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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  Toyota - Made in Georgetown KY - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By CentralFloridaMan - October 15 - 11:23 am

  "Salsa Red Pearl" 2002 Camry LE with the 2.4L (4 cylinder gasoline, first year that it came out with a timing chain, not a belt) and automatic transmission. Im 61 and the powered seat moves down to give me more head room, and back up and forward to give my 53 daughter the ability to see and reach the pedals as she learns to drive. I had to replace the scissor jack since the one this used car came with looked bent too badly to trust (~$15 on ebay). So far, I average 28.5 mpg combined hwy/city on 87 octane gas (Melbourne, FL). About once a week gave the "blue smoke" for an instant out the tailpipe on startup last winter/spring, but I havent noticed it this summer at all.

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  Love it!! - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By beloved06vibe - October 13 - 6:17 pm

  I bought my van (CE) used with 108,000 miles on it. The ride is smooth and the handling is very car-like. I took it to my mechanic who said the van is in great shape for a 9-year-old. He suggested I get a new timing belt, a tune-up and a coolant flush, and Ill probably get another 100k out of it! Great purchase!

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  FUNctional Car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By GGREGG - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Matrix. It handles very well around turns at higher speeds. The interior space is awesome! Lots of head and leg room not to mention cargo space. It has a very sporty feel inside and out. The only complaints I have are, it could be a bit more peppy with maybe a 2.0 vs. 1.8 and the gas milage could be alot better. I only get 20-25 tops. This is my first Toyota. I have had many Hondas in the past and I cant say I regret leaving Honda. I loved all of my Hondas but my Matrix has more room than the Civics and are alot more fun to drive.

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  Tacoma Crew update - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike Humeston - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Now have 27699 on this truck I bought in July of 2002 The AC compressor quited down around 9k miles and works well. Developed the rattle in the dash around 7500 miles. Dealer fixed it on first try. Getting 19-21 around town with K&N air filter and ECT button off. Best on the road has been 24.3 MPG. Seats seem to be getting soft but still comfortable. Very happy with it and will consider the 2005 Taco or Tundra when I retire. Very satisfied with dealer and truck.....so far!!

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  Worth the wait - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gerry in So Cal - October 12 - 1:30 pm

  I have been looking at the re-built FJs for sometime and thinking about getting one - but no modern safety equipment was a drawback. So when the new FJ came out I was nearly 1st in line and got mine. Burgundy Red 4WD. Very functional yet a fully capable off-roader. The sensing device that beeps when backing up too close seemed silly and I was not going to buy it. However I had to take what was available and mine does have this. It is the best thing for backing up - otherwise very limited rear view. With the spare tire on the back it would be very hard to judge the distances without it. Love it so far. Get one now.

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  Buyer beware - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By "Sorry Buyer" - October 12 - 12:43 pm

  Over the years I have bought three Camrys and was always well satisfied. With the 2007 Camry XLE I didnt hesitate to make the purchase, sight unseen (at the time none were availabile in the showrooms) because of good previous experience. Was I ever so wrong. I do not consider this a "driver friendly" car. Too many touch buttons and rocker switches on steering wheel and dash. Always seem to hit them, and change settings. None visible when driving at night. You cant use radio or CD features at night. Poor heating system - out of sync. Head lights at night poor, high beams useless, seem to flare out plus a few other annoying problems for engineering. This car will be for sale shortly

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  Beware of the RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By arobinson - October 11 - 12:26 pm

  Problems: Water pump, head gasket blew because we did not replace water pump fast enough and engine has aluminum which warps in high temp. Transmission gasket replaced. Alternator replaced. Clicking in steering wheel. Luckily my brother-in-law is a mechanic saved us $1000s but we have still dumped about $3000 into fixing this car because I drove too much (ALL HWY driving) and nothing went wrong until after warranty expired. Glad I am not the only one with a LEMON RAV4, but sad at Toyotas lack of quality. 1st Toyota and probably last due to this money pit. At 109,000 miles and going to dump it and take my losses.

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  Wasnt expecting this... - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By winsons_car - October 11 - 11:55 am

  After having a horrible experience from the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, I decided to buy its Japanese made rival, the 4Runner. The car was outstanding at first, but it had major problems after 17 days. The service engine light and traction control light had turned on. The car was basically unable to accelarate, it shook alot too. After 12 days of fixing, we got our car back. (the whole transmission was replaced) The transmission started leaking red liquid and the car sometimes still shakes alot.

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  XLE V6 - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Vincy - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car new and mine came from Japan. I change the oil regularly. Any problems have been electrical problems. The engine runs great til now. I may have to repair or replace the catalytic converter or its sensors. I thought about getting a new car but since this runs so well, what else would I buy?

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  Forget flat free tires - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By ron strand - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Our sienna is a great car we enjoy it on trips the gps is a big help, had a little trouble finding a sat tuner for the radio but had one installed and it works well. The biggest draw back to this car is the flat free tires. They are not flat free the light is on more than off. There is not a Dunlap tire dealer in our area so we are left to the mercy of others. The local Toyota dealer is not helpful. I would buy regular tires for the car but they did not build a place for the spare, pretty stupid who ever heard of a car without a spare.