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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  Satisfied! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By triples - June 17 - 12:31 am

  I like this car a lot. Good fuel economy and very reliable. I have had to make a couple $100 repairs but nevery anything major. Most recently I had to replace the starter at 126k miles but that is the first non-regular maintenance that I have had do do for since owning in it for 5 years.

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  Smooth Hwy, Little Rough Local Part 3 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By sy - June 16 - 9:43 pm

  Follow up to my 10/21/08 review. Hesitation while accelerating is still there, just had to get used to it. Sometimes still annoying when you need to give it some gas, the vehicle doesnt move right away. Im not convinced its torque steer. Im back to premium gas to see if helps, not it. Still dont think its the trans. Dealer says its, "manufacturer computer programmed". I guess its better than it accelerating by itself. Look for VVT-I Oil Hose Replacement recall. Enter VIN on Toyota website to find out about yours. All in all, it still drives well, though. The styling hasnt changed much on the RAV4s, so I feel it was a good choice made then. Recently got asked if it was 2009 or 2010.

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  Comfort On The Road - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By grcofla - June 16 - 6:53 am

  Ive owned this car, a Camry XLE, just 5 days but in that short time Ive determined I made a really good decision to buy it. Prior to buying I compared that model with 4 other cars including a new version of a model I had for several years and was very happy with. Overall, the mileage so far, and Im just breaking it in, is better than I might have expected at this point. The Interior is roomy, though perhaps a bit tight on headroom (there is a moon roof in this model). The car is as quiet as my wifes Lexus ES 330 but its ride is just a bit stiffer. The instrument layout seems well thought out. The leather interior is great. As to the exterior design, it might be getting a bit tired

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  Love It - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By t schulze - June 15 - 1:23 pm

  Im a a person that vowed never to own a minivan but 3 kids later I went for it. The Sienna is the best car Ive had. The interior space is great and really have had no problems, just regular maintenance and tires. Brakes were need at 50k but that is to be expected. We have a large tent trailer we tow and it pulls like a dream (we got the tow package). The only thing I would improve is the underside clearance. When towing (and even when not), you need to be aware of the clearance. It rides very low and you can bottom out if your not careful. Ive heard all minivans are like this though.

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  Solid and Stylish - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By acek27 - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Solara SLE V6 used and have put on approximately 4,000 miles. I have no regrets whatsoever. Its solid, comfortable and reasonably stylish. The Toyota build quality is outstanding. At 62,000 miles, the cars still solid as a rock. The V6 provides ample power and the ride is extremely comfortable. So long as you are not expecting BMW responsiveness, you really cant go wrong with this car.

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  Not what expected - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By PH Hark - June 13 - 9:33 pm

  Weve had Toyotas in the past and been happy, not with the Camry. Acceleration hestitates and then kicks in and jerks forward, its not a safe feeling. We had it in four times for dash board rattles, and twice for an annoying brake squeak. They ended up replacing the brakes because they could not fix the problem. There was a strange high pitch ring in cold weather that came from under the car, they could never figure out what it was. We recently replaced it with a Volvo. Hopefully well have better luck.

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  The first car i drove. - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By xmoparmanx - June 12 - 10:38 am

  I used this car as a teenager before i got my truck (thank GOD i finally look like a man) and it was a good car to learn to drive in. that is, if you dont mind looking like a little guy. but for real now. the car is very reliable for the most part. the few problems weve had with the car is the powersteering pump failing, the alternator breaking, and the starter not working. but other than that its been quite reliable. the only thing though is, it is in no way a high speed car. i drove this thing on the interstate and i was scared to go 70 cause the engine was pushing as hard as its little self could.

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  Not worth the money - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Bob Martin - June 11 - 5:00 pm

  Let me start saying I am a Toyota man, always was, always will be. I bought my Highlander Hybrid thinking it would be the best car ever. Its ok, but has a herky jerky ride and the seats are not very comfortable. I took it back to Toyota and their factory rep. said "Thats just the way the car is" The car gets pretty good gas milage 24-26, and looks great. In my opinion Toyota needs to make it a lot smoother before I recommend it to anyone else. Sorry Toyota, but sometimes the truth hurts.

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  Disappointment - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Richard - June 11 - 8:03 am

  My new manual Corolla has terrible fuel economy, 33mpg in the best case on hwy. Dealers service dept. claims "it is what is" and can not be improved.

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  Dont have the feeling - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jprice - June 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my third toyota vehicle. For the first time I am concerned about the level of quality. What I am concerned about now were not apparent when I purchased the vehicle. However, now I notice the drivers side door panel doesnt fit flush with the side of vehicle, the temperature gauge sticks after an evening of subzero tempretures. Finally, the frontend makes uncomfortable noises when turning hard left or right when in four wheel drive. I am left hoping I can get many years of trouble free operation as I have experienced with my past toyotas.