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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  I like my Corolla. - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave - December 31 - 7:10 pm

  This car does just what I bought it for. It gets good mileage and is quite comfortable. I get 41 miles to the gallon. It is a stick shift. The only thing I would like is to have it somewhat heavier. It gets taken away in strong wind. I would buy it again gladly.

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  Love my Avalon with iPod adapter - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By akrika - December 31 - 2:46 pm

  This is my second Avalon. I went from Avalon to E320. The E320 was major disappointment, so I went back to Avalon. I have had this car for over two years. I have not had any problems with. It ride fine. The only problem is the cheap bridgestones tires that come with it. I just changed all four tires to MXV4 and it rides fine. I the dealer install the iPod adapter and it works fine. Great car.

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  Great car for tall people - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By HL - December 31 - 6:50 am

  Have 90,000 miles on this car and love it. Drove cross-country with 65" husband and had plenty of space for us and other large items. Mileage more than 36 mi/gal. Thanks.

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  Like the 2011 Sienna - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By SV - December 31 - 5:56 am

  Looked at several vehicles (CX9, Enclave, and Traverse) before buying Sienna because none of them offered the room I was looking for. Just drove the first 2500 miles around various places from Chicago to DC in the 2011 Sienna. Everyone in the family felt that the ride was very comfortable. I drove all the 2500 miles and the van handled like a car with no body roll even in the mountains of Virginia. We got 22.5 MPG on the freeway which less than advertised 24 but we hope it might improve. IPod connectivity is great and was able to control songs on the steering wheel. Love the cup holders and trunk space.

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  Not good on snow or ice - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By deloreto - December 30 - 5:41 am

  Ive had the Camry for 14 months now. With the exception of needing a front end alignment while weeks old, Ive been pretty happy with its performance. That was until I drove on a snowy street! The Camry was all over the road with the hazard light flashing.....duh. I didnt need a flashing light to tell me the conditions. What is the purpose of having a hazard light if the car does nothing to correct the condition? If youre driving on snow, slush or ice take your time so the car doesnt lock up on you.gnment almost

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  2003 4Runner after 6 years of ownership - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Steve - December 30 - 1:56 am

  Overall Ive liked the truck. I have close to 100K miles now and have taken good care of it. It still looks like a new truck when I get it all cleaned up which I think is due to the quality of paint and components used. Ive been disappointed by the reliability. Among those things gone wrong are: AC compressor clutch relay, Heated mirrors dont work, Lights in several areas of the dash dont work, Front brake calipers froze up. Had to be replaced Transmission or rear end has a whine that Im afraid is the beginning of a big bill. Would I buy again? Maybe, but I would want to look at other trucks first. The harsh ride of the vehicle tends to make those sitting in the rear get car sick.

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  Initial Review - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Bob W. - December 29 - 1:16 am

  Less than 1000 miles since purchase. So far very happy. First compact ever purchased but was out of necessity (economy). Will report again in 6-9 months. Always had mid size vehicles so this is an adjustment that on first report seems to have been a good move. Anxious to take a long trip to get the real feel of the car and more accurate idea of true gas mileage. Like the reported reputation of Toyota vehicles. See ya in 6-9 months. Ratings given above are based on only having vehicle for one month. Liked the style compared to all considered. Really went to purchase the Corolla LE. However when I saw the S model I quickly made the mental financial adjustment to a much better looking vehicle. My wife wasnt too happy but reluctantly allowed me to go for it!

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  Poor Gas Mileage - Less than EPA Rating - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Robert - December 28 - 3:43 pm

  My wife and I are both Toyota owners. My wife owns a 2003 Avalon, while I have access to the 4.7L V8 engine 2006 Tundra. I have really been disappointed with actual fuel mileage compared to rated fuel mileage for the Tundra. This issue looms even larger in light of the higher fuel prices over 2005 prices. Actual highway mileage is 14-15 mpg, while the EPA fuel rating is 18-20 mpg for higway driving. Actual city mileage is poor. The Tundras turning radius is also problematic. Typical u-turns from a two way street or highway onto a two way street or hignway are virtually impossible without having to turn and backup.

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  Couldnt Get Used to It! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By KC - December 28 - 11:26 am

  After having had a smaller SUV I thought I would enjoy a compact car. I love how the Corolla S looks, but inside I feel totally unsafe, too low to the ground and I cannot see out properly. This car has blind spots, and on the California freeways I feel very vulnerable. Driving is no longer a pleasure. It is scary! This car is fine for local around-the-town errands, but I could not imagine taking it on a long trip. Gas mileage is TERRIBLE! I expected about 32 - 35 MPG but I am lucky if I get 25 - 27 MPG. My small SUV did as well as that! I am going to sell this car and go back to a smaller SUV in which I have a better field of vision and do not feel so unsafe and vulnerable.

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  Nice Truck - Xmission could be better - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ed - December 27 - 4:53 pm

  I bought the truck in June 09. I have had it for about 7 months now. I like the look of the Tacoma. ALL of the switches should be illuminated (ex 4x4), and there should be a foglight "on" indicator. My biggest complaint, like others, is the transmission. The transmission seems to down shift too quickly. After slowing down to turn a corner, it "hunts" to find the right gear. This should be addressed by Toyota.