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:

• 

  The Good, The Bad and The Thirsty - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Mixed Feelings - December 1 - 3:33 am

  I should preface with this by saying Im a car nut and scare people with my knowledge of cars and trucks. I looked at all of the full size pickups before deciding on the Tundra. It hasnt let me down but Im getting tired of the $70 fill ups. The concept for the all new Tundra is a little scary. If you want a Tundra and can afford the gas get one now! FYI- the Double Cab has more headroom than the other Tundras. I had a 97 F150 and this thing blows it away. You cant beat Toyota trucks for resale either. I practically had to give my F150 away and I was glad to see it go.

• 

  Corolla Review - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Frank - November 30 - 10:56 pm

  I have 1000 miles on this 09 Corolla. The fuel mileage so far has been 33 mpg. The car feels very tight with no rattles or squeaks and it rides pretty good on the highway. The car is very quiet with little wind and road noise and the engine is quiet which gives this car a high quality feel. The brakes feel good and the trunk seems roomy. The paint is very nice and looks quality. The steering feels too touchy and it takes constant correction to hold a straight line at highway speeds. If I would have known about this steering flaw I might not have bought this model. Take a long test drive and decide for yourself before you buy.

• 

  Noisy Engine - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By watsonk - November 30 - 6:20 pm

  The Toyota Sienna LE engine is very noisy in comparison to my 10 years old Plymouth Grand Voyager. I drove my friends 2007 Sienna CE, the noise level is exactly the same as the LE: LOUD. The highway road noise is higher than expected.

• 

  Decent - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Peter - November 29 - 2:56 pm

  Purchased two weeks ago and so far a fine truck. Moderately powerful V6 (a V8 would be a nice option). Performs better with premium. New generation is a step up from last in size and space. Smooth and reasonably comfortable for a $40K SUV. Good ground clearance and capable with some minor off roading I did. Handles nicely too while suspension is quite compliant. Exterior design OK.

• 

  Surprised by the poor quality of Toyota - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Angela - November 29 - 8:16 am

  This is the first Toyota Ive ever owned. My husband and I bought this car because we wanted a small, fuel-efficient car to get us around town with the capability of expanding cargo space when needed. Unfortunately, I have been sorely disappointed in some of the features of the car. Within the last two years, both rear door handles have completely broken. The replacement cost for each door handle is $200. The rigid metallic coating of the interior door handles has loosened and actually cut my fingers. Various other compartments (while clever and convenient) have broken or become loose. The bumper pops loose easily and can drag.

• 

  Rav4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By bb - November 29 - 6:43 am

  Nice car for what you are going to pay. Reliable with plenty of stg and so far I am getting 26 mpg on all city driving. Excellent pick up with the four cylinder and good power steering.

• 

  Color dispute - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Shelly - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I ordered a 2010 Shoreline Blue Toyota Highlander Hybrid in Aug 2010 and after all this time, i found out that they will not send a blue Highlander to my dealership and there are none to be found within a 450 mile radius. WHY? Who knows. Toyota hasnt given me a good reason, but in spite of that, I will order a Highlander in another color and look forward to driving it soon.

• 

  Great car, fun to drive - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Dolores - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 140K miles and put another 60K on it in 2 years. The car is extremely reliable and has had no mechanical issues. Sadly, a man in a Ford F150 broad sided us at 70 mph and totaled my nice little red car. He had to be towed and we loaded up our loose and knocked off parts in the hatch and kept driving. This car is so much fun to drive on twisty roads because its handling allows the car to scream through tight curves. Another bonus is its consistent 32 mpg. It has been as high as 36 mpg (ideal conditions @ 60 mph). Its been a great car and I hate to see it go.

• 

  overall its ok - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By carrie - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I got this van with about 10,000 miles on it. I brought it back to the dealership about a month later with a very annoying rattle in the driver side slider, the rattle came and went, and while it was making the noise, it would drive me crazy. They were unable to hear it, so of course they couldnt fix it. three trips back and forth to the dealership and they were unable to fix what they couldnt hear, finally, I brought it to another dealership and they fixed it. My only other comment is negative; regarding the spare tire recall-- I have had the spare in the back of my van for months- - get on the ball Toyota-- this is completely unacceptable-- I guess its better than having it fall off.

• 

  Checking in at 74K - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ChuckfromLI - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Just had the spark plugs replaced at 74K. It was running fine, but had that done anyway at Toyota dealer along with PCV valve, air filter, oil change and tire rotation. Total bill was $625 with the tax (8.5%). The plugs are a big job on this year Sienna because the intake manifold needs to be removed to change them, hence it is about three hours labor for the plus alone. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there is no distributor cap or plug wires to change. Van still runs and drives as new. There may be a slight whistling sound from the passenger side front window at highway speeds. Other than that, still happy with it.