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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  Annoying Shifting - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Annoying Shifting - September 14 - 11:33 am

  I have had the car only a little while and drive in a lot of stop and go traffic to and from work. I can already tell that this is not the car for driving in heavy traffic. The up and down shifting is jerky and the car does not provide a smooth ride. I almost want to go back to my 1998 camry which has a smoother ride at low speeds! I wish there was traffic when I took the test drive so I could have noticed this before buying...

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  Cheap build - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By yjjim - September 14 - 2:16 am

  After owning a Toyota Tundra for a couple years, I decided Id buy another Toyota. Unfortunately, the Sienna has had a bunch of problems. Our most recent problems involve poor build quality, including: 1. The lock mechanism on the rear door came apart because all of the screws fell out. 2. The inside door panel of the driver side door is partially disconnected from the door and gets stuck on the weather stripping when you try to open the door. The clips that hold the panel on are plastic and they broke easily. 3. The first set of tires wore out very quickly. 4. The first set of brakes wore out very quickly. 5. The battery goes dead after about 15 minutes if a door is left open.

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  This is a Toyota - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By guitarzan1 - September 14 - 12:40 am

  Ive owned several Toyota vehicles and currently own a Tundra, also. None of them have ever given me the problems this Sienna has. Since day one, weve had a number of problems with the van, including a faulty power door, door latches, brakes, etc. The only way to get Toyota to fix most of this stuff was to threaten a lawsuit. Oh what a feeling. Also, gas mileage is poor at best. Weve never been able to break 20mpg with this van, no matter what grade of fuel we use.

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  Toyota Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By RICHARD12342 - September 13 - 5:40 pm

  I just bought this vehicle because of a desire to do my part against OPEC and I needed a new one. The car started out with a mileage of 11.5 miles per gallon on the dash board computer. After approx 120 miles it is up to 22.5. So far I am disappointed because I am expecting to get the sticker mileage of 27 MPG. I was shocked and disappointed by the lack of luggage room when the fold away seats were unfolded. Folded there is plenty of room for stuff. I missed having my headlights turn on automatically when needed. I love the key less operation but because of the quietness I have gotten out of the car with the car still "running." roof needs protective strips to protect carrying baggage.

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  Warning: Avalon Suspension and Brakes - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By vashondean - September 13 - 2:56 pm

  The Avalon is Toyotas flagship vehicle, but my 2004 is a disappointment. The main reason I purchased it was for the smooth ride. However, with less than 30,000 miles, the shocks/struts needed to be replaced. With some prodding, this was covered by the dealership under warranty. The front brake rotors also needed to be resurfaced under warranty due to pulsating. Toyota would not cover the rear brakes, which were 95% gone at 29,000 miles, even though the front brakes were still at 95%. Go figure!! I also have noticed the clear coat peeling in several areas. Although I love Toyotas and would buy another one, the 2004 Avalon is, with respect, a lemon.

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  Perfect family sedan, good on gas - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By MJB-PHD - September 13 - 12:20 pm

  Have owned this Camry almost 6 months now and love it. Got the upgraded LE package to include sunroof, alloy wheels, and a few other little add ons. Love the bluetooth hands free feature. Very good on gas, plenty of power, a little hesitant at times when you step on it, but that is to be expected when driving a four cylinder vehicle. Interior ergonomics are comfortable with all cluster gauges in full view. Exterior has a more aggressive stance than previous models, with aerodynamic lines that compliment the vehicles overall appearance.

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  Best Automobile Bar None - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Ron Sullivan - September 13 - 6:33 am

  I recently purchased another automobile built by Ford (2008), kept it 2 weeks then test drove the Totota Avalon and traded the same day. I have had five previous Toyotas, including a 2000 Avalon. I had forgotten what the overall Toyota experience was like. This Avalon should withstand weather, bad roads and any other element that can be thrown at it. My XL is loaded with about every option available and was a little pricy. However, I feel the vehicle will outlast and outperform any other car in its class. I even checked out the C-class Mercedes and it wasnt even close. I love its looks, safety features, handling and it just being an Avalon.

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  Quiet but a bit boring - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By hurls - September 13 - 5:40 am

  This is my first Toyota. I narrowed it down to the Accord, Fusion and Camry. Chose Camry because I got the best deal. After factoring the Toyota 0% for 60 months it made Camry several thousand less than the others. I have had the Camry for a few days and each day I like it better. Feels solid and a very quiet ride. First tank of gas was only 24mpg with 60% Freeway/30% City. I think I am going to be very happy with this vehicle for years to come. Its just not a smile on your face, blast to drive.

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  Great Hybrid! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Lsm79 - September 13 - 2:33 am

  I love our new Prius III. Great fuel economy. Just over 500 miles on vehicle and averaging 49.4 MPG. Only on my second tank of gas, averaging 55.2 on this tank. Interior well designed with above average materials. No new car problems whatsoever. Exterior fit and finish is top notch as well. CVT transmission is very smooth. JBL sound system very good. Bluetooth link flawless. Displays busy at first, but Im used to them now. This car is everything I was looking for...and more!

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  Tires humming - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Vic Patel - September 13 - 12:20 am

  I bought this vehicle used. No problem for a first couple of months. Even at 125,000 miles, the only problem is tires. I bought all four tires brand new. After about 20,000 miles on the tires they started to hum at speeds of 40 and up. The faster you go the more annoying the humming sound gets. I have had checked the front end alignment, and the tires seem to have worn evenly. Still I do not know what the problem is.