reviews about the transmission and pedal lag. Yeah its a little slow but overall I think it drives fine. The interior was nicer than the Chevy Colorado and Honda Ridgeline. I thought the Tacoma has the right balance of sport, interior quality and drive feel. I also drive a BMW 2016 M3. When I want to drive fast I drive my M3 but I do like the ride of the Tacoma. One grip I did have was not having enough models with leather seats. My has cloth but they are comfortable and appear easy to clean. Gas mileage has been fine. I feel like I made a good decision with the tacoma

• 

  Great second car - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Skywarrior - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Superb small SUV. Especially useful as a second auto. Great in typical snow. Parks anywhere. Heater is very efficient, as is air conditioner. Skip the leather seats; quality is just so- so. I would/will buy again.

• 

  4Runner cruisin - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By BG - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Although the 4Runner does have some faults, I truely enjoyed its driving experience. I find the V6 engine to be more than enough power. The power and available options are what sold me when first looking at this SUV.