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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  Great Truck, but You Need to Know... - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By the3rdfinger - October 24 - 10:10 pm

  I just purchased this truck used with 100,000 miles on it. Since then I have discovered two things you need to watch out for on this truck: 1. The 4.7L V8 is an interference engine. The service interval is 90,000 miles. If you allow the timing belt to break, it will destroy the valves. Be sure you take this maintenance item into consideration. Have the water pump and idler/tensioner pulleys replaced at the same time you have the belt serviced. Expect to pay $500-$900 for parts and labor. 2. Toyota has issued several recalls for excessive frame corrosion. Check to be sure the frame is not excessively corroded and that the recall items are taken care of.

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  Great while it lasted, beware of known issue - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By shadsie - October 24 - 8:53 pm

  I loved this car while it was running. It handled well, it was a smooth and comfortable ride, it was easy to maintain. It was wonderful. *However*, I knew when I bought this car that it had known issues with stripping head bolts. I wish I had walked away. The car lasted 180k miles before the head bolts ended up stripping and the head gasket blew. Now that those issues have been fixed, it has a massive oil leak that hasnt been found yet. Its been a nightmare. I dont know if the stripping is inevitable or not, but Ive heard of enough incidents of this to strongly recommend you look at a 2007 or newer model instead of this one. Buy at your own risk!

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  Toyota Quality Not What it used to be - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rb106 - October 24 - 7:10 pm

  Car has chronic problem with pulling to right, front windows bang when they go down into door and the dealer says that is normal as the car ages. The car does not handle roads very well, there are lots of rattles and rides very rough. I have owned several Toyotas and this is by far the worst Toyota I have ever owned. I know that everyone who writes loves theirs but I cant say the same. The dealer and Toyota specialist keep telling me that Im too fussy and all the problems are in my head. Friends that drive the car agree that there is something wrong but I cant seem to get Toyota to agree with me.

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  Excellent Car for a Large Family - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Derek - October 24 - 6:40 pm

  We just purchased our Sequoia two weeks ago and love it. We shopped around and took a look at the Tahoe and Escalade to compare it to. The Escalade was about $25k more and a lot worse on the mpg. Workmanship of the Tahoe had a poor feel and look to it, not to mention poor resale value. We had a 2004 Toyota 4 Runner and loved it, but were running out of space and decided to move up to the big boy. We can actually fit 3 more adults into the Sequoia over the 4 Runner comfortably. We opted for the SR5 4 X 4 with most of the options that come on the Limited edition, but without the additional $$$. We actually paid a little less for the Sequoia then we did for the 4 Runner almost 5 years ago.

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  Good so far - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Pleased so far - October 24 - 3:23 pm

  Ive had this car for a year now and have put 10,000 miles on it. I have been pleased so far. Paid $16,500 for base model with auto, air and power windows. Getting over 30 MPG in mixed highway/city driving. Keeping between 60-65 I can get about 38mpg on the highway. With the back seats down and the front seats up, a twin size air mattress will fit in back. The back seats have plenty of room for 2 adults. Handles relatively well in the snow. Despite all the news about recalls Ive had no problems with quality so far.

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  Napa Fun - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By John C Naab - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is awesome! Much better than I expected. Last ride was a 95 Ford Exploder with 220,000 miles on it. Couldnt keep a transmission in it, so I went back to Toyota & Im glad I did!!!

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  Not bad for the money. - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By GScale - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Great quality. Drives like a bus, very heavy. Averages 15 mpg. This was expected. Tire wear was very poor, this vehicle came from the factory with Dunlop tires and I expect to have to replace them at around 20,000 miles. There were 2 minor defects when purchased, the sunroof leaked and the vehicle was out of alignment. Over all this is a good SUV and we are pleased with it.

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  Improve MPG for Best in Class! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bobav4 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I drive over 20,000 a year and need comfort. This vehicle is that comfort I needed. But, the fuel MPG is worse that I was led to believe from the Dealer and the window sticker. Great ride for long trips.

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  Sequia -2002 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Urquia - October 24 - 10:00 am

  IT is one of the best SUVs we have ever owned and we will get a second!!

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  BETTER THAN ANY AMERICAN SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By GENEORICO - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED ALMOST EVERY TYPE OF SUV AND THE TOYOTA SEQUOIA MEETS AND EXCEEDS EVERYTHING I HAVE HAD IN THE PAST. THEIR ISNT ANOTHER SUV THAT IS BUILT BETTER.WE HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. I HAVE ALSO HAD FOUR TOYOTA TUNDRAS WITH OUR COMPANY IN THE LAST 4 YEARS AND THEY ARE FAR BY THE BEST PICKUP ON THE ROAD BAR NONE, NO ONE CAN EVEN COME CLOSE IN QUALITY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH GENE ORICO