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 & Bad - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By srcd00 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  The van has been great in many areas. GOOD = Easy use of controls for the driver, comfortable seats for long trips, easy to remove rear seats, dual sliding doors. BAD = replaced transmission after 5K miles. Replaced CD player after 10K. Seat belt light stays on even when seat belt is on. Rust on top of car and we garage the van everyday and night. Tires wore out after 20K replaced with better quality Michelin. Overall the van has been good, I would buy another one but get the 6yr warranty.

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  Sequoia Rocks! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By susan orourke - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sequoia! Its roomy, comfortable, attractive and feels safe.

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  Very Pleased when I get to Drive it! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dan R - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Best Quality car I have ever owned! Handling and cornering is great. Slight hesitation noticed when demanding power. Rear visability poor due to roll bars built into rear seat rests. Fun to drive and gets many compliments when I manage to get the keys away from wy wife.

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  Bulletproof Ride - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Jopopsy - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Aside from a check engine light that comes on for the gas cap, I have not had ONE problem with this vehicle. Not ONE !!! Im still on my original breaks if you can believe that !!!! The 6 punches like the day I bought it.

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  My Highlander . . . - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Venice - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I do enjoy my highlander , because it is economical as well as pritty , but I must say that for a few thousand more I could have got the Lexus RX330 , which is like the highlander , but better so that my advice , and do that .

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  First Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By stevejohn - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a Camry because all my friends that have them have loved them. I have really enjoyed mine now for 5 months. The ride is very smooth and it holds 4 men comfortably. Gas milage is good. My only complaints are the car seems to have difficulty shifting from 1st to 2nd gear at times. This seems to happen when going medium speed (not a problem when accelerating slowly or rapidly). It also seems to ride a little rough first thing in the morning.

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  good - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By stephi16 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I love the camry.It is the best car ive ever had.It is very reliable. it drives nicley. youll enjoy it.

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  Only one complaint - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By ahviva - August 8 - 8:33 pm

  I was extremely excited to buy this car to replace my old Geo Metro. Although no fuel-driven car (and even many hybrids) comes close to Geo Metros fuel efficiency, Yaris record was good enough. Plus, I was looking to stay within the sub-compact category. I love it in every way except for two serious design flaws: 1. Theres only ONE cup holder in the whole car, and its positioned in a way that is utterly inconvenient. I have to reach quite far back, past the manual brake to be able to grab it. 2. If I adjust the seat so that I am comfortable reaching the pedals, I have to stretch my arms to reach the steering wheel. It makes it for a much less comfortable drive than Id like to.

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  03 Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By W. Clements - August 7 - 12:40 am

  This is my second Toyota truck (first was a Tacoma) and I am not as pleased as I hoped. The vehicle required new front brakes at 30,000 (I dont tow or use it for work), one rear brake froze up at 25,000 miles (my Jeep and Fords didnt do this so the climate cant e blamed), paint seems to chip easily, and the steel wheels started rusting after the first winter. Worse is a constant noise in the front drive train that the dealer cant diagnose and has been little to no help in resolving. This is my last Toyota; I could have spent much less on another brand and thought I was avoiding these types of problems with a new vehicle.

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  Toyota sells lemons! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave in Boston - August 6 - 8:46 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Avalon after my 2006 was declared a total loss. My car was trouble free until 55,000 miles when the check engine light went on. The AC was broken, O2 sensor, gas tank and a list of other items brought the repair bill to $4500. If it were not for CA emissions warranty, Id have to pay the entire thing. Im still on the hook for $2,000. The dealer was fine but Ill never buy a Toyota again- my Chrysler was more reliable.