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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  Best overall vehicles you can buy - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Robert - October 24 - 11:20 am

  Handling is awesome compared to non-SE Camry. Great JBL 6 disc changer..could get a little louder. Smooth, quiet, comfy, roomy, reliable car. V6 perfect for this car. Reliable..my third Camry, second with V6..never get a 4cyl again in Camry. Had 3 Corollas as well..not big enough but GREAT cars. Camry has plenty of room for people and stuff. Got power heated leather seats (pass seat not power); moonroof; VSC; traction control; curtain air bags; sunshade/cargo net; 16inch alloy wheels all for $26K. Got 45K miles and no problems except original brake design was defective; dealer replaced twice at no cost and NO problems since.

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  Comfort & Spacious - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By nag4 - October 24 - 1:53 am

  I bought 2012 XLE FWD model last month. It is very spacious and more comfortable. I took test drive of equally loaded Highlander SE v6 FWD and compared it to Sienna. I felt the handling is better in Sienna. But, the pickup is good in Highlander. In terms of mpg, i guess Sienna gives 1 miles less than Highlander. My wife liked Odyssey. But, since we read bad reviews about its Wind noise and Transmission, we decided not to buy. That too equally loaded Odyssey ELX is expensive than Sienna XLE. But after buying Sienna, i realize that there is Wind noise & Road noise in this as well. But, it rides better and cheap with 2 year free maintenance.

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  Love it but not reliable so far - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By MichaelG - October 23 - 9:06 pm

  We have 20K miles on our 2005. We love the car but it has been in the shop several times. It does have a transmission hesitation but is only an issue in rush hour. Currently, it is in the shop for another month awaiting a new steering assembly.

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  Expensive price and not satisfied - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Edgar - October 22 - 7:50 pm

  Purchased new in 2002. 56,000 miles today. The Good. Leather seats ergonomic with great back support. Removable seats. Great handling. No major engine problems The Bad. Wimpy 2.0 engine. Interior started rattling soon after purchase and was never properly fixed. Dealership (not toyota) recalled and reprogrammed the ECM (computer) for tranny but experiencing no problems as of today. Forums on RAV Transmission computer problems are scary. Thermostat needed replacement. Side crash tests do not inspire confidence. Rear suspension noise and corrosion of AWD system makes alignment nightmare. My 1995 Chevy Lumina feels it is of a higher quality and that should tell you something.

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  05 Camry XLE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By frank collins - October 22 - 1:53 am

  The only thing I dislike about the new Camry is the driver/passenger seats are not near as comfortable as was in my 02 Toyota Avalon. I had the drivers seat re-padded with much softer foam and it made the comfort level go up over 50%.

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  trusty old friend - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By pedro - October 22 - 12:16 am

  I have driven over 280,000 miles in mostly urban traffic with some expressway also. This car is not a good long distance hauler due to its 3 speed tranny. I should have spent extra and gotten the 4 speed. Thank god they dont make those anymore. Its an excellent around town car even with all the miles I still get about 28mpg which is what the EPA says I should get. Mechanically very reliable, although lately I replaced the mounts with aftermarket units and I ruined the car. It now shakes and vibrates to the point of being intolerable to all but the shortest trips.

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  Extremely Dissatisfied - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Rhonda Ricci - October 21 - 8:43 pm

  I have owned the limited for less than 3 years and have had several problems with the sunroof. Had to be totally replaced in 11/2006 due to operational problems. Now, in 12/2007 unbelievably have the same problems as well as leaks in track causing condensation, electrical, and requiring replacement again! Only Toyota will not replace again and admit poor workmanship or defective parts due to expired warranty. Cost a whopping $2500. for a sunroof used in New England for merely 4 months/year. Am wheeling this disappontment and buying a lexus or murano! Also, acceleration is hesitant, problems with transmission. Dont waste your $.

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  Great Reliable Truck - But Dull to Drive - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By handsomerob1 - October 21 - 7:59 pm

  I bought this truck brand new 15 years ago and now have 72,000 miles - and shes a garage queen. Finally replaced the original tires at 66,000 and still on the original brake pads! Shocks got squishy early on so replaced them with KYBs at 51,000. The only repeat problem is with the Idle Air Control ("IAC") valve which tends to go out on these trucks. I replaced it once and now need to replace it again. The part is about $350 at Toyota and, with a couple hours work, I can install it myself. This is a great looking truck - white with the TRD package - but like most Toyotas, it drives with all the personality of a dial tone. Just plain dull, like you might as well be driving a Camry.

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  60+YEARS OF OWNERSHIP - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By WILLIE Ward - October 21 - 12:41 am

  Of all cars (11) Chevolet Coupe, Caprice Classic, pickup)----- Ford-(pickup, Crown Victoria)----- Mercury(Grand Marque)------Pontiac (Executive)------Corvette----- 3 Toyota 1 DX & 2 LE, this 2003 Toyota is the best car I have owned.

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  New 4x4 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By tkj - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Massive and feel safe. Good visibility at front, but rear quarter has a big blind spot. Will be great going to ski trips.