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:

• 

  MPG great - Suspension BAD - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By mrwrangler - May 6 - 11:36 am

  Typical toyota suspension whats up with these cars and trucks. Wanders all over the road on highway 17 in Awatukee AZ. Best engine, tranny combo, whips stock civics gear stronger.

• 

  Bad paint - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By lorav - May 6 - 6:06 am

  In April 2012 I bought a Toyota Rav 4 2011. It is July 3 2012 and already there is a penny size paint chip that came off the hood. The dealer will not even report it let alone have it fixed. There are lots of reports of bad paint being used on Rav4s for years. And Toyota ignores it.

• 

  Oil Burner - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Oil Burner - May 6 - 2:20 am

  This car has 220,000 miles on it and consumes tons of oil. Weekly it will "use" 2 qts. of oil. It doesnt leak, it doesnt smoke... so where does it go? I just refill it and go. This car is stout and handles very well except in the snow. 220,000 miles and it is still strong. I just have to buy stock in an oil distribution company. Nothing beats Toyota!

• 

  Im glad everyone else liked theirs cuz. - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By disappointedowner - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have 84k on my 99 solara. Im on my 4th set of tires, yes, 4th (no, Im not Mario Andretti). Had to have my fuel injectors replaced just after warranty was up (how convenient). The mirror unit fell out of the driver side sun visor and I was charged $186 for a new one. My air bag light has come on about 8 separate times, each $86 diagnostic check tells me "I dont have the gas cap on tight enough". I now have a record number of lights flashing on the dash - air bag, engine light, and track off, but all the diagnostic is going to tell me is that the gas cap isnt on tight enough.

• 

  goood car but needs a better tranmission - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By tuantat - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Its a beautiful car.Engine runs quietly and smoothly.Except riding is too rough(compared w/my 2000 camry xle v6).Tranmission hesitated to shift when I stepped on the gas pedal.2nd gear to 3rd unsmoothly.Good value car (out the door cost just over 23k).Nice interior designed.

• 

  Base CAMRY SE - Good car for the money - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Scott Barnes - May 3 - 10:53 pm

  Toyota put this car at a low price point, and they had to cut material quality to achieve this goal. As with most cars in this range, it uses a lot of hard plastics on the dash and doors. Also, it uses vinyl and a synthetic cloth material in the seats. The vinyl is often mistaken for leather, and seems to hold up well. The SEs black interior tends to come off as very manly and most people do not like it. The base radio features a large LCD screen and includes Bluetooth. It is also capable of supporting aftermarket features such as a rear view camera. I have had the car for four years and it has been very reliable; typical Toyota quality. Even with the cheap materials, it feels more substantial than most of its competitors. It has a six speed transmission, and this along with the low friction wheel bearings allow the car to achieve 35 mpg on the highway. The new accord was not out when I purchased this car, but I would probably have selected it over the Toyota. Overall, I believe the Honda is a better value, and has a better design. The Camry is still a great car, and a good choice if you are looking for affordability, sporty looks, low maintenance costs, and reliability.

• 

  Love this SUV - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By razbodian555 - May 3 - 6:40 pm

  The ride is very good. Toyota reliability is legendary. All the options. Dont care for the gold lettering of the Gold package Limited. One of the only other things that I liked about my 1988 Pathfinder over this 1998 Toyota is the shoulder room. The Pathfinder felt much bigger side to side and the amount of space between the backs of the seats made it possible to reach items in the back seat much easier. The durability of the Toyota interiors are equal to the Pathfinders but both of these are leaps and bounds over the rival American vehicle interiors.

• 

  Good but not great - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By brandon - May 3 - 9:30 am

  The Venza is my wifes new car that replaces her RX300. I have followed the Venza through its concept to completion and was anxious to get in one. Now after putting 1000 mi on her car I have developed mixed emotions on my feelings about the car. First off it is a great value especially the lease we got. However it is not even close to the interior build quality of my wifes ex Lexus or my XC70 wagon. The interior is a bit lackluster filled with cheap plastic textured panels that trap the spring pollen and feel cheap.The cloth seats offer little support as well. The CVT 4 cyl is peppy bet needs time to wind up. The ride is a bit rough and at times reminiscent of motion sickness.

• 

  Over 200k - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By johnkidding - May 3 - 8:16 am

  210k miles, and no major problems. Catalytic converter went bad at around 140k. Other than that, Ive only spent on tires, brake pads, and regular oil changes.

• 

  Its the best! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By SugarLandTexas - May 2 - 3:16 pm

  Purchased 4 cylinder in the summer of 2006 with 67,000 miles, currently in the spring of 2007 miles 88,000. Only items were EGR, minor distributor oil seep, had both fixed. Reliable, quiet, comfortable, low maintenance, good gas mileage. Regular maintenance. Distributor fried at 85,000, otherwise no issues. Plan on keeping and driving until the wheels fall off or engine wears out, probably at 300,000 mile or so!!!