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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  115,000 and No Repairs - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By John Z - September 14 - 5:06 pm

  Have had this close to 5 years and have only changed oil, tires, and brakes at 100,000. I will admit that the OE tires gave way at 40,000 but have had good luck since (60k on the replacements). We dont baby ours--kid hauler, client hauler, material hauler (Im in construction so this has seen its share of tools and lumber). Only complaint is getting used to the blind spot in the mirrors, but that could be driver error. 23 mpg with suburban/highway, you have to remember to keep your foot out of it to get good gas mileage. This, with my other Toyotas (Truck, Camry) keeps me a raving fan.

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  Disappointed owner - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - September 13 - 10:00 pm

  I loved this car until recently when I had to put approximately $1500 in non-routine maintenance repairs on the car. The car has a little over 60K on it and has had all of the recommended routine service done at the dealership since I purchased it there. Over the last 6 weeks, its been extremely disappointing and I now seriously doubt Ill ever purchase another Toyota. I had to have the trunk latch replaced - $350; replace seal on oil casing (?) - $280; replace something w/control arms on front end - $900. The car has never been in an accident and has been well- taken care of. I think next time Ill buy a domestic car. :o/

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  Meh, its okay - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By misterfunky - September 11 - 7:31 pm

  I was looking at the Honda Accord EX-L and the Camry XLE, I went with the Camry as I liked the integration with the Navigation better. I think the accord was more fun to drive, and the blind spot camera was better, but I liked the overall look and feel of the Camry better. I have found that my suburban driving only gets 20 MPG, and I drive with a light foot. Also, this car only tells you your MPG after your park your car. Honda Accord tells you all the time and re-settable; I havent figure out how to get this information in this car.

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  Love my lil Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By zachcccc - September 11 - 7:30 pm

  My Echo is amazing after 145,000 miles Im still getting ~35mpg on an automatic and Im not the most timid driver. The handling is pretty good, especially for a car this cheap. Also maintenance is a breeze an oil change every now and again and my Echo does fine. I fill up for gas about 2 times a month (every 760miles or so) the only thing that I replaced were the Spark Plugs after 135,000 miles, and that was a cheap and easy to do. The Echo is also really roomy and comfortable to ride/ be a passenger in. I love my lil Echo its a great car.

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  Love It - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By EBuyer - September 11 - 6:40 pm

  I looked into a 2010 Honda Odyssey Base model but I was not looking for something that drives like a car, I wanted a minivan and the Sienna is cheaper and handles just fine. I was not looking for bells and whistles but functionality hence the CE version. Great van, rides smooth,has plenty of power,is comfortable and I like it. Only complaint is the Van was suppose to come with Daytime Running Lights but for some reason there was a misbuild at the factory. Toyota is going to make it right and it was brought before the regional person. All in all, a solid buy and solid van.

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  Great Make - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By khreddy - September 11 - 4:36 pm

  Bought mine brand new in year 2000 and has about 128000 miles and runs as great as in 1st year. Ride is very smooth, does not make noise. In the initial I could not wait to drive it. Still loving every minute driving it.

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  Cool truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alex Roberts - September 11 - 4:03 am

  Really nice to drive.The 4.0 is really quick. You have to get the TRD off road package to get the real nice interior and features. The four wheel drive is excellent in the snow. I am disappointed with how fast the bf goodrich tires wore in just the first 12,000 miles from all highway driving.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By K Brown - September 10 - 10:03 am

  The Sequoia is an excellent SUV. Reliability has been great. At 25,000 miles repair of the tension control for the fan belt was required, up to 38,500 now and no other repairs. Like the looks of the 2007 better than the new style. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an SUV that is big and holds a lot of stuff. Even got a full/queen size headboard in the back.

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  Reliable commuter car - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave - September 9 - 2:53 pm

  Not the flashiest of vehicles, but definately the most reliable car I have driven. I bough my car used with 23k miles on it in 03, and have put about 25k miles a year on it driving between WA and OR states. Not a single problem. Engine power isnt bad, and fuel economy is awesome. I get about 40 mpg on the hwy with my 5 sp manual.

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  Wifes car and she loves it - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By 1st Toyota - September 9 - 11:20 am

  This is wifes favorite vehicle. Downside, horrible roof vibrations if you open moonroof while driving. Rear end failed at 20k. Wheel bearings failed at 38k. Trunk latch stuck and dealer says warranty doesnt cover anything affected by rust, even though salesman said extended warranty covers "everything".