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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  Awesome all around car! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By shannon - September 20 - 2:46 pm

  Just wanted to let everyone know what a wonderful car this has been so far. Very reliable and super smooth and comfortable Lexus like ride. Hell, this car is better b/c it is same parts, one third less price. Slow off the line but kicks in big time like a turbo, and throws you in the seat, really. The trick is to do a rolling start then this heavy granny getter rolls! Only problem so far has been gas cap loosening. No biggy, just return extra clicks and engine light will eventually go off. Stereo rocks. Upgraded with aftermarket hids and foglights, that really made it Lexus like. Totally love this car for many years to come. 34 avg. mile per gallon. Thanks Toyota, love you! Always!

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  Its great at what it tries to do. - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By lenan - September 19 - 6:16 pm

  As far as people carrying minivans go, it really doesnt get a whole lot better than this. For one, this is a very comfortable and roomy car. The leather seats are pretty good and the ride is silky smooth. Gas mileage isnt very good (Weve average about 18-19 mpg mostly on the highway), but thats the price you pay for having a large vehicle with a V6 and AWD. Speaking of the V6, its a quality engine. It generally revs very smoothly and theres more power on tap than anyone driving a minivan needs. So far its been quite reliable reliable. There have been no big repair costs outside of general maintenance.

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  Over 200K - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Middletown Md - September 19 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car with 30K miles and now have 220K on it. I also had a steering column leak on this car and my 98 Sienna... dealers wanted to replace column I used a steering fluid with a sealer and never had a problem since. Interior noise is a problem and plastic interior trim pieces coming loose... but those are mostly cosmetic. I will give this car to my son for college and keep for a few more years.

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  Cruise Control - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By GregG - September 19 - 10:36 am

  I like the car overall. I was driving a 1995 Avalon, so replacing my car is a big deal. Going from a V6 to a V4 takes some getting used to. I think the overdrive gear is too low. On cruise control over a minor hill, the car downshifts (my Avalon NEVER did that.) I think they put a low gear for more fuel economy, but I would sure like an override to the constant down shifting. The car is a real head turner, I love the styling. The controls are neatly placed. The audio system has a jack for my portable tape player. I wish the audio system had both CD and cassette. Also, I am pleased that the car warms up fast in the morning (how did they do that?)

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ernie D. - September 19 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 is an outstanding vehicle, a great people mover and misc. stuff.

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  Avoid Toyota!! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jim - September 19 - 9:23 am

  Shifting shudder and large clunk when stopping and starting "just part of the design" per Toyota. See http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/tacoma/66233-toyota-addresses-tacoma-transmission/ for other reports. Toyota quality and customer service terrible! Also, according to Toyota, it is acceptable for their dealers to put used tires on a new truck when the dealer is unable to fix another customers tire balance problem. Whatever you do, dont make the mistake of buying a Toyota!! You will not get what you pay for -- youll only hear that your problems are "design features".

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  Perfect Mid-size SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By wheatonbama - September 19 - 9:11 am

  This is my second 4runner that I own and it was purchased for $6,000 with 205,000 miles. Well it still runs great and has no major mechanical problems. It is really a great SUV to own and is great on the highway where it averages between 23 and 26 mpg driving between 60 and 70 mph. it can get more if you driving 55 mph using cruise control. Hope it last for 300k.

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  Cruise Control - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By GregG - September 19 - 8:56 am

  I like the car overall. I was driving a 1995 Avalon, so replacing my car is a big deal. Going from a V6 to a 4cyl takes some getting used to. I think the overdrive gear is too low. On cruise control over a minor hill, the car downshifts (my Avalon never did that.) I think they put a low gear for more fuel economy, but I would sure like an override to the constant down shifting. The car is a real head turner, I love the styling. The controls are neatly placed. The audio system has a jack for my portable tape player. I wish the audio system had both CD and cassette. Also, I am pleased that the car warms up fast in the morning (how did they do that?).

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  A Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - September 18 - 4:03 am

  I just crossed 130K with my Prius and it will be five years old next month. I had done nothing but buy tires and change oil for first 100K. Then I had a rear wheel bearing and now a recent inverter fluid pump. No big deal for 130K. I almost always average over 50 MPG, for life of vehicle probably 51. 53/54 in spring and fall and 50 in winter. Ive had maybe 10 tanks less than 50 almost all in the winter and they were usually 48-49. I am not an aggressive driver and I keep it under 70. I commute 30 miles each way each day with about 16 miles on the highway avg about 67. I can beat cruise control on the Prius on long trips by using the hills to my advantage. Over 70 big loss of MPG.

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  Gets the job done - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Bud - September 18 - 12:40 am

  The Tundra rides like a truck and you feel the road, interior noise is minimal. Excellent turning radius and the truck is enjoyable to drive. I purchased the 5.7 V8 and the power is there when you need it. The interior of the truck does have some nice features, but could use some upgrades as far as reducing some of the plastics. The fuel economy? Its a V8, the price of gas is the problem. As far as built quality and reliability I will tell you in 10 years.