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:

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Slingshot - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 99 Solara and every single thing in this car has improved. More comfortable, powerful, sporty, etc. The NAV system is great and it is a joy to drive this car. It is very distinctive on the road now since very few are around (unlike the too popular Accords).

• 

  A little Better - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By khinwinchong - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Its good car. But given the price tag around 30K, theres a few things to be desired. Theres little fun driving this souless machine. It can be fast but it is not that confident and communicative in the handling aspect. Polarising styling: slabby headlights and taillights went too far.

• 

  2004 Corolla LE - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Jurecka - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Although we like the car overall, it has been a service nightmare. Within 24 hours of purchase the check engine light came on. It has been to the dealer four times for repair. They have replaced Idle air solonoid and relay. They have replaced the computer, yet the problem still exists. Toyota is unable to offer the dealership the support needed to repair the problem. I have had a good relationship with the dealership, but not with Toyota.

• 

  Money - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Youre Gan - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price. With the S version, you get a sporty exterior look to go with the classic Corolla qualities -- great gas mileage and dependability. Ive had mine for a couple of months now, and its really a great fit.

• 

  This is not luxury - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By leonpc - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I am really surprised that Toyota sells as many of these vans as they do. No memory on the drivers seat, almost no adjustment on the passenger seat, no road-side assistance and only 36000 mile/36 month warranty! The seats are uncomfortable on journeys over 300 miles. The dealer told us "This is not a luxury car" but all the Toyota trucks have the features...

• 

  Great, reliable truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By lwdngwruvz - September 5 - 1:28 am

  I bought this truck based on Toyotas customer service and durability of my 1990 Toyota 4x4 pickup. Anyway, about this truck... Excellent durability, reliability and really fun to drive. I am tall, so the headroom is awesome. Plenty of power for my needs, great braking and very comfortable. The tires that come from the factory wore out way too quick. I have had to replace two O2 sensors, which is a bummer. I have had to replace two latches for the rear windows. Other than that, I have had no problems with this vehicle. I try to perform regular maintenance, but I slip quit a bit.

• 

  Top Notch - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By goodhands83 - September 5 - 1:00 am

  I was looking at the Frontier and the Tacoma. I decided on the Tacoma because of the superior space in the rear seat and Toyotas responsible tradition of workmanship and durability. Not sure if it matters but the battery is huge. I have a double cab short box SR5 Off Road Package and there is plenty of room for adults in the rear seat. As for the problem mentioned by the Editors of this site regarding the low seats, it took my lower back 2 weeks to get used to it but now I love it, all good things take some getting used to. The truck handles great off-road, better than I imagined. This truck is a small tank! It handles curbs at 30-40mph no problem ! oops!

• 

  Love it so far - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By tboyd8701 - September 4 - 3:54 pm

  I have owned my 2011 Toyota Sienna LE V6 FWD since November 2010. I have put 4100 miles on it. So far I havent had any issues and this vehicle is the most comfortable I have ever driven. Road trips are very nice, the van has plenty of power and doesnt drive at all like a van. The only complaint that I have so far is the road noise in the second and third row seats at highway speed. I also upgraded the seats after buying to leather, this made a world of difference in the feel and appearance of the van. I would recommend going with the XLE because of the option of leather.

• 

  After 5,000 miles with my 2005 Tundra... - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By rjw5150 - September 4 - 3:36 pm

  I bought the truck used in July 2008 and have been pleasantly surprised at the comfort and performance so far. When buying used, I highly recommend a Toyota off-lease vehicle given that it is easier to see its maintenance history. I didnt buy an extended warranty because I expect Toyota to be built well and durable. So far that is the case and my Tundra drives well, the double cab exceeds my expectations on space and room, the engine provides adequate power for our homeowner and daily driver uses such as hauling lumber, furniture, and the occasional load of dirt or rocks. Everything appears to be functioning as designed. Well see how well the truck performs as I rack up the miles.

• 

  check fit and finish - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By OCD - September 4 - 2:46 pm

  This vehicle has been great. You will not be disappointed. The only problem I have is that the passanger door does not shut like the rest; misaligned, however no wind noise heard. I am afraid to go to dealership because the fix might be worse. My SR5 is loaded without the sunroof I dont need. Looks better than the Expedition.