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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  Upholstery problems - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By sewsue - March 3 - 2:16 pm

  Purchased this 08 base RAV at the end of October. Its now 7 months old and this is an update to an earlier post. The front upholstery continues to pill and fuzz and just look really, really bad. The back seats are fine since they are hardly used. I have an 8 year old car that looks better inside than this one. It took a certified letter to Toyota for Toyota to tell my dealer they would help them solve the problem. Theyve offered custom seat covers, but that was over a month ago and Im still waiting to see if they match the rest of the interior. Wish I didnt like the handling and pep so much - it would be much easier to just get rid of the RAV.

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  Toyotas not what they used to be? - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Charles - March 3 - 6:50 am

  Overall the 2003 Sequoia is a very good family car, but lots of issues. Here is a list of problems and youll see 3 of them are the same type of problem! 1) Inside door handle broke (was replaced while on warranty). 2) Gas gauge on the instrument panel is no longer working and reads empty when it is not. 3) Left rear passenger "Inside door handle" broke (not on warranty) 4) Back door window wont roll down 5) Right front passenger "Inside door handle" broke 6) Back door hatch "Handle" broke and now cannot open the back door at all. These door handles are just cheap plastic and would think Toyota should be replacing them by something stronger?

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  Suppercharged Solara - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By xxxxxxx - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I would encourage anyone seeking more power on the v6, 3liter engine to speek with Toyotas TRD (Toyota Racing Division)group, for about $5,200 I had a Toyota dealership install TRD supercharger, upping HP from about 200 to 276, sport suspention-springs and struts which lowers the car about an inch and a half, short shift making for a sweet short through and lastly a sport exhaust, throw in a K&N filter and Im the sleeper no mustang GT, regular BMW or Boxter expected to meet. All this and maintaining the Toyota warrenty!! Have Fun.

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  I had the bad one - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By hong wang - March 2 - 10:00 am

  At the begining, I was really happy with the SUV. And two weeks later, I noticed my garage floor had fluids.Went to the dealer and they found out the transmission fluid was leaking and replaced seal. A few months later, I drove the car with sun roof little open and it was raining. A few hours later, water started dripping from inside right above both driver and passanger windows. Dealer found out the drainage pipe was broken inside of the car. I also installed the hood protector. If I drive the car over 45mph, the wind noise is so high that it hurts your ear. Finally I have to use tape to seal the gap between the protector and the hood.

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  my first 4-Runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Nat in NM - March 1 - 10:13 am

  Wanted something a bit smaller to replace the Land Cruiser, but with low range 4WD. 4-Runner is getting bigger, almost the size of the Sequoia, maybe too big. Happy to have the peppy 6-cyl engine, getting over 21 mpg. Off-road performance is solid, on-road tends to lean in the curves, with a trucklike suspension that could be firmer. Turning radius is great. Styling is trying too hard to look like a Hummer - come on, Toyota, your strong suit has always been simplicity and reliability. I almost didnt buy this one because the hood is so high you cant see the road obstacles. Stereo has way too much bass, maybe the higher end stereo is better.

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  Rolla not for tall people - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By ROLLA - March 1 - 9:20 am

  I really like this car and could brag about it for days when it comes to styling, reliability and gas mileage. Here is a list of things I hate about it. The drivers seat does not go back enough. No standard cruise and the standard wipers lack intermittent feature other cars have. The biggest thing is that stupid buzzer for no seat belt. How many times do you get rolling before getting the belt on or want to make a quick stop so you take the belt off before stopping. That stupid buzzer noise drives me nuts. I have driven many cars over the years both newer and older and none of them irritate me like this one.

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  Not Getting neare 40 mpg - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By donko - February 28 - 3:34 am

  I have about 9K miles on my 2012 XLE and I have yet to get near 40mpg. I get between 36-37 mpg in Eco mode. What gives? Should I contact my dealer on this and/or is this normal?

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  The one you are looking for - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Amy - February 27 - 2:43 pm

  I purchased this car 2 days ago. I love it. Its a great economical solution to a new car. The engine is capable compared to the competition. The cabin is small but adequate for its size.

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  great starter - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By hblakeney85 - February 27 - 1:44 am

  I love my 4runner. excellent car. hate to see her go

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  Good all round vehicle - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By aspenlakes - February 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought the matrix because of mileage and the avalable manual trans. My two boys hate riding in it (ages 8+9), because they cannot see out of the rear passenger windows. The rear seat is deep, which makes it impossible to see out the windows.