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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  Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By John Buck - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Toyota has been problem free from the beginning.

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  A Great Truck (SUV) - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JohnS - February 10 - 10:00 am

  So far it is what I expected... A great truck that has performed to my expectations. I only problem that I have had is that the A/C seized and the whole system had to be replaced on Toyotas nickle. It has plenty of room and seats eight folks comfortably. Performance is good for a big vehicle, could use a little more punch but does very well. I got the Toyota for its reliability and for its longevity... I dont plan on getting one for a while.

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  Happy owner - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Loua - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car one year ago. Best gas mileage its been around 38.2 MPG. handles very nice, althought the air conditioner quit working alltogether for the whole day while 100 degree temp. Next day and thereafter has been working find. Cant tell why?. The car is solid, but when pushed, I can feel mechanical fatigue. But what do you expect from a $16K car. I have got the S. model. Looks good. I which it had 10 more horses. Highly recommended.

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  S for Sports or Superb?!? - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By japple - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased the 04 Corolla S and IÂ’m being pleasantly surprised by my purchase. Narrowing down my selection to the Corolla from four other makes was rather easy. Price, previous experience and happy customers were the main factors to pick the 04 S. After the test drive I was impressed with the acceleration, handling, and maneuverability of the car. The small 1.8 Liter 16 valve engine performs at itÂ’s best to bring the maximum satisfaction. The interior is simple but the workmanship is very proficient. The exterior gives the final touch to bring a small passenger car to the class of a sporty sedan.

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  Best Minivan in the World - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Chuck N - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased on June 22, 2003. Have driven it for 2500 miles and completely love it. Drives like a sewing machine. Smoother than silk. This is no doubt the best vehicle purchase I have ever made. Although I feel $25K is a lot to pay for a vehicle, the Sienna is so much more roomier and powerful than last years and it actually costs $2K less than the 2003.

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  very satisfied - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By stemmer - February 10 - 10:00 am

  The Sienna lived up to everything I needed in a minivan. With a 7 passenger minivan, my family enjoyed the comfort of the middle seats. It drives as well as my Camry.

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  Replaced Honda Accord EXL - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Greg - February 10 - 8:53 am

  Honda V-6 got 27 mpg, 30 on I-5. Getting 25 on 4 cyl Camry w/80 less HP. It is gutless, but expected it to be, as we were trying to be more environ conscious. Interior is cheap- feel like I am driving an older Impala! Recently car started "surging" on the highway at 60-65 mph. Took to local dealer who refused to examine vehicle w/o me paying for fuel exam! Toyotas official line on surges are "floor mats." I was astonished and will never buy another Toyota, although we have had many, beginning with Corona, Cressida, Camry and Corolla before this Toyota. Overall it is very boring, seats uncomfortable, gets lousy gas mileage; is full of cheap plastic everywhere. We plan to sell it asap!

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  Glad to see it go - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By clem - February 9 - 10:46 pm

  This car was crap pulled to the right all the time felt like I had been in a boxing match every time I drove it, dealer ship said it was the road, also wore tires out like crazy, had the 4 cyl no power and a lag when you took off never knew if it wanted to go, and now the things are running away. Guess thats the road too, anyway got out of it. Bought a Kia borrego SUV road doesnt make it pull to the right goes when I push the gas and stops when I want it to good luck Toyota

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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - February 9 - 8:00 pm

  Purchased our Camry about 9 months ago, and havent looked back since. This is our first toyota and certanly wont be our last. Since owner ship weve put 50000kms on the car and it hasent given us 10 minutes trouble. The car rides beautifully and has no problem crusing at 90mph all day. The trunk is roomy, back seat has huge amounts of leg room. The city mileage is not as great as we expected, but highway mileage far exceded the manufacturers #s. The power of the 4cyl is right on par with other manufacturers. I would highly recomend this vechicle to anybody that wants a reliable, comfortable and roomy family sedan.

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  Keeps going and going - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Scott - February 9 - 7:33 pm

  I bought this car in October 1999 and it is still running well. Besides regular maintenance, battery, and tires there were 2 sensors that went bad but other than those minor things it has been perfect. The gas mileage is close to that of the top hybrids.