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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  40,000 and counting - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By tboyd8701 - September 12 - 9:48 pm

  I have owned my Corolla S for just over 2 years now and put 43,000 miles on it so far. It lacks in the power, but makes up for it with 34-36 mpg. Handling is decent. Interior comfort is good, I drive for about 2 hours a day. I have not had any mechanical issues with the car yet and as for the recalls maybe people should take some defensive driving lessons or learn how to turn the ignition off and stop trying to get rich off of Toyota. Toyota was very good about taking care of the recalls and if I had to do it over again, I would without a doubt buy this car. Overall a great small car.

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  Huge disappointment - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By DisappointedOwner - September 12 - 12:50 pm

  I have had my Tacoma for 6 months. I could not be more disappointed. I always thought that Toyota meant quality. It does not. I have had my truck back to the dealership eight times. Once for rattles and rear leaf spring problems. Once for rattles and the bad radio - waited 5 months to get that replaced. Five other times for rattles and squeaks in the doors and dash - still have not got those fixed. Speakers on the passenger side buzz. As soon as I an break even on the truck Im selling it and buying a Ford. Soft searching shifting at low speeds.

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  What a car.... - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By beetzmee - September 12 - 5:14 am

  I bought mine back in the Summer of 1999. I owned a 1992 model prior to this. Said another way, I have driven 2 Camrys over the last 19 years. Both were absolutely excellent. I was lucky, this one was built in Japan. The car has been flawless. 137K miles on it now. The AC, Power Windows have never gone down. The original Panasonic Battery lasted 8.5 years. I finally put a starter in it last year at 11.5 years of age. This car, without a doubt, has been the most reliable and competent vehicle I have ever owned, bar none. Its one of those models that if if you can find a clean, well-maintained one. BUY IT. What it lacks in appeal it more than makes up for in reliability.

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  Not bad, but could be much better! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla Driver - September 12 - 4:10 am

  While the Corolla is a decent car, it does not stand out in any way and needs lot of improvement. Redesign the interior, move the clock to the radio area (add date/day of week); improve steering feel; illuminated controls for door locks & mirrors; 8 way power driverÂ’s seat w/lumbar support; radio backlighting should be blue to match other controls; make the LCD bigger and higher resolution so it contains more info at a time (see Elantra). Every cheap gadget these days has high-res LCDs with a wealth of information! And get rid of the pixelated fonts; fog lamps on XLE. Heated outside mirrors standard on the XLE (Elantra offer them standard on all models); no intrusive hinges on trunk.

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  Safey Problems - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By befuddled - September 12 - 1:36 am

  I would simply suggest anyone buying one pay particular attention to the automatic transmission. It is computer driven and you notice the transmission not engaging when it should after turns and when you start again say at a light and have not come to a complete stop. This could easily leave you in a vulnerable spot when you least expect it. Check Edmunds.com and read the complaints. Buyer beware as Toyota and the dealer will leave you high and dry with the phrase normal characteristic.

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  Fun In The Sun - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ed Levy - September 11 - 11:46 pm

  I have found my Toyota Solara convertible to be a very satisfying automobile. Converting it to an open car takes slightly less than 10 seconds. The top and the four windows all go down with the touch of one button. The button, unfortunately, is partially hidden behind the steering column and cannot be seen easily. A minor criticism -- but its difficult to fault the car. The ride and quietness feel like a much more expensive car. Especially the quietness which is unusual for a convertible -- and is greatly appreciated. I have driven the car 5,000 miles with absolutely no adjustments or service required. I have owned many new cars and this Solara ranks with the best. At its price, it is a bargain.

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  suspension - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By donna - September 11 - 4:56 pm

  I have had this car for almost three months and have had problems with the suspension. So long as I am driving on smooth pavement, it is wonderful. On bumpy roads I feel like Im rocking and rolling. The main complaint is that they say it is a five passenger car so long as the passengers dont weigh more than a pound. With Passengers in the back seat the car bottoms out, scraping the road when going over any bumps. Sadle enough,Toyota says this is "normal". I didnt know it was normal to drag the road in such an expensive car. Doing my research, Ive come to realize that the Avalon has this problem and Toyota refuses to address it.They have compromised on the suspension.

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  Hard Seat Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Vince - September 11 - 4:20 pm

  Ive had my AVY since Oct. 05...just over 6k on it. It is used to travel between Pittsburgh and Scranton. I believe the car has plenty of power, great styling, good gas economy (29+ on trip)... very happy with most aspects of the car except the front, heated, cooled, power seats. I feel they are too hard. Also, the passenger seat lacks some of the adjustment features of the drivers seat. Nav system seems more complicated and busy than others I have used.

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  Is there any other? - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Walter & Naomi - September 11 - 11:50 am

  Our 4th Toyota. Currently at 520,000 kms. Is a daily driver seven days a week as my wife is a travelling home support worker. Replaced brakes twice, timing belt three times only as good practice. Never needs wheel alignment. Never fails in any weather. Handles like a dream and my wife drives fast. Car handles like a sports car. Traveled once from Nova Scotia to Ottawa and back with 5 occupants and full of luggage not a problem and only $250 of fuel. Would not think twice of leaving for California in this vehicle tomorrow without service before leaaving. I handle a lot of vehicles and this is the best all around auto in the world by price, comfort, appearance, dependability.

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  fun fun fun - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Tyronesg - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Originally purchased as a family utility auto to transport 5 boys to school, scoccer, summer trips, ect... but has grown to be such a fun and easy drive and ride, that it is a tough choice to drive it or my BMW around town for short errands. I certainly am not comparing the toyota LC to the BMW 5 series as far as performance but in many ways it is just as much fun to drive. The driver has suprisingly superior steering control for such a big and heavy truck. It drives comfortable like a car, brakes well and the fun gets even better when you go off road. Treat yourself to a test drive...you will experience an immediate and distint difference in agility.