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:

• 

  CE 5spd - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bri - November 13 - 10:43 pm

  I bought this used in Sept. 05 with 50K on it and now have over 114K on it. I havent had a single issue with it. Its not flashy, but with the 5spd its fairly peppy and fun to drive. Surprisingly roomy and easy riding on the highway. 36/38 mpg in the winter 40/42 in the summer, pretty much all highway miles.

• 

  Disappointed - 2009 Toyota 4Runner
  By zazoux - November 11 - 9:33 pm

  I could not agree more with Jeefs review: something is seriously wrong with the transmission. When I get off the gas, the car shifts down, and instead of coasting along, the increased rpm slows it down. It actually shifts into first gear at as much as 14 mph, leading to a jerky bounce when you re-accelerate, only to immediately notice its mistake and shift into the (also very short) second gear. Bottom line, this nervous transmission actually makes the car quite annoying to drive. Other gripes: The car is overall too smart for its own good: it wont let you turn off the air intake when in defog mode (think school bus). Also annoying: the 4WD does not engage (or disengage) when you need it.

• 

  Hawaiian Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jon Cannella - November 11 - 7:00 pm

  I love my Tundra. this is my favorite truck by far. I have owned other makes and models and this is my best one yet. I have no problem with the towing issues, and I tow 2 Motorcycles and carry 2 in the bed with 4 adult passengers every weekend. I use my truck every day and i love it. to me the other brands were too flamboyant and not enough attention on craftmanship. I will drive my Tundra for many years and be proud of it.

• 

  Everything Good Except Interior Quality - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Jason - November 11 - 4:43 pm

  I wanted a vehicle that was reliable, mildly sporty, and good-looking. The first thing that came to mind was the Accord, but I didnt find it visually appealing, and it was a bit large for me. I liked the previous generation Accord better. So the next best choice was the Camry SE. Considering Toyotas reputation for quality and reliability, this seemed to be a good choice. The car handles well and the suspension is firm, but not too harsh. So far (at 3,600 miles), Ive had no major issues. However, the interior is plagued with intermittent minor ticking/clicking/rattling sounds whenever Im on less than perfect pavement. The interior fit and finish is also disappointing.

• 

  Alternative Fuel? - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Scotch - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 4Runner Saturday, and have been looking for excuses to run around town since. But am very nervous after watching the gas gauge. Right now Im estimating 12.5 mpg. Has anyone been keeping tabs on their gas mileage? I want to know if this is of the norm, or need to get it checked out. I know its an SUV, but reports rate it at 19/21 mpg.

• 

  Worth The Money - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By ttocsffej - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Although this is NOT a sports car, it is fairly peppy when prodded. The 4 spd autobox is smooth and gearing seems to work well with the 130hp engine. Frequently find myself going 10-15 mph over the speed limit, the sensation of speed is more like and SUV! Very versatile interior design, with plenty of room for 4 big adults. The ride is exceptional for a car this of size, and it is very quiet at cruising speed. The gas mileage so far is exceptional. Build quality, despite a few comments Ive read here is quite good. Maybe a year of production has helped iron out the glitches.

• 

  Nice Car - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By seldom - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful smooth riding car, after driving it for 5 years it is still drives like the original condition when brand new, I wish I bought it used and saved money, it would not have made any difference in the pleasure of driving it.

• 

  Extra options? - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Louis A DAndrea Jr - November 9 - 4:43 pm

  Pro: Nimble quick and easy to drive! Exceptional safety system. Very fuel effecient for large V-6. Exceptional tourqe coupled to a smooth refined drive train. On road 4x4 capable. Comfort and ergonomics are excellent. Cons: Below averge sound system lacks fedelity. Skimpy on the underseal. Sunroof noise.

• 

  nice minivan - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By bameeri - November 9 - 12:46 pm

  This is my first minivan, my previous car was a 2001 Lexus gs300. i am very pleased with this van, comfortable, quiet, great ride, even quieter and tighter than the gs300, but that is to be expected. The engine is not as silky as the gs300 which personally is probably the best 6 cyl engine in the world.

• 

  No major problems - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Erin - November 9 - 11:33 am

  First off the reason why I gave this a 5 in the fun to drive and exterior design is because Im only 26. I traded my 99 Honda Civic in 2004 for this Camry. I prefer the space in the Camry and the durability. I have only been left on the side of the road once and that was my fault for not replacing the timing belt sooner. Bad me! Other than that it has just been scheduled maintenance and a few headlight bulbs to replace. I commute a lot in headlight areas on the highway so im guessing that explains the headlights. I would definitely buy another heaven forbid something happen to the one I drive now. No more Honda Civic for me!