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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  Highlander On Target for Everyday SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Marky Mark - August 21 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander Limited V6 mimics the Lexus RX300 in many ways but more reasonably priced. Comfort and build quality are top-notch. More usuable storage than the Lexus. Drivetrain and ride are similar to a Camry, not like a typical SUV. Exterior size is about the same as a Honda Accord, which makes it easy to maneuver, park, and fit in your garage. The Limited is missing some things that would be expected on a vehicle over $33K, specifically steering wheel mounted audio controls. The stereo is first-rate, however. Weve had the Highlander only a month but it is great and deserves serious consideration for SUV buyers.

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  Not what they used to be - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By yoda - August 21 - 10:00 am

  My hood doesnt line up on my car,and there is a rattle coming from the right side door

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  Transmission, Brakes, power port location, and rear door - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By mary1958 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I too think the transmission feels wrong. It seems to slip and jerk more than any car Ive owned before. Brakes sound as if they are dragging especially as I first drive down the driveway. The power port is inaccessible if drinks are in the drink holder. I like having a full sized tire and one which you neednt unload the storage space to access. Be sure to check the pressure in it if having low pressure readings. I dislike that you can not put longer items in to haul as I could with my old Ford that had a rear door that lifted up instead of to the side. I have yet to figure out how to put the baby anchor back in the roof compartment.

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  Old School Tundra Update - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By jwolfgong - August 20 - 7:13 am

  OK, maybe my first review was a bit harsh. I have 2700 miles on it now and am averaging 14 MPG without much highway mileage. Highway ride is very sound for a full size truck. Here are options I do have: CC2, CK3, DJ1, AA3, JC2, JZ3, KE3, KG3, LD2, LF3, PG2, CF2, LU3, ES1. I have rated each 1, 2 or 3. 1 equal low value and 3 high value. I would opt for EBD and VSC if I redid this purchase. On a truck with a long wheel base the EBD can really make a difference, IE keep you on the road by correcting your slide before you realize you are in one.

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  At 220K still reliable - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Bob Robertson - August 19 - 8:30 pm

  I cant say this car is without problems, however at nearly 220K miles it is still going strong and I hope it lasts me till 300K. I bought it new. Replaced a main brake cylinder & front struts under warranty, changed oil every 5K, timing belt at 90K and 180K, water pump at 180K, brake pads every 40-50K. Second shift solenoid went out around 190K miles ($280), rear seal small leak at 190K miles, an A/C compressor noise at 2500+ RPM around 200K. Alarm gets triggered if the car is left out in the sun for 2-3 hrs. A speedometer shows 5% higher speed than it is (you are doing only 76 mph when it says 80) with factory tires.

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  2013 Corolla S. - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By elvis765 - August 19 - 1:10 pm

  Many people pan the Corollas aging platform saying it has drum brakes etc. Well the Ford Focus has drum brakes and people think it is the best ever. I drove both cars, owned the new Dart and sold it, driven the Chevy Cruise and Noisy Mazda 3. Out of all the cars I did like the new Civic the most, however their price premium at dealer lots is not worth what you get on Civic Vs. Corolla. The new 2014 Corolla doesnt change much from the old and I didnt feel the need to wait for the newer model. The car is quiet, smooth, and build quality compared to the Dart isnt even close. The Focus was small on the inside compared to the Corolla and I would buy another Corolla in the future.

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  2008 Camry SE 4cyl - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Anthony - August 19 - 8:06 am

  I purchased the SE because of the styling and expecting about the same MPG as my old 1998 Camry (24/30). I now have 8K miles on the car and consistently get 22 (combined). In my opinion the car is underpowered with the 4cyl. The engine hesitates when accelerating at slow speed and I must be careful when pulling out or into traffic. Road noise is a problem when using the built in blue tooth. I was warned by the Toyota salesman about the poor ride of the SE as compared the to LE, XLE, he was right.

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  Very happy! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Eddy - August 19 - 1:40 am

  I searched for 4 weeks (which is highly unusual for me) for the perfect luxury mid-sized SUV. I narrowed it down to the H3, the Land Rover LR2 and the Acura RDX. I ruled out the H3 due to the reaction I got from everyone I told. The LR2 had no incentives and are ridiculous with their pricing and I was on my way to by the RDX when I passed the Toyota dealer. After seeing and driving the 4Runner, there wasnt a doubt in my mind that was the one!

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  Love my Avalon ,hate the brakes - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By wolfchaser56 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This cxar rides extremely well and provides excellent comfort for comuting. JBL sound system is first rate. A little too much body roll for my taste but I can live with it. Brakes take an eternity to work so you must drive ahead. Thats my only complaint. DFealer said "slow down"

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  Solid truck after 45k hard miles - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By nbinsd - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck new, 2002 4X4 TRD xtracab. 2 years and 45,000 miles later Ive got no complaints at all. All Ive done is oil changes and other minor dealer recommended maintenance. Tires are ready to be replaced and brakes are at about 50%. Fuel efficiency could be a better... i get about 17 avg.