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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  Awesome!! - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By jsta - March 8 - 1:26 am

  This is the Lexus of minivans. Toyota is living up to its reputation. They definitely did their homework and researched everything. We have had the Sienna for a little over a month and it has not disappointed us in the least. We cannot wait to take it on a road trip this summer.

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  Rent-a-wreck - 2016 Toyota Yaris
  By Robert Enox - March 7 - 10:07 pm

  Toyota should be sued for putting a "glorified go-kart" on the market and calling it an automobile. It is the most uncomfortable "autos" I have ever driven.

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  Her name is Lemon Aid - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Eric - March 7 - 2:18 pm

  To be fair, I did buy this car used with 90,000 miles on it. But it was nearly perfect looking, not a scratch on her, clean, and everything passed inspections. I really liked the car when I got it, fun to drive and comfortable, both front and rear. (the rear seats recline, very nice for long trips) not crazy about the stereo, but I found out this model came with the nav system, which was replaced with the CD player radio (oh well). Then the honeymoon was over and the problems started to show themselves. The road noise is deafening, my convertible mustang GT was quieter. Yes, the dealer put cheap tires on it, which makes it worse, but those 20 inch tires are louder than some of the trucks I have owned. other noise?, I read about this problem, and this car has it, something is rattling in the dash on rough roads, sounds like the front struts are about to fall out its so loud. Two months into ownership the car died in traffic, lights went out, dash warning lights all lit up, then it stalled, the alternator died. If I had taken it to a shop, it would have been an $900 repair, you have to take apart the front of the car, including the removal of the radiator, grill, wheel well panels, under car panels, core support bracket and on an on, just to get the alternator out. Next the brakes, the rotors were hardened and shook when you stopped, that started after 7,000 miles. while doing that job I realized the emergency brake was a tiny, old fashioned drum brake built into the rear disk rotors, which explained why the car wont stay in place with the brake on, which requires repairs (fine, high mileage car), and the pistons for the rear disk brakes have rotten seals, 97,000 miles, with rotten brake components! NEXT, at 105,000 miles, the passenger wheel hub bearings went bad. I have read about this, apparently its a very common issue nobody ever mentions in these reviews, or the maintenance reports. (the suspect is the 20 inch wheels on a drive train designed for a regular car) By the time that one is over I am looking at upwards of $350. (you need a machine shop press to replace the bearings, so you cannot just pop them in yourself) Another known issue, every 5-6000 miles the engine light comes on, because the VVT solenoid on the bank1 exhaust camshaft is tossing a failure code randomly, thats a $1400 repair at the dealer just for one of them, there are four in the engine! (once again you have to take apart the front of the car to get to it, takes literally 10 minutes to replace, 2 hours to get to it). You have to take the car to a shop just to check the transmission oil because on a $35,000 car, Toyota didnt bother to install a dipstick. You cant do it yourself without a code reader that can read live data, and a way to get the car off the ground, but level (a lift). I read about people that have had great experiences with these cars, did you write your review the day after you bought the thing? The seats can catch fire, the transmissions have a known defect that can cause a complete failure over time, the VVT solenoids are known to fail. the leather is terrible (I did read about this, but I thought it was just people being picky, I had no idea a manufacturer would actually use such a lousy grade of leather, I would rather have cloth) There are good things about it, I like its looks, Mine came with an aftermarket chrome trim option, I like the big noisy wheels, the stereo sounds great, though I would prefer a more modern system, I do like the big seats, more lateral support would be nice. The thing is fast, that V6 is amazing, and it gets decent fuel economy for such a big car, I average 23.3mpg, and when I reset the average on long trips, I get about 25 highway (flat roads) I realize I have a higher mileage car, but I just sold a 200,000 mile explorer that gave me less trouble over the last 60,000 miles than this car has in 15,000. I bought a Toyota because of the reputation, then after getting it and having all these problems, I searched for Toyota Venza Sucks, I will remember to do this next time. Its disappointing, I paid $2700 for the previously mentioned Explorer with 131,000 miles on it. I replaced the upper swing arms, radiator, water pump, thermostat housing, and regular maintenance in 60,000 miles, at 192,000 miles, it sent its first engine code. I expected more from a much more expensive Toyota. Hopefully it will go years without any more major repairs, and make up for the last four months. OR, hopefully it holds up long enough for me to trade it.

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  Great New Car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By New Toyota Owner - March 7 - 2:16 pm

  Recently purchased the New 2009 Camry SE. I like nearly everything. Would have liked to see slightly softer seating but that is all I can think at this point. Lots of fun to drive, great gas mileage, and the design of the car is very cool. The SE model has average features for the money.

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  LOVING MY SEQUOIA - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By mimisample - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sequoia. For the price, you cannot go wrong. We chose the Sequoia over other SUVs in its class because its more sophisticated. When we are dressed up for church or dressed down for a picnic, my husband and I look good in it. Of course, it drives well.

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  THE LAST VEHICLE YOU WILL BUY - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By VILLA - March 7 - 10:00 am

  TRULY THE LAST VEHICLE YOU WILL EVER BUY. I WAS A BIT HESITANT A FIRST IN PURCAHSING IT, BECAUSE OF THE PRICE, BUT NOW THAT I HAVE IT, NOTHING COMPARES. I AM GONNA ENJOY THIS.

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  toy 4 wheel drive - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By bertolini - March 7 - 10:00 am

  it handles well off and on road plenty of hauling power lots of room and fun to drive.

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  The best car like ride I ever had - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By vann - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Quite and comfort ride

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  my review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By raptorriderdp - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I think that this is a great car for anyone who has an active, family lifesyle, and enjoys offroading in style and comfort.

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  Clean Green Lean Machine - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Brad Munger - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent energy efficieny and "super ultra-low emissions car. Pushing 50 mpg actual, this is a smartly engineered, high quality vehicle, with excellent safety features. Well laid-out spacious interior for a compact vehicle, sits four adults comfortably, with adequate trunk space. Safety features ABS, DRL, front- and side-airbags. Adequate power and speed (does 85 mph without problems) with aceptable--but not performace-- handling. Great car for in-town or road trips. Mileage superiority really shines in town.