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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  review - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By FredK - February 14 - 12:33 pm

  Problems with body rattles and electrical. When cold will not pick up -really lags. noisey engine which is underpowered.Poor rear visibility when backing up.

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  Great Ride - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tom - February 13 - 8:13 pm

  Took awhile to find an SUV that suited my towing needs and that I could live with day to day - found it! I waited for the new Tahoe and once I drove it, the decision was a no-brainer to purchase the 4Runner. Fuel mileage isnt bad either.

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  Sorry I bought it - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Phoenix owner - February 12 - 5:30 pm

  This is my 4th Camry, and Im sorry I bought it. The car is very sluggish and slow to respond. There is also a lot of wind noise. Its already been back at the dealer (for 2 days) to get rid of a rattle in the back.They fixed that problem, but now Im taking it in again because the AC is messed up (no air coming from lower vents on the drivers side), the wind noise and the poor acceleration. I traded in a 1994 Camry with 158,000 that had better AC and more acceleration.

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  Overpriced XLS - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By overpriced - February 11 - 10:00 am

  comfortable ride, good acceleration, good amenities. However, transaxle has whine between 30 and 40 mph; wind noise around outside mirrors. Shouldnt have these problems with top of line Toyota and for the price.

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  2000 Toyota Celica GTS - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Sean G. - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Never have any problems and is a really sporty fun car to drive.

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  No regrets - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By new to minivans - February 11 - 10:00 am

  1 year & 18.5K miles later, we have had no problems with this minivan. Have been pleasantly surprised at its practicality. Extremely spacious. Had to go on a 90 day tour of duty away from home, family came with me and we were able to pack so much into the van. Kids love the DVD and it handles well on the road. Would definately buy another Sienna in the future.

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  Burst Bubble Too - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By U-boat commander - February 10 - 2:06 am

  Ive owned many cars, but this is my first new Toyota. Given their reputation, I thought this would be a good car to get. So far, its been a disaster. Stalled, rough engine all around (especially on warm up) and dealer finds no problems. Lugging and poor engine performance on turns and on upshift. Reset computer to no avail. There is a fix, but only for the 07 Camry that has the same problems. Not available for the Solara yet, if ever, they tell me. Severe rainwater leaks not only from cowl, but both doors as well. Ive gotten used to driving loaner cars, it spent two weeks in the dealership just getting those leaks fixed. MPG on dash shows around 28 steady, actual can be as low as 19.

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  20 Months of Ownership - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By cneighbor - February 9 - 8:53 am

  I prefer to wait a while before I offer my opinion so this should help used car buyers. The Sequoia is an excellent vehicle. Dont buy this truck if youre looking for a lot of gizmos. Its pretty plain jane compared to the competition. However, if youre looking for a very smooth ride and the satisfaction of knowing this SUV will last forever then buy one. This is a classic Toyota... great ride, quality, reliability and timeless styling. Just a couple of negatives mentioned below. I wont complain about gas mileage. I still dont understand people who buy a V8 SUV and do???

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  4WD Limited - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Acraig - February 9 - 7:40 am

  Purchased the 4Runner new in November 1998. Now have 93,000 miles on it. Required a new starter at 65,000 miles but no other problems at all. All the bells and whistles still work as new. Typical exceptional Toyota reliability, comforable on the the road yet very capable off road. I like the styling of the 99 better than the new models.

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  Very reliable hybrid - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jadziasman - February 9 - 12:20 am

  Second owner. Extremely reliable. Driven for 82K miles, Has 217K miles now. Package 6 nearly all available options installed. Except for three necessary repairs (HID headlight leveling sensor, HV inverter electric water pump, and gasoline engine water pump) no mechanical problems. Uses a quart of oil every 3000 miles or less depending on average speed driven. Traction battery still works. Every light, switch, sensor, etc still function. Original brakes and suspension. Fuel tank capacity varies considerably with ambient temp. Only holds about 8 gallons when temp is less than 20 deg F and holds about 11 gallons when temp is over 80 deg F. Road noise an issue on concrete hwys.