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:

• 

  Disappointed first time Toyota owner - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Disappointed Owner - November 17 - 1:56 am

  When I first saw the Venza I just had to have one, I really like the look of it. Ive had it not quite 3 months and am very disappointed, I have loud wind noise that drives me absolutely crazy. I work around a lot of noise so when I get in I dont like to have to have the radio on, but its the only thing that will drown out the noise. Ive taken to the dealer three times and their best response is, all we can tell after driving yours and another new one on the lot, the wind noise is inherent to the Venza, to me this is unacceptable in a brand new vehicle. And here I thought I was spoiling myself by buying it. After yrs of owning a Honda, I bought this. Big message, going back to a Honda.

• 

  New Owner and I love it! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Happy in LA - November 16 - 9:13 pm

  Ive had my Highlander for two weeks and I love it. It really takes off when you accelerate and climbs hills with ease. I love the "buzz" factor too. A lot of people are curious about hybrid cars now and its fun to be on the "cutting edge" of a new technology. I had a Camry for 13 years and getting this new car has been a big thrill. The small features like extra cupholders, power outlets and cargo cover show the thought that went into the design of this vehicle. The informational dash read-out that shows the power source (gas or electric) is also well planned because it explains the new sounds you hear when the power train shifts from gas to electric or both. Bravo Toyota! I love it!

• 

  2007 Corolla LE Auto - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By david - November 16 - 8:40 pm

  I just recently purchased my 2007 Corolla and it has 9400 miles on it and I love the car. I am getting combined mileage of 31 mpg! It runs and drives great, I test drove several other cars and decided this is the best value and do not regret it one bit. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for an economical vehicle.

• 

  Whats all the fuss about? - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By kaosbig - November 16 - 3:36 pm

  I dont get it. What makes this car so great? It is slower than anticipated, not great to look at, and the famed quality? Had the car back 3 times to get the moonroof fixed. Fit and finish? There is a gap inside the car, where the drivers side a-pillar meets the roof header that I could lose a ball point pen in. Reading the clock? Try doing it on a sunny day... I dare you.

• 

  Absolutely blown away! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By gexproguy - November 16 - 2:19 pm

  After shopping and testing about a dozen good-gas-mileage sedans (Altima, Accord, Prius, Venza, etc.) I (almost accidentally) sat in the Camry SE at a Hertz lot in Roseville. I was afraid to admit it felt super comfortable (I drive an average of 5-6 hours a day) because I really didnt want to buy a Camry (thought of it more as a girls car). I decided to take it for a spin and WOW! It was really a fun car! Took some hi-G curves, whomped on the accel, smoked the tires and and broke hard. Decided right then to buy it. I bought it for $16K as a rental return with 38K mi. I thought I might have buyers remorse but every day I drive it I love it more!

• 

  great car - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By california-coaster - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The performance of this car is great. Driving mountain roads in California it really feels solid. There are no unpleasant surprises in the handling that Ive encountered.

• 

  Bad Brakes - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike Hernandez - November 16 - 10:00 am

  After only a few hundred miles on truck, it developed a vibration in front-end when brakes were applied. ( Highway driving, no towing or hauling carrying about 150lbs. of tools). Dealer repaired brakes 4 times, after which arbitration was started for a manufactures repurchase. Toyota apparently knows of this inherent design flaw and has corrected it newer models, However after winning my arbitration and manufacture repurchased vehicle,I was told by a Toyota Rep. that dealership(Sierra Toyota) Has now listed me as an " abusive driver."

• 

  Its a big Corolla! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV4buyer - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Priorities for this car: Reliability, Reliability, and overall usefulness. Toyota wins hands down in the first two. Almost bought an Escape, but read Consumer Reports and changed my mind. Automatic was a must because of all the phone, food, map juggling, etc. Although a solid shifter, it is a poor match for the engine. Mileage is only fair (23 mpg). Ride and noise is comparable to a compact car. Back seats are very versatile. Lots of neat little compartments. Easy entry for 200 lb 6 guy. Steering wheel placement is a little off. Either my legs are too long or my arms are too short. Nice runaround car. I love it!

• 

  Great deal for a quality product! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Tim Gydov - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this for 1 year now and am pleasantly surprised what a delight it is to own. This is my 3rd Toyota and I am just in love with this company. Their cars are far superior to all others Ive owned... Chrysler, GM, Ford... none of them compare to the quality of Toyota. I was happy with the 4 cylinder over the 6, because the difference in power was not very great, and I was able to use the money I saved on upgrades like leather and sunroof - aftermarket ofcourse. I get loads of looks and questions from all kinds of people about this car. They are all surprised at how little I paid for it. $27000 new with everything. Highly Recommended.

• 

  I luv my TUNDRA - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By RJCJ - November 16 - 9:46 am

  I owned my first toy.truck in 1993 and it was a DOG. I purchased a 4-rnnr in 2000 and in a flip and roll accident it spared 3 lives and not 1. I purchased the tundra in 2001 and never looked back. The truck is a workhorse and with the exception of the oxygen sensor (which Toyota recalled in Nov 2004 and paid for my previous related expense) it performs better, rides better and handle better than any truck or SUV Ive ever owned. The only other truck I would like to have is the new toyato truck I saw at an auto show. I cant remember the name but will surely remember the look when it arrives in the showroom.