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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  Viewpoint - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sac State - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Great reliable vehicle. Fun to drive, responsive, nice full-time 4WD system.

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  Toyota Transmission? - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By trump - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with just under 100,000km on it. I must say that it has performed well for most of the last four and half years with only standard maintenance and new tires. It has been dependable until this spring when transmission problems at about 225,000km necessitated its replacement by "my" mechanic with the concurrence of the local Toyota dealer. This seems to be an anomoly for Toyota drivetrains but it does happen.

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  A maintenance nightmare - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Bradford - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought it in November. Since then I have had to replace the axles, cv joints because the boot ripped. I have also had to replace the transmission, the water, makes noise now. The radiator went bad and I replace that. Now the head gasket one out and that needs to be replaced. I have never ever had so much trouble with a car. With everybody saying so many wonderful things about these cars I think that it is strange that Ive had so many problems. Oh and by the way the steering is making sounds. The trunk was also leaking water into it. The whole wheel well filled up.

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  Excellent ugly car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By mailinh - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for its class, except that for some reason, Toyota decided to ugly it up some. It looks like a whale made out of Jello. A friend actually bought one (not me), but I think Im going to get a used 01 Camry. Obviously, the assorted sqeaks, rattles, and vibes that some people are getting are due to the new body design (and doors, trunk, hood, etc.) not having been widely tested yet. The inside will be as quiet as a mouse next year. : )

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  great truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By country_boy2 - June 27 - 7:05 pm

  i love my yota, i am always looking for things to make it look better. The build isnt very sturdy how ever. The thing will dent easily and will be crushed like a tin can if in a wreck. Also it seems a little low. If you put a leveling kit on there however, that truck will look mean. It sounds fantastic with pipes. Oh and it tears through mud, even for a 2 wheel drive truck. Need new tires and the brakes need work but overall a fantastic truck. It has been through alot and always finds a way to crank up. When this baby finally quits on me, im going straight to the dealership and buying a new one. The back seat is too small, but im always driving and im a big boy, and i fit in there just fine!

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  Still crazy - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By velobella - June 27 - 10:16 am

  I purchased my 01 from a used lot w/10k on it and havent looked back! Ive put nearly 145k on this baby, commuting daily. Only drawback is gas mileage, but great work truck! Ive driven many a truck but my Toyota is like driving a couch! Sure there are problems, squeaky brakes, funky dash noises in cold weather, tinny pinging sound with engine start up in cold weather, but the ride is divine and reliability is tops. I will put another 100k on this puppy. The only thing that hasnt held up is the leather interior, but everything else is tops. Ive replaced timing belt at 150k (and it still looked good, but water pump was slightly leaking). Keep up the maintenance, you wont go wrong!

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  2008 Toyota Sienna LE Tire Wear Issue - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By watsonk - June 27 - 7:03 am

  At 19,100 miles, and with regular tire rotation, all four Dunlop tire wear are 4/32. There is something wrong with the tires! I avoided buying a AWD just to avoid premature wearing of tires (Consumers Report). It makes no difference!

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  Love my new Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Babs - June 27 - 6:20 am

  I traded an Avalon and find that I am exceptionally pleased with the Camry. I love the various displays related to measuring fuel economy. Handles great, nice ride!

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  Great Car but strange Cruise Control - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By First-Time Toyota Bu - June 26 - 11:33 pm

  Overall, this has been a good car. Biggest surprise (and disappointment) was that Cruise Control does not slow car down when set. It only controls speed going uphill and on flat roads. It should not be called Cruise Control, but "Up Hill Flat Road" control. Car accelerates going downhill, increase of speed contingent on slope. I took it to Dealer and they said thats the way Cruise Control works on this car. This makes Cruise Control on long trips worthless. Ive previously driven German cars and never had this issue.

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  A great car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Mary Ann2 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Reliable, fun, no frills, economical SUV.