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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  Good van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By chuckb - August 11 - 11:30 am

  Have had my LE FWD for two and a half years now. The only problems have been a faulty L/S front power window motor, replaced under warranty,and the moulding on the L/S of the second row seat keeps popping off. Looks like there is a screw or pin missing that holds the molding to the seat.

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  First Toyota I didnt like - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bobsays - August 10 - 8:00 pm

  After owning many Toyotas and Lexus, this Camry is the first Toyota I did not like. The engine/transmission was a Jekyll/Hyde affair. Sometimes it hesitated, sometimes it was overly sensitive, sometimes it was OK. The ride is best described as pitch and bob. As long as the road was smooth it was good. The center dashboard had the cheapest plastic available. It is hard to believe Toyota would use such materials in so conspicuous a place. This sort of thing is what American car companies were severely criticized for but I havent read one word about it in any enthusiast magazine. After 8 months, I drove a 2007 Saturn Aura. Bye, bye Camry. I bought the Saturn. I look forward to driving again.

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  I miss my Regal GS - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill - August 10 - 5:06 am

  I owned a 97 Buick Regal GS with the supercharged V-6 and touring suspension. It was quick and handled great. My new Avalon Touring Model is also quick but doesnt have anywhere near the road hugging ability of the GS. With 157,000 miles on the GS, I really wanted to replace it with a Buick LaCrosse but it was too ugly. The Avalons transmission sometimes seems a little confused, but the dealer tells me the computer will adjust the transmission to my driving style. I dont know if its my imagination, but it seems to have improved. The door over the radio wont open until Ive pressed the button a few times. Odd. I think the interiors beautiful and everyone who rides in the car loves it.

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  Dealing with it. - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By George - August 9 - 7:36 am

  As far as compact cars go this one was it for us. The steering wheel ought to be telescopic and we get 25-28 mpg in town vs 32. I personally dont like to drive it much unless Im taking it up to red line or @ 100 mph in 3rd gear. Im 511" & 215lb so getting out my wallet is even a hassle... thats to be expected though. Seats are way more comfortable than the Civic, at least for my semi-fat rear-end. We have the leather seats but they need to have heat as an option. Heater ducts need to point at our feet vs behind them. Too much wind & noise inside with rear windows rolled down. It would be nice to turn off the headlights when I wanted. We just wanted the most bang for the buck & reliability.

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  good second family car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By chando - August 8 - 2:00 am

  great for hauling kids and gears around town but bit busy on the engine when push hard, so far so good

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  few problems - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By gwl - August 7 - 8:03 pm

  I havent had a lot of problems, engine check light started coming on. Had sensor replaced, O2 and then another, cost around 1000 for both. Then battery wouldnt start. Then alternator. Except for when the battery went, its always started. Had some road noise with the pirelli tires that were on it. Changed to some goodyear comfortred and now its real quiet. I like the gas mileage and it is fun to drive. When I bought it, gas was 1.85 a gallon here, remember. Then Katrina hit and gas went up to 3.00. I was planing on more trips with this then gas got too expensive. Still, getting around isnt bad.

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  1,000 Miles So Far - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Nick B - August 6 - 1:43 pm

  I traded a 2002 manual honda civic for the RAV4 because we had a baby and needed a bigger car. I love the power upgrade from the civic, V-6 is a big jump in hp for my daily driving. It doesnt take the corners like a car, but it does handle fairly well with the sport suspension and larger wheels. We were almost ready to buy the CR-V, but the power of the V-6 sold me. So far Im averaging 21.5 mpg, pretty good mix of highway and city with the A/C on all the time because its been hot. Also drive on the more heavier footed side of average, not crazy, but more pedal than probably about 3/4 of the people out there. Overall its a nice car so far.

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  Keeps Going and Going - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By jd129 - August 6 - 12:43 pm

  I bought this car 6 years ago from the first owner with 83,000 miles on it. Since then I have driven it up and down the east coast multiple times and went on a 26 day, coast to coast road trip racking up 9,725 miles. It now has 232,500 miles on it. Engine runs great, rides smooth, and besides routine maintenance and few replacement parts here and there its been low maintenance. It has become the go to car for road trips among friends and family because of its reliability and the fact that on the highway she gets 33 mpg consistently. I dont know how they did it, but Toyota may have made the best car on the road.

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  Great Car...No Regrets - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Yasmine - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Im inlove with my Corolla. Ive had it for 18 months and Ive had no problems; just regular maitenance. I would definitely buy this car again.

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  Not for TALL PEOPLE - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By swampfox - August 5 - 9:23 am

  The Prius is an excellent car, however, before you buy it you should test-sit in it. The slanted roof makes it almost impossible for anyone over 510" to comfortable see out of the windshield. Depending on your body build, you must test-sit in this vehicle to make sure you can confortably and safely drive this car. If you can, GREAT!!! Because it is a GREAT CAR, but ONLY if you fit in it.