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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  Very poor MPG - poor cost/benefit - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By ORLY - December 30 - 10:16 pm

  Coming up on 7th month of ownership. I bought the TCH when fuel prices were above $4/gal. and expected EPA estimated mileage. Whole family big Toyota fans; second and third generation Camry owners. Gas mileage on my MID hovers between 26-28 MPG tank avg combined city/hwy. Had diagnostic today and am being told by Toyota Dealership and Toyota Customer Service that "there is nothing wrong with my vehicle". Have read every tip, trick and blog about "driving the hybrid" for best mileage. This is NOT user error :) Hybrid cost/benefit NOT worth it for this kind of mileage

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  Incredible quality - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Jay - December 30 - 3:13 pm

  Always performs and quality is second to none. Interior is roomy and very comfortable. Engine is powerful and smooth.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Ksblk - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. Has 234,000 miles on it and still running strong. Never needed any front end work, any engine or transmission work other than normal maintenance. Still has factory exhaust. At 234000 miles it still gets 32 mpg, never needs oil between changes. Has never let me down. Has only been back to the dealer for a timing belt change (preventative maintenance). No squeaks or rattles.

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  Close, but no cigar - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Roy - December 29 - 5:43 pm

  I use this truck as a combo vehicle. Long commuting and around town and am mostly satisfied with it, however; there is considerable room for improvement - hopefully the 2007 redesign will address that. Very solid road feel, great ride, great build quality, acceptable mileage esp. on freeway. Some issues with vehicle length esp. in parking lots... a 4 door cab and a 6 box is just too long.

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  1999 4Runner Limited 4WD - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By runnerxa - December 26 - 5:50 pm

  Great vehicle if you like the outdoor lifestyle. I love driving with all the windows and sunroof open. Feels like a Jeep but without the noise and rides much better. The V6 engine is weak once you start to load up the vehicle. Although it does have great off the line torque. The ride is truck-like but I am happy with it. The reliability and build quality is quite good. As long as you keep a good maintenance, this vehicle will practically run forever. Lots of aftermarket upgrades for the vehicle. I end up adding a TRD supercharger, URD fuel mods, Doug Thorley header, TRD exhaust, IPT valve body upgrade, 32" A/T tires, Bilstein shocks, and offroad armor. Overall, it is a very capable vehicle.

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  A lot of Miles, still strong - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Tony - December 25 - 5:53 pm

  Great car, I have over 256,000 miles on it and have had only one major problem to date, with a sensor. I now have a problem passing my states emissions bull, but other than that, its great. Sure, its not a burner with the 4 cylinder engine, but Im not expecting that. Im most concerned about staying out of the garage, and I have. I put 40+ per year on a car, and I would greatly recommend this one.

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  Exciting and solid but... - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Andrew - December 25 - 4:30 pm

  Fun to drive, the V6 really has some kick, yet on the interstate the 5 speed automatic transmission gave great performance and great economy. Handling is solid and predictable with a nice balance between capable SUV and commuting car (mostly commuter car). There is huge internal room, but it is still quite quiet on smooth pavement. On rough pavement it becomes noisy pretty quickly. The interior controls are all easy to use, but the steering wheel controls are not lighted at night so I will have to learn to blindly operate the Bluetooth controls. The radio controls on the wheel were easy to adapt to though. The exterior is not much changed from older Rav4. Just a few cosmetic changes.

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  Finally, an SUV we can count on - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob in Warrenton - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Traded unreliable ’98 Mercedes ML320 on the Sequoia. Nimble for its size. Great steering feel except at high speeds or heavy loads, where its a bit too light. Smooth, controlled ride. Huge, quiet interior. 3rd row seat is comfortable. Excellent build quality, but interior look is plain. Perfect paint job. We get 16 mpg; regular gas is fine. Transmission shifts are jerky before it warms up, and when downshifting in corners. Middle seats fold, but cant be removed. Stereo is just OK. Off road its good; if you turn off VSC. Nice driving position, but the front seats become uncomfortable after 2-3 hours due to poor lower back support.

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  Boring Overall - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By AFK - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Reliable? YES. Interesting? Not at all! I was told that I would get tired of my Camry before it gave me any problems, and that is right on. I am so tired of it, but it has been very good to me, so I am feeling a little guilty about speaking in such terms. If you like cars, then get something more fun. If you like reliability alone, then you can buy mine. It is now for sale. I am ready to have some fun in an SUV.

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  2010 Corolla LE - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By achk - December 25 - 1:33 am

  This has been an overall excellent vehicle. I bought the car new and have put 46,000 miles on it with not a single hiccup. Ive never had any issues with rattling or road noise or even recalls and other strange mishaps as others have mentioned. Although this vehicle has been properly maintained by me and not the dealer. My original breaks even still have life left to them and tire wear is uniform. Im 511" and it fits me perfectly, although my only complaint is that the seats are horribly uncomfortable and collect so much static and lint that I gave up trying to keep up. Although fabric softener helps with the static.