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:

• 

  All was fine until Door Cable Broke - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By OCCasita - January 16 - 6:00 am

  Our 2004 Toyota Minivan 8 passenger was a fine, reliable, easy to drive, no frills (we bought the LE), family van. Weve been camping, endless school pickups dropoffs, family events, etc. Never a worry. Then, the cable in the automatic door broke. Thank goodness we only have one auto slider. The cost to repair? $1400! We have duct taped the thing in the shut position until there is a recall on this problem. After our shock, I have found that there are more vans with this problem than can be counted. Too bad Toyota is not willing to deal on this. We had been considering Prius/Matrix/Camry for a purchase this year. Now we will reconsider.

• 

  Love my 4Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Darin38122 - January 15 - 11:23 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I love it! There is plenty of room to throw my bike gear and head for the trails, or pack up my daughters luggage and head out on the road. I wish I had gotten the four-wheel drive though. When it snows or is icy (doesnt happen much in Memphis, but it does happen) it tends to get stuck. Very embarrassing. Had to take my fiances front-wheel drive Buick Regal everywhere at Christmas. My only real complaint with the 4Runner is the gas mileage. I hope Toyota comes out with a Hybrid for the 4Runner.

• 

  The Venza is Great - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Erica M. - January 15 - 1:23 am

  Just returned from a 14 hour drive. My Venza handled really well on the highway, was so comfortable and easy to drive. Its fast, quiet, and dependable. Still getting to learn the Navi system. The sun/moon roofs let in a lot of light. Have not driven in snow yet but would recommend this car. Toyotas are dependable and well designed.

• 

  I love my Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By F Cullina - January 14 - 3:10 am

  I have enjoyed owning my Camry LE. I did obtain an additional safety option of side front & rear air bags since we have 7 yr old child. And also opted for the steel alloy wheels. Its been a great family car & fun to drive. Cant beat the gas mileage & have had no mechanical problems since ownership. Would suggest lighted window & locks for the interior. But other than that; its a best buy! I will definitely get another Toyota when the time comes.

• 

  just a couple of leaks - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By nucklbone - January 13 - 10:00 am

  90000 miles now, no major problems. A couple of oil leaks at the oil pan and valve cover, a steering leak in the rack and pinion. Steering very responsive, excellent gas mileage. 21 city, usually 30+ hwy even at an average of 80 mph! Fairly cheap insurance, very cold a/c even on the lowest setting. Just put on new brakes and rotors at a cost of $180. Only mechanical problem is the parking brake light on the instrument panel stays on sometimes. Front wheel drive makes it easy through the snow too.

• 

  Fabulous - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By qtip - January 13 - 10:00 am

  No granted, I have only had this car for three days, but I just love it. Many areas of this car have the quality look and feel of the more expensive Lexus SC cars. The interior design well thought out and built, but it was the handling on the test drive that sold me on this baby. We took this car out on a slightly pitted back road and let it open. The suspension was fantastic and when taking tight turns at high speeds we experienced very little roll. This car hugs the road very well and the automanual shifting makes it very fun to drive. It is by no means a sport coupe, but is far more sporty than the Camry or old Solaras.

• 

  99 Camry was better! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Cantatrice - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Loved my 99 LE Camry, but the 03 XLE 4cyl is very stodgy at low speeds - like its stuck in 2nd, or has turbo lag - Great at high speeds on the interstate, but not fun to drive around town, as it drags and then surges at every stoplight. Drivers auto up-down window will NOT stop to open at increments! Interior right rear rattle, over rough pavement due to strut problem. After only 400 miles, I would trade it in, but cant cope with more car buying hassle. Paid too much for this car!

• 

  FALTY PARTS - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By TWA - January 13 - 10:00 am

  THERE ARE TOO MANY WEAK AND FALTY PARTS IN THE CAMRY!!

• 

  Irritating flaws - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By fred thomas - January 11 - 8:30 pm

  About 17mpg of premium. Ridiculous tall narrow door mirrors. Very poor rear visibility. Thin plastic front bumper ends. Large turning circle. But performs very well, great suspension, sophisticated traction control, solidly built, great sound system.

• 

  Your basic perfect 2nd vehicle - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By RFox - January 11 - 7:00 am

  bought used for daily commuter and occasional hauler. This vehicle is solid, reliable, surprisingly powerful, inexpensive to maintain, and fun to drive. I find I leave my M5 in the garage most weekdays now.