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:

• 

  SU4V12LUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By 1suv2luv - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle drives like a luxury car. The gas mileage could be improved in future models. Great color combinations and very reliable during the inclement weather.

• 

  2003 Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Skeeter - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. The fuel mileage is less than expected(15MPG highway). Great for family and long trips.

• 

  Roll-over rate - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Philip DelVecchio - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My 4Runner rolled over in two separate accidents in moderate inclement weather; both times sedan-style cars drove through the same conditions right in front of me with no problems. The problem with their AWD is you must disengage it above 60 mph - makes it tedious to constantly be turning it on and off unlike other models that have AWD all-the-time. Be careful with this vehicle - can be a death trap.

• 

  Great Car, Great Price - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Sunflower - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Corolla about four months ago. I love it. It handles well and I love the gas mileage. I think youll love this Corolla too. The design is more sporty , so you and the car look great. Ive a had a few road trips with a total of four passengers, and we were all quite comfortable. Stop your search, the Corolla is waiting for you.

• 

  I CANT BELIEVE I BOUGHT A MINIVAN!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By CHICAGO MINIVAN - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Was happy with the 2001 Highlander until the second child arrived--then it was apparent that the Highlander was simply a tall Camry (not enough room). Wife wanted an Honda Ody. I wanted the new Sienna--good thing I won out. Elmhurst Toyota gave us a good price. If youre on the fence over the ODY or the Sienna, definitely get the Sienna. I intend to have this vehicle for the next 10 years and 200,000+ miles

• 

  tundra- to many problems - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By junktruck97 - January 23 - 8:01 pm

  2011 tundra crew 5.7,nice truck too bad i had had too many alignments to make this truck go straight it, pulls to the right when applying the brakes,toyota corp and thier field rep, and sun toyota says its the michelin tires on the bbs wheels causeing the problem,its a factory item on the xsp package and i have to live with it,had vibration problem from the start,replaced driveshaft,idle is sticking when you start it to 1800,i have 5500 miles and i regret not buying that dodge,plus i have the leather interior and when i turn i slide around in the seat,trans is slipping

• 

  Nice Car,Terrible Seats - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Stan - January 23 - 3:56 am

  Styling wise, this vehicle is a great improvement over the previous model. The seats, however, are extremely hard,low quality leather.They tried to create a more expensive look by pleating the leather on the seat backs but all they did was create lumps that stick in your back as well as seams that protrude rather then are concave.My drivers seat has so many lumps that the dealer ordered a new leather cover for it. The ability to adjust the front seat is limited. If you wish to tilt the back up and lower the front the only adjustment brings the the entire seat up vertically so that your head hits the roof.My sons Ford Taurus has better and more comfortable seats.Shame on you Toyota

• 

  The energizer bunny - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By martinafan - January 21 - 7:56 am

  This car is awesome I have just under 270,000 miles, use it everyday like a taxi, going from client to client mixed city and expressway driving, only repair has been struts cv joints and rack and pinion unit. Original alternator, starter, ignition and exhaust. ac tranny never repaired, inside cheap materials make the car look abused,but as far as driving it its still almost as good as new

• 

  Problem with Corolla - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By toyotacle - January 21 - 2:05 am

  I recently purchased a 2014 Toyota Corolla. I really like the car, except for 2 concerns: 1. the average mile/gallon on the sticker (highway & local) is inflated. Ive checked the web and apparently there is no federal oversight to ensure the correct mileage is posted. 2. the car has 2 plastic "rods" that are on both sides of the car (vertically) clipped to the under-carriage. Last winter during the snow, I was driving out of an icy spot an to my surprise, there was a long gray plastic rod on the road. It was from my new car. I have submitted a complaint to Toyota...poor quality and engineering. Maybe theyll recall and fix this issue.

• 

  5sp Tacoma Good Value - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Frank - January 20 - 9:20 pm

  Bought a 2.7 liter with 5 speed, as I commute with my truck. No need for 4x4, only raises insurance. Get very good gas mileage all around. Run 89 octane. Acceleration not too bad, although if going too slow in second gear but too fast for first gear, engine bogs a bit before rpms rise. Performance improved with a K & N filter. The bench seat is comfortable, although the center seat is ridiculous. Should have been an armrest or storage bin in center, like my 86 Toyota pickup. The stereo is not high fidelity by any stretch of the imagination, so I plan on upgrading soon. Many complaints on the blogs about 09 stereos. Recommend deflector for hood. It helps stop pebbles hitting windshield.