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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  Recent purchase - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By John Bernstein - February 13 - 10:53 pm

  Its the best motor vehicle I have ever owned. Absolutely not a shade of a problem - thus far. Its still much too early to say whether the car will meet its EPA 32 mpg estimate. My guess is it wont. But I did study Edmunds a great deal before selecting the Avalon and I think I made a good choice.

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  Awesome SUV - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By May Jones - February 13 - 11:53 am

  Everything you expect from a Toyota, great styling, and the quality is second to none, why spend all the extra $$$ on a Lexus??? The only thing is the gas mileage, however, compared too our friends SUVs its actually good.

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  King of the Hill - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sequoia2003 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my Sequoia. It has the typical toyota build quality and a flawless drive train (might as well have a circle L on the hood). I do wish the diver seat was more comfortable. Also, the 3rd seat is a bit bouncy for a long ride. One of the great features is the reclining 2nd and 3rd row! I would buy another one in a heartbeat!

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  Excellent Cruiser - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Michigan Cruiser - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of the first new V8 LCs in Michigan, courtesy of wierd US CAFE law that wouldnt allow me to buy a GM full size SUV that year. The build quality is great, and the engine smoothness (DOHC V8) is the best Ive ever experienced. It is much smoother than a SOHC Mercedes V8 of the same vintage. Great AWD. Only quibbles: not- bright headlights, replace engine heat shields every 40K miles, 15mpg, standard Dunlops are mediocre (replace with Michelin Cross Terrains.) Would definitely recommend another.

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  Great Used Car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By ClayFromCarlisle - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car a little over a year ago, and it has been an absolute joy to drive. Right now, the odometer reads 124,000 miles, and it looks, rides, and drives like it has 50,000 miles. As far as problems, there have been none except for a bad speaker. All maintenance has been performed on time. By the way, the oil sludge problem is highly overrated. There is an 8 year / unlimited mile warranty on suspect engines. Toyota has gone out of their way to ensure customer satisfaction. As far as the whiners who submit reviews, GET OVER IT. Cars cost money to maintain. The Camry is no exception. However, it has cost less than most cars on the market.

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  Transmission Problems? - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By las - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car. But I am wondering if anyone else has had any problems with their transmission fluid? This past weekend, I took it for an oil change and the mechanics showed me that the transmission fluid was unusually dirty for the amount of mileage I have on the car. Its at about 12,000 miles. I am very curious to know if anyone else has had this problem....

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  Wifes Rav4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Armond - February 13 - 10:00 am

  We just turned in my wifes Honda Civic and got her this car. So far, its nice...it feels so much "lighter" than the Civic which is strange...perhaps because its new? Its rather noisy. Toyota should have done a better job smoothing out this car. For the money, it should be more comfortable and quieter...but as with other SUV makers, the consumer is dumb enough to pay premium for a primitive vehicle (SUVs are trucks that are hugely overpriced). The dealer took us for a ride on the alarm system but screw it, our time and sanity is more important than a few hundred dollars here and there. Time will tell how the car holds up...so well see.

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  Toy - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By D.Ferguson - February 13 - 10:00 am

  On coming traffic think I have the high beam rather than low beam on. Fuel tank is full but register only shows 3/4 full.

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  JBL Premium Stereo System - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Sothipras - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Please do not fall for that "JBL Premium Stereo" which comes standard on the XLE model, and can be add as an option on the LE. They are the worse sound system you could find. Theres nothing premium about it. 8 Speakers that Toyota claims locate at 6 locations, funny I couldnt come up with 8 at all. They intentionally make this as a gimmicks. In conclusion: XLE HAS (VERY, VERY) BAD SOUND SYSTEM. IT DOES NOT WORTH YOUR MONEY. If you picked LE model, save money and go out and install a better sound system. DO NOT choose JBL Premium sound system. Youll be glad you did not chose. I guranteed it.

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  Former Accord Owner - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By westies01 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Just got my car the other day and notice a big improvement over 2003 Honda Accord EXL. I purchased my Accord in 09/2002. I have had to have a strut replaced after 2 weeks of owning, new rotors, water leaking in the trunk and stains on the headliner. The headliner was replaced once and was staining again. No problems withis car and I think Toyota may have a better product.