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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  Transmission problems - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Allisonian - October 8 - 6:56 am

  My Venza was silky smooth the first week. Loved it! Then the annoying grinding noise from the transmission occurred when starting in the morning with every shift. The technician said that it was normal in a morning cold/cool start. The grinding sound became worse and worse. Now the venza wont move when start in the morning, on reverse, or drive for up to a minute, while the VDC light up on the dashboard. Have to turn it off and restart. Very disappointed. Other owners reported similar problems. Will take the car to dealer to have it checked out.

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  I love it - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By vatecbound - October 8 - 3:16 am

  I did a lot of research online. I test drove the Corolla S 09, 08 Honda Civic, and 08 Honda Accord. The Corolla has everything! I bought a Classic Silver 2009 Toyota Corolla S with the JBL option, moonroof, sport package. I love it, its been amazing. Getting around 34 mpg (mainly commute on a parkway to work). I feel like it is an economy car with some style. Trunk size is great, almost as big as my 1999 Taurus. The clock display is not that bad, takes time to get used to. Go buy it if you can find one.

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  First car! - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By swissferdi - October 7 - 11:43 pm

  Bought this car as a reliable and safe daily driver; before seeing it, I had known nothing about 6GCs, and now Im pretty much obsessed. Handling is crisp, and the cars lightness is really apparent in braking, lane-change, and general handling capabilities. As long as you dont test the 7A-FE too much, its a really fun car to drive thatll return some pretty good MPG (unfortunately, I have the worst combo for power & MPG, an automatic coupled to the least powerful engine). Other than installing a new head unit and speakers, this car is stock, but completely livable. Interior is also great, I love how the center console is angled towards the driver, and the layout is very well thought-out.

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  3 years and no regrets - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By D-Dub - October 7 - 9:03 pm

  Going on three years and 35000 miles with my 4Runner and still love it. Im 62 and fit easily even with the sunroof. Ride is very smooth and quiet. (Smoother and quieter than our 06 TL.) Easy to see all around, mirrors are big, brakes work well, feels very safe. I feel like I can drive over or through anything even though I rarely go off road anymore. The only problems Ive had were a couple interior rattles but the dealer took care of them. Sure the gas mileage is bad (average 16.3 with my lead foot in mostly city driving) but I knew that going in so cant complain. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Well built, "fun," economical car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By harddrivin1le - October 7 - 2:13 pm

  I feel the greatest value in this car is found in the base models and that people who want more options would be better served with the Honda Fit. That being said, I love my Yaris. Mine has the dealer-installed TRD suspension parts (springs, shocks and rear sway bar). The package utterly transforms the cars ride and handling and gives it a Mini-like feel. The TRD package yields a very well balanced, fun to drive car and Il highly recommend it to any enthusiast. I also installed the leather wrapped TRD shift knob, which flexes less than the factory rubberized plastic knob and yields a more direct feel to the shifter. Nice brakes, nice steering, acceptable seats, lots of storage, MPG!

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  4Runner Rocks - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By avs-man - October 7 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new in 2001 and it has never given me any reason to get rid of it. It is tough, rugged, reliable, dependable and good looking. It does not go off road very much but I have full confidence in it when I do. The horsepower on this engine started lagging at 45K at which time I decided to have the TRD Supercharger installed and that made all the difference in the world. Even though the gas mileage stayed the same, I get more bang for my buck and I fly across the Colorado passes! All the features from the driving lights to running boards to rear wiper are convenient. Interior is well designed and ergo-friendly. Handles well too.

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  Great truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By r smith - October 7 - 12:30 pm

  Bought this truck new and have been very pleased. No major mechanical issues, but a few items to note, front brakes are undersized for the size of the truck and have to be replaced more often than normal. Paint job dulled in 06 and o2 sensors keep going out. Truck does great off road, I put a leveling kit on the front and an all around 3" body lift, looks great. Overall a great investment, Ive been driving the truck daily and it is very dependable.

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  A high quality beauty - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By monterrey al - October 7 - 10:00 am

  We (8 people)took this vehicle to Mexico, all the way close to Guatemala: All kinds of terrain. An awesome performer. I have yet to have a problem: plentiful acceleration, great comfort! Great looks; In Monterrey, the salesman told us how much people wanted the sequoia in Mexico, but is not sold there yet. Excellent attention to detail, premium quality on the interior, seats, and exterior; feels like a smaller car; I enjoy driving my sequoia everyday, and it is nice drive a truck with an elegant personality, but with excelent dna and character for off road duties. Very reliable with best residual value in its class.

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  Fine - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By larita1 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Ther is nothing that I dislike about this wagon. I would rather have this that a Brand New Car of any type. By the way "IT IS NOT FOR SALE PERIOD"

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  it is the best - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Amanda Lenhart - October 7 - 10:00 am

  it has been the best vehicle ever and i used to have an eclipse but that never drove as smooth as the celica. i love my car and i couldnt have asked for more. thank you.. please feel free to e mail me anytime