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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  1st Toyota - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Big Blue - May 28 - 4:56 am

  I really like the car. I bought a 2002 with most of the extras, moon roof, heated seats, 16" wheels etc The radio with the JBL is great. On the highway I get great miledge but not too good in the city.

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  Somewhat Disappointed - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By xwxman - May 28 - 3:06 am

  Disappointed that the new engine and trans needs a TSB update (0068-08) to fix poor shifting and acceleration. Disappointed that the radio display is very weak/dim and unviewable with sunglasses. Disappointed that the brakes grab and are noisy. Disappointed with rattles and squeaks that have already cropped up.

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  Second Best Minivan - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Simon - May 27 - 4:06 am

  The 04 Sienna is a great minivan with plenty of space, (Third row should only be used by small children.) great interior build quality which exeeds every other minivan and looks that arent too shabby for a minivan. Our Sienna has had no problems excluding a flat tire because of a nail on the road and one time someone keyed our car. No mechanical problems at all. If you buy a Sienna, you will be rewarded with a solid family vehicle that stands up to the normal family schedual.

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  Good Mule on Wheels - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By RichT - May 25 - 6:40 pm

  I have enjoyed driving and owning this Matrix as my driving needs are constantly evolving. It handles the highway and the city with a flexible response, plus it averages nothing less than 30mpg in mixed driving conditions. It has good room for 4 large adults and with the seats folded down, it can haul 30 cases of beer. Having driven it in the snow and bad weather, it never fails or complains.

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  Good Value - Room For Improvement - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Cyra - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a Sport V8 4x4 Model that has the painted trim package and I replaced the white letter tires. Overall good value for $32k.

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  Boring - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By too bad you got it - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I would have bought a Camry, test drove one but got the Nissan Maxima GLE instead. I just stopped by this site to read Camry owner reviews. Boring reviews, no one is that excited about anything with the car. Must be a boring car to get boring reviews. Check the Maxima reviews. Now that is one group of excited and impressed owners. Glad to say thatI am part of that group.

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  Basic 4WD Toyota compact pickup - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Western Plainsman - May 24 - 6:40 am

  The pickup rides surprisingly well; seat is okay; sufficient legroom; good passing power in 4th gear; 22 MPG at 70 MPH so far...1,500 miles. Bought the cheapest 4WD pickup Toyota makes; only option is Air. Ive added floor mats & a factory cruise. My wife inherited the Tundra 4WD. She didnt want the Tacoma because it has none of the goodies. Hey, but its paid for!

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  I Believe This Car Will Last Forever! - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By doctorken2k - May 23 - 2:56 pm

  My family bought this car new 15 years ago and after two major accidents and having the belts, the starter, and alternator replaced, this car is still going strong after 204,000 miles. The only time this car goes to the shop is to have the brakes changed and tires replaced, rotated, or balanced and that is a rare thing for this car. I change the oil myself. I never had a transmission problem out of this car either. Although this car will probably last forever, its body will not. The paint is chipping and interior is detoriating, but that comes with ever old car. Soon, I will be getting another Toyota or Scion although there has been recalls. Those recalls will pass like time and Toyota will become a reliable brand again. I am afraid to drive anything else especially the big 3!

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By freedom - May 22 - 5:10 pm

  Couldnt be more boring, at a stop light you could be surrounded by 3 more of the same color as yours. But who cares. Its the best car I have ever owned. Drove it for over 7 years and it never failed me once. Went through brakes frequently and OEM tires failed at 25k. Stereo was great. Everything always worked all the time. Never had a single repair only maintenance. It had 111k, miles when I sold it for 7k in 09. Wanted a Sienna. It was fine but I should have held onto the Camry. Got great gas mileage. 28 in the city. Its nice that it doesnt have a timing belt, only a chain so no need for that service. Will be hunting for one with side airbags next time.

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  Couple of issues - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By James1 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Brake trouble! Missing bolt in door. Rattle in dash. Had to take the thing to the dealer 4 times to get the brakes finally replaced. Getting wobble in pedal when brake discs were warm. Shouldnt happen, but it did! Bolt missing to hold door in open position, so door flopped about on delivery. After 22000miles dash has rattle. Bucket seats pointless when bench seat offers more funcationality and comfort.