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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  Lovin My Quoia! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Shana - February 16 - 5:03 am

  I absolutely love my vehicle. I can always rely on it to drive well and it never gives me any problems. The gas is very expensive but everything great about the vehicle makes up for it. I not only love it, I am proud to drive it.

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  Solid SUV - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By jeff - February 15 - 11:16 am

  Wanted a solid, go anywhere SUV that had no weaknesses and was reliable. The Land Cruiser fits that bill. Have taken off road and has handled admirably. Smooth on road. No significant reliablility issues. Considered Land Rover products, but had concerns over reliablility. New V8 gives good acceleration for this class of vehicle.

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  05 SE 4WD V6 AT w/28k miles - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Greg - February 15 - 5:00 am

  I own 3 Toyotas (00,05,06). This is my second 4Runner. I now have 28k miles. The V6 is plenty of power for all uses including towing my 2500# job trailer. I average 19.8 mpg combined Hwy/City. It handles nice, is silky smooth, but it is on a truck platform so after 150-200 miles you need to get out and walk. If you drive a lot of HWY miles you might consider a Highlander, Sequoia or even the Honda Pilot. I got the 4runner over the Pilot because of looks but sometimes I wonder about my decision after long trips. If you drive a lot of off road and local, the 4Runner is a great choice. I hope the brakes are as good as my 2000 4Runner as they have lasted 103k and still have 40% lining left!

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  Safety outweighs fun! - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By DrPhil321 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Its 2010 and I got this car over a year ago, has 70,000 miles. No problems! Looks old, and Im 62" so its hard to fit in it. The A/C also poor. This is a point A to point B car.

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  Excellent vehicle for any size family - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Keeb - February 15 - 2:00 am

  The Sienna LE is an outstanding vehicle for any size family. I love all the room, it handles very nicely and goes from slow to fast quickly. It is not sluggish, which you might expect from a minivan. This vehicle is considered a luxury vehicle to our family. Cons: The sloping front makes it difficult to determine where your front end is, I bumped into curbs a lot; still, that could just be me, I loved the Sienna.

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  Tire alignment problems - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By ken - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Camry 14 months ago and put almost every mile on it and really baby it. Since before 10,000 miles I started hearing tire noise. After having checked the tire dealer who said I had no warranty,Toyota ck and said the front end and rear alignment were out,I have never had to align a new car EVER.The tires are Bridgestone made for the Camry. This is my umpteenth new car, never have I ever had a problem, lucky me I guess. I traded a 09 corolla with a very similar problem.

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  My third Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By glomalker - February 14 - 10:43 pm

  In general I am pleased with my Camry. At 35k miles I have had no transmission problems that others mention, nor any other mechanical issues. My major complaint is the cheap rubber from the factory, the tires wore out long before normal expectation. I made the mistake of buying the tires for life warranty which is a joke; the tread is measured and will not be replaced until nearly bald way past most peoples safety level. I was also not pleased with the noise, my prior Camrys were much quieter. I have owned two Camrys prior and several Celicas & Corollas as well. I will continue to drive Toyotas.

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  Mileage - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By So/so Mileage - February 13 - 3:50 am

  We were expecting better gas mileage than the Ford Expedition we sold, but its almost the same. Overall the vehicle is very well built and designed. A 6 cylinder should be more fuel savvy than a V-8 though.

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  2007 Camry Hybrid With 88,500 miles - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jmcneely - February 12 - 10:22 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned...ever! In warmer weather it delivers 45 mpg, in winter 41 mpg. Taken it back to the dealer for oil/filter changes since new; every 3K-5K miles. Drive 97 miles per day commuting to work, mostly highway. Water pump went out at 65K miles, the hybrid drive battery at 72K miles. Dealer ate the labor, I paid $200 for the pump. Toyota covered main hybrid battery completely. Have never changed the brakes. Plan to keep the car forever.

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  Quaily SUV - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sean - February 11 - 9:30 pm

  Solid construction, excellent quality, V8 has good power, very solid vehicle. Seating is terrible. Bad for tall drivers.