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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  Overall good value - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By fredslane - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 4 and have been very satisfied with the engine power. Great mileage at 30 consistently. Huge trunk. A few issues: even with power drivers seat it is tough to find a comfy position; needs the telescoping & tilting wheel of the Sienna. Its difficult to read odometer in daylight (had dealer examine what I presumed was a defect, only to be told thats the way it is made!). With sunglasses it is impossible to read. Radio/cd sound is terrible and Im no audiophile. Brakes are also on soft side as others have opined. But smooth, strong, quiet acceleration makes for nice ride. Paid 20M out the door incl ABS, NY sales tax (8.5%).

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  2006 Corolla CE, Cactus, 5-speed - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Dean - April 12 - 2:46 am

  This is an excellent little car. Its solid, built very well, looks good, gets great gas mileage and has a lot of space for a compact car. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who is not over 6 or 225 pounds. It is a compact car, and I believe large people would find it too small. Finding the right driving position will take some time, but once you find it you will feel comfortable. I changed my stock 185 Goodyear Integrity tires to 195 Yokahama Avid TRZ. This made a big difference in the ride and comfort.

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  did not like - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By hated it - April 12 - 1:46 am

  I bought the car in Feb 08 and traded it in in Sept 08. The hesitation at take offs and the up and down shifting of the transmission were getting on my nerves. It easily cames out of over- drive to get up a small hill. If you did not take off slowly, the car had a dead spot and then the car would take off. A lot of complaints about this issue on the internet. I do 80% interstate driving and I struggled to get 22 mpg. The car rode nicely on smooth roads as well as handled well.

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  Satisfied - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ruffryder - April 11 - 10:53 pm

  I am pretty much satisfied on my Sequoia. No problems yet and hope to keep it that way.

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  Women should be aware of reliability - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Susan S - April 11 - 10:26 pm

  The battery in this car is not sufficient. The battery dies after being left for 5+ days. Always have to get a jump when left at the airport (dark at night in the parking lot). Battery died in an under ground parking lot when I got in, turned int.lights on and tried to put my next destination into the GPS.Did not have enough juice to turn over the engine. Last time I was in the pouring rain at a track meet and within 5 minutes having the radio going and the heater on, the car just powered down. Left stranded again. I am now scarred to drive this car as being stranded is always in the back of my mind. I have to park with the front facing out on trips,beg shuttle guy to give boost when let out

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  Hot Seat no Cell Phone - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Ed Yeater - April 11 - 7:54 pm

  GPS will not work without paying: for a smart phone, and a cell phone provider. The XLE driver seat feels like hot plastic.

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  Sold on Full Size SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Carpool Mom - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Initially I was hesitant to commit to such a large and heavy vehicle. However, after one month of driving it, I am sold! It is fun to drive, easy to park, and perfect for hauling lots of kids and their stuff around. My only minor compliant is that it does tend to guzzle gas. I enjoy much more than I thought I would.

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  2000 vs 2002 - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - April 10 - 3:33 pm

  We have two Camrys. The best by far is the 2000 4 Cyl. Its road manors are much better. This car has 70000 miles on it and handles better than the 2002 with 52000 miles and the 2002 is a 6 Cyl. Never had a problem with the 2000 but had to align the front end of the 2002 twice.

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  Just purchased - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Chuck - April 9 - 7:50 pm

  Just purchased 08 HLtd with all the toys. Drove the only one they had on the lot and bought one being delivered in two days. Drove Mazda CX-9, Murano SL, Dodge Nitro R/T (my wifes choices as this is her vehicle). She picked Salso Red with Nav, DVD and everything but remote start. She loves the HL over the Murano and the Mazdas front head rest would not adjust and hurt her neck. The outside front and back looked great to her, the side view is very bland. The inside set-up and handling sold her. Shes going from a Chevy Avalanche to the cross-over Toyoto. I hope she loves it for the next 4 years.

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  Blind Spot - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Debbie - April 9 - 2:16 pm

  So far the only negative thing I have to say about the Solara is the blind spot. Quite frankly Im surprised more people have not mentioned this problem. I even had my 21 yr old daughter take the car to a trip to Orlando and she came back stating that shell never drive it again due to the blind spot. Ive had other convertables and have never noticed a blind spot. I am never quite sure that I am in the clear when I change lanes!! This problem could cause me to sell earlier than I would want to.