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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  Not a Seven Passenger Vehicle - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By ztimulating - November 26 - 12:26 pm

  Well these must be selling lot hot cakes because the dealer tried to add $500 to the price when we picked it up. We ordered the Limited in order to get the safety package toyota calls the "tech package". the tech package costs $1500 but of course only available on the highest trim - worked on us. I took the car to work on volunteered to drive everyone to lunch. OMG how embarrassing, each guy only got one "cheek" on the back seat. dont try to stuff three grown ups in the back seat, it doesnt work.

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  Speechless - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By jfahlmann - November 25 - 7:45 pm

  I recently purchased a 2001 Limited Edition Highlander with 45 thousand miles from a good friend. After a month I heard a noise and checked the oil which was empty. Now I fill it once per week. I was told it was either a cheap part or the rings in the motor. I am getting a second opinion but am heartbroken. I cannot afford the loan plus getting a brand new motor. I really do love the vehicle but not with this price.

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  New options at a comfort cost - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By ron - November 25 - 12:00 am

  Ok, Im disappointed. It appears as though the comfort of the rear seats has been compromised because of the extra features that they had to come up with because of the competition. Am I the only one who has seen a change between 2008 to 2009?? Yes 2009 has newer features, finally side airbags! But, if you seat in the rear on the 2008 and then seat in the rear of a 2009 you will be shocked. I guess those new features need to be offset by compromising on the comfort? Anyone else seeing this?

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  2009 Base Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By balkania - November 24 - 7:00 pm

  Bought the car brand new (3 miles on it). Currently I have 130,000 miles on it and Ive had zero issues. I drive mostly highway, very little stop and go. Out of boredom I changed the spark plugs and the PCV Valve at around 80,000 miles. Been changing my own oil since the 50,000 mile mark. The only issue is the oil consumption. From the 50,000 mile mark to now the car would consume 2 quarts out of the 4.5 i put in over 5000 miles. On the most recent oil change I only got back 1.5 quarts of the 5 quarts I put in .(added 1/2 quart at around 3000 miles). Seems like the car has turned a corner

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  Good SUV for the money - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By William - November 24 - 11:40 am

  All SUVs are overpriced in my book, but if you need the size its a good purchase. Has good power. Not as much cargo room as one would expect. Rather noisy. I am average build and I feel like a midget trying to reach for everything. Person who decided where the heated seats button was placed should be shot. Solid feeling, makes one feel very safe. Well put together. Mileage is awful in general, but good in its class. "Toyota Quality" is overrated as Ive had a rather long list of things that have had to be repaired (under warranty of course) like rear window, tire pressure gauge and rear wiper.

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  The most sensible car purchase ever - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Fabian - November 24 - 10:21 am

  I got this car with 12k miles back in 2009, used and barely broken in but in top condition. I drove it pretty lightly the next few years and pretty much babied it. It has 118k miles now, with 50k of that during what was a very busy and important year for me. The waterpump, alternator, and battery had been replaced from the extreme conditions it endured. Did the spark plugs at 60 and 118k and oil changes every 5-6k. Did the brakes at 110k. All regular maintenance done myself that could be done without too much effort. Its been through a lot but every day it reminds of the reason why I got it. Yes its noisy, simple, and offers minimal comfort. However, to this day it still gets 40+ mpg easy and is roomy enough to carry tools and materials. It never gives up on me and Ill never give up on it. Update July 2016 Still going great, probably needs some work but it never chokes! Starts and runs every time :)

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  Not What I Expected - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Paula T - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned two Toyotas before this a 94 Camry and a 98 Avalon. This car was not built to the same standards. It was in the shop for six days in the first two months.

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  Okay, but nothing to rave about - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By woods - November 22 - 3:36 pm

  This is an okay car that gets good gas mileage. It started burning oil at around 85,000 miles, and is now going through a quart every 1,000 miles - not what Id expect from a Toyota. It handles okay, but not as well as my 99 Ford Contour, and is really underpowered. Does not do well in snow, but it does start up reliably, even in subzero temps.

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  NOT WHAT I IMAGINED - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By bennettsbebe - November 22 - 9:24 am

  Maybe my expectations were too high, but I am not as impressed as I thought I would be. The rear view mirror cant be adjusted as it hits the ceiling because of placement, the paint is peeling. The front has mysterious issues no one can diagnose including jerking randomly, speaking of jerking the tranny does it too when it wants. The headrests are not adjustable, and the seats are not as comfortable as I hoped. I do like the quite cabin, the amazing sound system, the safety features, and the gas mileage, I have gotten as much as 31.5 on the highway. Still I think that Toyota started cutting corners on many of their vehicles staring in 05. Next car: GERMAN even if they are maintenance needy.

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  Elle OnWheels - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Elle OnWheels - November 21 - 11:56 pm

  The thing burns through the oil. If you dont supplement it, immediately it wears down the seals and eventually will blow your engine. The thing burns through tires like crazy too. My engine has blown..but Im not opposed to trying again with another. Ill just be extra careful about the oil! Also, dont try putting anyone above or below the age of 8 in the back seat. Carseats dont fit well and neither do legs.