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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  be carefull - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By stevenh2 - October 14 - 2:57 pm

  I had wrote a previous review which i like to update. HERE IS A WARNING ON KEYLESS IGNITIONS.. I went to a restaurant and parked my camry. i was distract, i thought my car was off , the lights and the engine was off. 1.5 hrs later i returned to my camry to find the lights on and the engine running. if this had been in my garage i could have died from carbon monixide poising.. the engine goes on when the battery runs down. this is scary and a feature that has to be recitified. they were 4 deaths in palm beach cty from this from a gasoline engine lexus.so a hybrid could be worse. make sure you button to the ignition is off.the car recoginizes the wireless key.it doenot dissengage when leaving

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  Problems - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By ProblemToyota - October 13 - 9:10 pm

  When I first purchased this vehicle I was excited about the quality of the vehicle and the smoothness of the ride. However, after approximately 22 months and 23k miles the check engine light came on. I brought it to the dealership and it was fixed. After 26k miles the tires were worn and needed to be replaced. Now, at 27.5k miles the check engine light is on again. After the first few weeks of owning the car I noticed a rattling in the dash that just cant be solved and I am still driving with that rattling. I am extremely surprised by these issues. I will have to evaluate other options next time Im in the market for a car, which may be soon.

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  Very Uncomfortable - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By James - October 13 - 3:56 pm

  I like the styling, performance, quality of build. However, the seats are very uncomfortable! They make your back hurt if you drive for any distance. I even had the cloth seat covers replaced w/ leather. It did not help. I am seriously thinking about trading this vehicle for something else. I have never thought about getting rid of a new vehicle! Stock stereo system and speakers are WEAK! I replaced them.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tazzel - October 13 - 1:00 am

  Great vehicle. Would buy it all over again. A few things you should know before you buy this vehicle. Getting in the vehicle is tight on the knees for the diver, but once you are in there is plenty of room. No locking gas cap. Many of these vehicles lean to the left, supposedly because to many heavy items are on the left side of the vehicle. Thin paint, expect a lot of touching up painting. Of course there is the visibility problem when changing lanes or backing up. I just installed a spot mirror on my right side mirror and its 90% better. I also purchased a backup camera for the vehicle. I don’t think I really needed to but I thought it would be fun to use!

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  High Expectations and Pleased - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Anna Petey - October 12 - 10:43 pm

  I am a first-time crossover/SUV buyer, in which I traded-in my 1997 Honda Accord (the best car model ever made, in my opinion) w/ 160,000 miles, and felt it was time for an upgrade since Im moving to a mountain state. Going from a car that got 31 mpg hwy to a heftier and less efficient model was tough, but I have actually been happier than I expected, with the RAV4. I get an average of 24 mpg, and probably up to 26-7 on the hwy. I had heard that the Sport models have a rougher road experience b/c of the tires, so I opted for the Base model instead. Compared to my Accord, there is less engine noise and much less road noise than some of the CR-Vs I test drove. Overall a good, smart choice!

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  Good car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Jiggs - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Car could use better performance from its 4 cylinders. Other than that, the car is nice and smooth, looks and feels great.

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  Just Bought Over the Odyssey - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ColoradoMom - October 12 - 10:00 am

  We were in the market for a minivan. We worked with both Odyssey and Sienna. The Honda dealer in Colorado Springs still has the smug "Honda Odyssey" attitude, and were not willing to budge off MSRP for a 2003 Honda. The Sienna has many more features and a year newer. The Honda dealer treated us so poorly, we went back to the Toyota dealer and ordered a Sienna (none on the lot for sale). Skip the Odyssey, they need to realize they arent the top dog anymore.

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  Great Value - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By cars4dummies - October 12 - 3:29 am

  I am just writing this to make a point. Bougth a brand new 2003 4 door Echo sedan. Really this and a few others were the only cars I could afford back then. No regret! Still solid. Never had any major issues. Ive been up to all the regular maintenance, and changes tires for winter every year. Never had any accidents on icy and snowy roads here in Calgary. Just trying to make a point. I compare this to a brand new 2010 Subaru Forester which turned out to be a $10k more expensive garbage. I am definitely going back to Toyota.

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  Not what I expected - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By golddog - October 10 - 8:13 am

  We previously owned 2 Chrysler products, 1 T&C Limited and 1 Grand Caravan ES. These were both solid performers. We "upgraded" to the Sienna and so far have been only minimally impressed with the vehicle. Acceleration is lacking, body lean is major, steering is light, sunroof rattles and the JBL radio is terrible. Mileage has not been that impressive. Removal of center seats are demanding. Several minor issues were also noted upon delivery of the vehicle. Missing screws in wheel wells, loose molding etc. Quality and reputation brought us to the Toyota. However, based on our past two vans, it is no better than the competition.

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  Nothing can touch it for the money - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Superlara - October 9 - 9:36 pm

  I purchased my Solara about five years ago when it had 74,000 miles on it. The timing belt/water pump had just been replaced. Since then I have put an additional 70,000 mile on it and have only changed the oil and filter, the front struts and strut bearings, and one set of tires. Brakes have over 70K on them and are still not totally worn out. This cars continues to amaze me with the build quality. I have owned 6 Hondas and 4 other Toyotas and this car is the best by far. Since it is coming up on ten years old, I want to replace it, but cannot justify that when the car runs as well as it does. Averages about 20mpg in the city and 25-27 on the highway.