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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  2009 Tacoma Prerunner 4cyl, Manual 5spd - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By n2wood - April 29 - 9:28 pm

  Purchased in Dec 2009. Good looking truck. I have pampered truck for 48 months. Have same problems with radio as other owners - turns itself off and on in extreme cold or hot temps. Toyota appears to have resolved that problem after 2009. Just turned over 35,000 miles on odometer and clutch has started to slip. It is not operator error. I had a 1990 Toyota 6cyl, manual 5spd truck for 16 years and never had to replace anything, but starter and timing belt. Based on my google search, the problem is the clutch made in Mexico. A replacement AISIN clutch, made in Japan, appears to be reliable. Normal mpg has been 20-23 with non-alcohol gas.

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  2007 Camry LE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Marya - April 29 - 2:16 pm

  Im not as happy with this Camry (my second) as I expected to be. Its a pretty good car, reliable, comfortable as far as it goes, but limited rear visibility because of high rear bumper, and a problem with its computer "learning" my "driving style." This means that if Im an easygoing driver, but need quick acceleration for a situation, it hesitates while it thinks it over, and only then gives me speed. This has happened twice - one of the annoying (also dangerous) "nanny" features I mention below. Also, the exterior design is pretty ugly - Camry had an elegant and quite beautiful design for years; now its chunky and blobby.

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  2001 Sequoia owner - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By brian - April 28 - 2:23 pm

  Love it! It has been a perfect vehicle for family of 2 kids and a dog.

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  Great car! - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By genethegeek - April 28 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this car new in 98 and besides regular maint. and a $1 muffler repair (no joking, a bolt came loose) this car has been problem free. Not bad for over a car with more than 100K miles. The ride is comfortable and handling in the winter is much better than I expected. I also like the fact there are *no* rattles or squeeks. I dont think you can do better for a inexpensive small car.

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  V6 Prerunner - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Doug Mummertz - April 28 - 10:00 am

  The V6 engine in the Tacoma Prerunner makes this a spunky vehicle to drive. V6 is a smooth running engine with the torque necessary to carry or pull those weekend loads. Extra cab model gives the owner that additional storage space behind the seats which is definitely a convenience worth getting. Interior design is good except for the clock location. Toyota has met its usual standards in quality and reliability. Optional TRD package allows the driver to select differential lock at slow speeds which is definitely helpful in slippery driving. Tacoma is an all around well built truck.

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  Uncomparable Reliabilty beyond extremes - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By denzPT - April 28 - 6:10 am

  This car stability was awesome, in extremes weather of -40 degree F during winter, it will cruise to a 12-14 inches of snow (without winter tires). Question of mileage? 29-30 mpg city & 36-37mpg highway... what can you ask for? Side curtain air-bag, TMPs, day-light running time, spacious leg room, wide trunk space, 6 CD changer, good AC/defroster, power locks/window, variable windshield wiper control & the fuel consuming cruise control, excellent brake against crossing moose & deers, and good suspension. Corolla rocks beyond expectations!!!

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  Ugly but beautiful - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - April 27 - 9:16 pm

  I always thought the 02 Camrys were ugly as sin, but I dont care about that when I buy cars anyway. In every other way this car is absolutely superb. Im at 112k miles with no significant problems. Only major expense so far was timing belt swap but that was a maintenance item not a repair. With the 4 cylinder engine the pickup is acceptable and the mileage is extremely good considering it is a pretty decent sized car. Im going to go to about 200k on this one and then buy another new Camry - I suppose Im due around 2011 or so. Engine light just went on last week and the code says its the catalytic - that will be a little expensive but cant complain at this mileage.

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  45K on my 04 Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By harryliuusa - April 27 - 2:26 pm

  Just passed 45K on my 04 Sequoia, It hurts to drive into gas station. Except that, I dont have too much complaint. It is roomy, comfortable (the best comfortable seats on cars I ever owned), quiet BUT clumsy. What can I complain? It is a BIG SUV, of course, it wont drive/handle as easy as Accord... I would like to see it acclerate a little faster at traffic light. Feel like grandpa when light turns green.

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  Good truck with minor bugs - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By riddleja - April 27 - 7:53 am

  Major components are all solid and reliable, but fit & finish arent up to my expectations of a Toyota. Numerous dashboard rattles (not fixed after 20 trips to 3 dealerships), had a water leak, and windshield washer pump broke. Gas mileage could also be better, but its on par with similar vehicles.

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  Noisy - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Durangokid - April 25 - 8:00 pm

  For a Car in this price range the ride is too firm and the wind noise is high at highway speeds. Also the car is jerky and not very smooth at takeoff.