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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  Solid As A Rock - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Steve - April 18 - 6:10 am

  We have had our Highlander since it was new and run up 70k on it. So far so good. No major problems. I have only changed the oil and tires. We do have an AC problem with it getting warm as you turn corners or hit a bump. Its a common problem and you need to pull out the control panel and soder the wires back on. I will get around to it some time. The gas mileage is fine for a midsize SUV, what do people expect when the buy the car? Highway driving will get you maybe 22 if you drive 65 otherwise its 19-20 mpg. Combined we average about 17. The Highlander suffers from some wind and road noise and the back seat could use a little more leg room. I have found it to be a very capable car.

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  Great commuter vehicle - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Raymond - April 18 - 4:33 am

  I drive 65 miles a day round trip. This is an inexpensive, very dependable, and cost efficient vehicle to own. Its no frills, and its not "plush", but its comfortable enough on long DC area commutes, and tolerable on very long trips for one or two people. Theres a surprising amount of headroom for us taller people, and the backseat area and truck are more spacious than youd expect for such a small car.

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  Build Quality questionable - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Valerie - April 17 - 11:33 pm

  Decent vehicle as far as Minivans are concerned. But build quality is in question. Minor rattles (Dealer said it was normal). My sliding door motor crapped out after 6 months. Then when it was replaced I can hear it straining to close now. In 2008 I drove my cousins Odyssey for a month and was very very impressed with it. It looked better inside, seemed to have functionality that suited my needs and definitely handled better. My husband actually enjoyed driving a van (he didnt like driving the Sienna) Ill be switching over to the Odyssey if I ever buy a Van again. I wont be buying any more Toyota due to the accelerator issue fiasco. Im afraid the same issue will hit Siennas.

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  $31K 2007 Carmy V7 XLE w/Nav = Yugo - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By SJTim - April 17 - 10:03 pm

  This my 3rd brand new Toyotas. After 2.5 yrs+ ownship, the 2955 miles on the odometer is my testimony of this car bought brand new in Aug 07 and most miles are going to the dealers to get things fixed,inc. sunroof adjustment,replacement of leather driver seat cover,disformed windshield molding,rattles/squeaks,SAFETY RECALLS. I dont want to drive the car at all. All the rattles/squeaks drive me crazy and want to just crash it. I am still driving my old rear-ended-legally- totalled-but-mechanically-perfect 97 V6 Carmy LE very day and enjoy every mile on it. But this 07 top-of-the- line is a very different story. With all the choices in the $30K+ segment, this is very likely my last Toyota/Lexus.

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  good little car - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim - April 17 - 3:36 pm

  We have 12000 miles on our 4cyl Rav and so far its pretty good.$ cyl is powerfull enough and performed well on the interstates from NY to Florida with a full load.MPG could be better,26 on the trip down is only 4 MPG better than my dad got in his new Impala V8 back in 1971,this is NOT progress.Drivers seat is WAY too hard for long distance driving,and the Window control buttn BUMP in the door,stuckin my leg the whole trip.Throttle lags badly when cold and power is needed,this is dangerous,this should be delt with immediately,I thought this problen disapeared with carburators.Goofy power up and down drivers side window,competely unnecessary.All in all the Rav is ok, I miss my GMC Sonoma 4X4.

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  Not Bad, still probably the best - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By wolfstar - April 17 - 3:03 pm

  This truck was purchased new in March of 07. It sees at least 8 miles of washboard roads daily, sometimes up to 40, in a very rural, desert environment it has performed well. The only failures have been the horn, and the radiator bolts fell out before 2300 miles. I replaced the horn with an aftermarket unit. The radiator was fixed by the dealer. When it is cold, the transmission is a little clunky till it warms up. Lots of gear noise from the transmission and rear end. The engine works fine, and has done well with 3/4 ton of stone in the bed. The stock Firestone tires stink The Speedometer/odometer is off by 4% this was remedied by replacing the sock 215/70/15 tires with 235/75/15.

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  This is the DE FACTO Land Cruiser - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By George Withers - April 17 - 2:20 pm

  The ultimate large-size luxury SUV. Period.

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  Great Car for if You Want MPG - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By notch8 - April 17 - 12:27 pm

  I got the 2012 Prius IV after trading in my fully loaded 2005 Prius with 200,000 miles. The 2005 still drove like new and was a solid vehicle. Im a little disappointed with the 2012. It feels and sounds less well built than the 2005 and I miss the little storage areas and layout of the interior on the 2005. But I bought the Prius for good MPG and thats where it satisfies. I drive about 95% highway miles carrying about 100 pounds of cargo and Im getting actual calculated mileage just shy of 49 after 17,000 miles. My 2005 averaged just under 44 but that included several Wisconsin winters that cuts into the MPG. Overall Im satisfied. It does just fine for what I expect.

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  Pearl - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By drs - April 17 - 10:10 am

  This car is way different from my 2000 Avalon (which looked like a grandpa car). The 2005/06 is hot looking and had the power to match almost any car on the road. The torque is huge for a 6-cylinder and the mileage is great for a 268 hp engine. The only problem is getting used to the computerized controls (braking and accelerator). The computer programming causes annoying shifting and some delays in reaction times.

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  Great little truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacolover - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely reliable, fun to drive, good gas mileage. I expect I will get another 10 years out of it, easily.