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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  Transmission Problems - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By A. Jackson - January 14 - 10:10 pm

  At 100k miles needed transmission replaced. Drivers seat fabric separating at seam. Drivers seat belt retractor sluggish so belt buckle gets caught in door.

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  Defective Electronics - Toyota Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By The Gadget Guru - January 13 - 8:20 pm

  Having spent 20 years as a Technology Reporter, I may not know much about transmissions, but I know consumer electronics. While the 2006 Avalon delivers a smooth ride and a great "bang for the buck," its electronics are defective.

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  BAD AC unit on this year 4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ballinfur - January 13 - 11:19 am

  $3000.00 fix for parts and labor @ Toyota dealer to fix AC/Heat relay and blower related problem. Dont buy any 4runner from the late 90s to 03. Problems with AC unit, Heat, clutch relay, not cheap to fix at all. Problems are recurring too. 2004 and newer are fine. Other than those problems listed, this SUV would of been GREAT.

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  vibration and squeeking within the body - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lorna lane - January 12 - 10:00 am

  there has been consistent vibration and squeeking which has become much worse during the year in the body of the auto ... nothing to do with usual noises of a convertible roof... at pr esent having no cooperation with Toyota which is surprising as we have had their vehicles previously with no problem.. naturally we are very disappointed with this vehicle.

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  Fuel and Gas Leak from engine compartment - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By stevent2 - January 9 - 12:37 pm

  I brougt it in to the Toyota Dealer to repair this fuel and gas leak issue on my 2008 Sienna Le. I file a complaint to Toyota corporate because it sounds like similar problem with recall on the fuel leak for other Toyota/Lexus models. Join me on this complaint if you have similar issue with your Sienna van. Toyota Recalls 1.7 Million Vehicles Over Fuel Leaks in January 26, 011 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/26/toyota-recall-fuel-leak_n_814124.html

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  Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Not the same from J - January 7 - 5:26 am

  Here is what Ive replaced during my 6 years of ownership: 1.) Circuit board regulating the airflow and AC 2.) Entire Driver window motor assembly (from a Toyota Dealership). 3.) Rust on side of door 4.) Power door locks does not function from time to time. Ive owned over 12+ cars in my lifespan, and this is the 1st car that Ive found myself facing with these items that should have lasted a lot longer.

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  2 cents worth - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Inmyopinion - January 3 - 2:23 pm

  The windows (front, rear, and side) are small. At ATM driveups its a LONG reach down and in wet weather will soak your armpit! The rear quarter windows should open for ventilation. Rearward visibility is poor thru a small back window over high bed sides and tailgate. Windshield is small with a LARGE hood limiting visibility of obstacles directly in front of bumper. (Nice BIG front bumper!) Seats sit almost flat on the floor and at 62" I felt rather aukward, yet they are comfortable. No need for tilt wheel as my knees were close in the full up position. Rear seats face forward but offer no leg room for adults, great for pets and kids. If your an adult Id opt for a tundra if possible.

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  Unsatisfied Customer - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Chasityrose - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Over all this vehicles mech. are very good. It seems to be a quiet car. I am dissatisfied with the interior. I have had all 4 door panels replaced. Due to them being warped. I did not expect this from Toyota. I tried to get the vehicle replaced and was turned down. The blinkers were also broke when I bought the car brand new. I feel that Toyota does not stand behind its work. I am willing to try another one but I will be very careful when choosing my car. This car is not that comfortable if you have to ride in it for a long time. Great for around town.

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  Firestone Tire Recall is Toyotas Fault - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Mark Lawson - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I was angered to learn today that Toyota installed defective Firestone tires on my new 2003 Corolla LE. I have already filed a complaint with the NHTSA because I must buy replacement tires at my own expense since Toyota insists that I must accept only Firestone replacement tires. This is a load of horse manure. The line supervisors and managers in the Wilson, North Carolina, Firestone manufacturing plant responsible for the Ford/Toyota tire fiascos should be put in jail and never allowed to manufacture tires again. Didnt Toyota learn anything from the Firestone/Ford fiasco? Life is cheap.

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  Wish I kept my Acura - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Harry L - December 30 - 1:23 am

  I previously owned an Acura TL, but was disappointed in the new body style. I bought the Camry strictly because I loved the looks better than the new Acura TL. Well what a mistake that was. Even though this car has excellent acceleration, the cheap plastic parts inside are terrible quality causing squeaks and rattles everywhere.