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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  I would not buy it again - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By jim smith1234 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife to drive. She and my 2 kids really like it. Whenever I drive it on weekends and trips I cannot help but notice the poor handling and poor braking. This car handles like a buick. The car leans on almost turn. The brakes are very soft. You foot almost goes down to the floor when stopping. Also the driver side door handle broke off the first week we had the car and we had to wait three weeks before they could get the part in. The automatic drivers seat also slides during driving.

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  Traded Honda CR-V for RAV 4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By eric r daugherty - March 6 - 8:03 pm

  I was looking for a new SUV which was slightly larger and had more power. The Honda had been fine, except on long trips fully loaded. The RAV 4 is very confortable, plenty of power and maintains reasonable gas mileage. This is the first Toyota I have owned, not a single problem, fit and finish very good, very happy in 10,000 miles of service.

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  Why I Buy Toyota - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By hopdevil - March 6 - 8:26 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota, following a 2WD pickup and a 98 Tacoma. The great thing with Toyotas is that you get exactly what you expect. They dont have as much power as other brands and theyre not as big on creating a luxury interior, but thats not what I look for in a depreciating asset. Like my other Toyotas, routine maintenance is all I ever have to do and that saves me thousands of $s over friends with other brand vehicles. The only expenses after 76,000 miles are a set of tires, pair of rotors, some oil, and some windshield wipers. It still even has the original brake pads. The vehicle is superbly engineered, handles off- road situations very well, and is great in snow and rain.

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  Good, solid vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By justchuck - March 6 - 1:00 am

  Have owned our 2004 for almost 4 yrs. now. Have about 47,000 miles on it. It is built very well in terms of ride quality and noise. There have been two reliability issues, both of which were covered under warranty, a window motor and a speed sensor. The original tires were cheap garbage and lasted only about 40K. The best replacement is for them is the Yokohamas, a steal at about $100 each installed. The Yokohamas are rated for 80K. My only complaint with this vehicle is the gas mileage. We have averaged 17.7 MPG since new, and this is a mix of suburban and highway driving. It will get 25-26 MPG at 60-65 MPH, but only about 22-23 MPG at 75-80 MPH. Otherwise, safe, comfortable, reliable.

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  Good Value for the Money - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By AD - March 5 - 9:53 am

  My Camry is solidly built and handles well. Selected the GY side airbag option due to the poor showing without in the IIHS.org testing. Detect minor surging at stop lights and some transmission searching at border shift speeds (much like my Sequoia) but neither is problematic. First tank of gas yielded almost 23 mpg which is pretty good considering it is not broken in and my city driving is excessive. Goodyear tires are definite upgrade with aluminum wheels. Driver and passenger cloth seating is not as comfortable as I would like and the leather option might be worth considering. Ride is quieter than a Honda but still a bit noiser than I would like. Overall, good value for the money.

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  260,000 miles, no rattles, no creaks, no maintenance - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By priusenvy1 - March 4 - 9:35 am

  I have driven a lot of great cars but this is by far tops. 260,000 miles, and not one creak, rattle or squeak..and that includes the brakes. I have never even had to change breaks or turned rotars, and my car drives perfectly straight still. Using engine to break and recharge battery saves the brakes!! Power is great, I can pass and go 90 mph if I wanted and engine has no straining. Oh and I have never had a tuneup either. My leather seats only have a side split in drivers seat, leather steering wheel still looks new. Dont be fooled, its spacious and comfy. I am 61" and used to have back aches from driving so much, but this cars smooth ride has changed that too! Has saved me a fortune!

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  Update after 6 months - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Marya - March 3 - 8:13 am

  I first posted on Nov. 5 and was lukewarm on the car. Since then Ive gotten used to it and feel better about it. Ive adjusted my driving to deal with the acceleration hesitation, altho I see now there is a fix for it. But I do want to say it performs really well in bad weather, of which there is plenty in NYS. Its much more stable than my 1996 Explorer on snow, in freezing rain, slush, even ice, and so far I havent had any repair issues (fingers crossed).

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  Great, versatile vehicle - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By kff1 - February 28 - 9:43 am

  Purchased in Dec 2009. 17000 miles later, still loving it. Lots of room for our 2 dogs and camping gear in the back with seats folded down. Very comfortable for 4 on a road trip with the seats up. Rock solid reliability. Bought the 4cyl with tow pkg. We occasionally tow our jetski to the beach and the 4 cyl is more than up to the task. Our only complaint, we were hoping for better gas milage. We have yet to see the EPA rated 27 on the highway, no matter how conservatively we drive. Weve averaged 22.1 MPG since new with about a 50/50 mix of highway and city. Our best milage on road trip with just the two of us and no cargo was 25.38. Overall though, very pleased.

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  Great Car But... - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By JK - February 28 - 5:36 am

  I have owned the car for 9 years and overall it has been very reliable. However, it has not been without problems. Cons: An emissions sensor had to be replaced at 70k (over $700 repair). The front struts had to be replaced at 75k ($1200 repair). The actuator rod for the driver door remote auto-lock mechanism failed at 80k (Its a $1000 repair). Finally transmission failed at 128k. Overhaul parts and labor put the repair at over $3400. A little underpowered and a little loud at highway speeds. Pros: Better than my Jeep Cherokee in the snow and rain. Comfortable driver position (I am 61"), good turning radius and great handling. Fun to drive.

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  Fun Car - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Alf - February 27 - 11:46 pm

  just traded in 05 Escape. I thought that was good until I tried this. Big difference. Better gas mileage from the 3.5 v6, great handling, fully loaded, quieter but still road noise, front wheels getting brake dust,smoother ride, tighter turning radius. 2 trip meters, outside temp., Escape did not have, but needs mileage computer. Seats a little tight up front, too much room in rear. Must be for Japanese market, smaller people. Could easily move seat rails back 2 in. Center console box could have been bigger, higher. Like to have grab bar like Escape. Blue tooth cellphone echoes. Rear hatch should open up, not sideways. A problem unloading with parallel parking. Will buy again.