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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  Trans axle noise 35 mph to 55 mph - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By eugene riotte - March 21 - 12:33 am

  Vehicle did not make transaxle noise when purchased! After 1500 miles it started a howling noise at light throttle, 35-55 mph it is getting worse, Toyota Tech is supposed to be checking on the reason for it, it has been 21 days and I have heard nothing, I am very dissatisfied with this car! I was told there was a production change, I think I got one of the bad ones. The service dept. replaced an axle at about 5 thousand miles and the axle bearing, but this did not correct the noise I am hearing.

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  Rattle Rattle Squeak Squeak - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 2Noisy - March 20 - 9:00 pm

  The sunroof rattles like it has marbles in it. The left front rubber insulator between body and frame squeaks when its cold. The lumbar motor in drivers seat went out and was $750 to replace. There was a support tapping me in the back, so it had to be fixed. It has been to dealer for the noise and is still not fixed. The seat is ok now. I am running H/T tires and handling is great. Radio still sounds great with its 10 speakers. Handles and rides well on trips, but rattles from sunroof will drive you crazy.

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  Great mileage for a big car - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By TOYOTA BUYER - March 19 - 6:46 pm

  Great car except for the springs and struts. At 25k miles the ride started to become very hard. Felt every bump. Complained to dealer and toyota. Their solution was too much air in tires. This while under warranty. Having springs and struts replaced at 55k miles. This should solve problem. Toyota will not be my choice to do the work. Taking to independent garage. Really believe the spring problem was known and ignored by toyota, since it only affected ride comfort, not handling. Also bought 2004 Avalon XL and the ride quality between the two is laughable. 2004 rides on air, 1999 inspects all defects in the road.

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  Now has Steering Fixed - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Vic Scales - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I HAD the steering problem many complain about. There is a TSB where they fix it by swapping out the steering computer and now the car is GREAT. Before that I thought I had to get rid of it. Now I LOVE the car and have about 17,000 miles on it.

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  Surprise - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By doug - March 19 - 9:03 am

  Bought this 4 cyl auto jan 2009. Rides real nice and has power for a 4 banger. But disappointed,whats with the cab wind noise. when going over 55 there is a lot of noise coming from back seat area. So bad Im in process of buying insulation to make it quieter. I have owned a Nissan and Chevy truck and this Tacoma is the noisiest. The rear door seals with a crosswind sound as though a aircraft is overhead.

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  Excellent Buy - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Big E - March 17 - 10:03 pm

  I have owned my highlander for one month now. I am well pleased with it. The tire monitoring system is excellent it warns me if the tires are low while driving @ high speed. I recommend the purchase of this car.

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  Sienna 2011 has brake problems! - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By ncadriver - March 17 - 3:00 pm

  I have been a loyal Toyota customer since Id first started driving. Therefore, I have bought many Toyota vehicles for personal use and work. Id just gotten a new Sienna. We have not driven more than 3000 miles before we realized that the car shakes while we went down the hill and try to apply the brake. I took it to the dealer and was told that the brake rotor has overheated because this car is heavier, and IT IS NOT A GUARANTEE ITEM. I was so disappointed because this is a brand new car, and I was told that there is nothing they could do because its Wear and Tear. Wear & Tear with 3000 miles? I understand if I had driven many miles and car had heavy loads, but not in this case.

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  Engine Whine Noise - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Les - March 16 - 4:50 pm

  RAV4 has good features but the engine whine noise starting at 40 mph detracts from all of the positive features. Of course the service department has indicated that there is no technical notice from Toyota regarding this problem. I prefer the quality of our 1994 Highlander.

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  "Sport" is not just a name - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By George - March 16 - 6:23 am

  Bought Sport version because I wanted a black interior - Limited not available in cloth. Dealer Salesperson indicated slightly tighter and slightly harsher ride. Also indicated that suspension was somewhat programmable if really needed. Term "harsher" was understated. Cant keep coffee from spilling on local access roads and cant "program" suspension according to dealers service dept. Took on trip to NYC - ride on highway OK - not fatiguing. Ride in NYC would have been smoother in a horse & buggy. Noise, Handling, and overall Fuel MPG are really better than I expected. Only clear fault is the Spare Tire Carrier. Quality of fit is unsatisfactory and this quirk will haunt you forever.

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  solid vehicle - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By John T. - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the vehicle since it was new and it has proven to be 100% reliable. Other than normal wear & tear Ive only had to replace the rear window wiper motor.