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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  Awesome - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Honda Man - October 25 - 12:26 pm

  Love the van. Dont pay sticker. We got nearly 3k off. Feels like a Lexus. first class. Looks like the new Odyssey will beat its fuel efficiency. If you tow things I am having a hard time finding a hitch as it is very new. Hope one gets designed by the Spring. Excellent ride and fun to drive. It does not appear that you can change dvd while driving. Looks like parking break needs to be on. I dont like that.

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  The little engine that could - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By ren - October 25 - 9:26 am

  Well, I have to say that this little truck is great for its size. Off road and this little guy can do it ok. I wish it had about 10-15 more ponies, but you cant have everything right. For the money this truck is great. Its reliable and its gets me from A to B. I wish I had an extended cab for more room but I manage in this one. Regular maintenance is good and easy. There is a weird creak or rattle in the dash at times. Wish it had a higher resale. Overall, not a bad little workhorse.

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  Great Truck, but You Need to Know... - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By the3rdfinger - October 24 - 10:10 pm

  I just purchased this truck used with 100,000 miles on it. Since then I have discovered two things you need to watch out for on this truck: 1. The 4.7L V8 is an interference engine. The service interval is 90,000 miles. If you allow the timing belt to break, it will destroy the valves. Be sure you take this maintenance item into consideration. Have the water pump and idler/tensioner pulleys replaced at the same time you have the belt serviced. Expect to pay $500-$900 for parts and labor. 2. Toyota has issued several recalls for excessive frame corrosion. Check to be sure the frame is not excessively corroded and that the recall items are taken care of.

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  Great while it lasted, beware of known issue - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By shadsie - October 24 - 8:53 pm

  I loved this car while it was running. It handled well, it was a smooth and comfortable ride, it was easy to maintain. It was wonderful. *However*, I knew when I bought this car that it had known issues with stripping head bolts. I wish I had walked away. The car lasted 180k miles before the head bolts ended up stripping and the head gasket blew. Now that those issues have been fixed, it has a massive oil leak that hasnt been found yet. Its been a nightmare. I dont know if the stripping is inevitable or not, but Ive heard of enough incidents of this to strongly recommend you look at a 2007 or newer model instead of this one. Buy at your own risk!

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  Toyota Quality Not What it used to be - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rb106 - October 24 - 7:10 pm

  Car has chronic problem with pulling to right, front windows bang when they go down into door and the dealer says that is normal as the car ages. The car does not handle roads very well, there are lots of rattles and rides very rough. I have owned several Toyotas and this is by far the worst Toyota I have ever owned. I know that everyone who writes loves theirs but I cant say the same. The dealer and Toyota specialist keep telling me that Im too fussy and all the problems are in my head. Friends that drive the car agree that there is something wrong but I cant seem to get Toyota to agree with me.

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  Not bad for the money. - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By GScale - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Great quality. Drives like a bus, very heavy. Averages 15 mpg. This was expected. Tire wear was very poor, this vehicle came from the factory with Dunlop tires and I expect to have to replace them at around 20,000 miles. There were 2 minor defects when purchased, the sunroof leaked and the vehicle was out of alignment. Over all this is a good SUV and we are pleased with it.

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  Improve MPG for Best in Class! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bobav4 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I drive over 20,000 a year and need comfort. This vehicle is that comfort I needed. But, the fuel MPG is worse that I was led to believe from the Dealer and the window sticker. Great ride for long trips.

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  Better than my A6 Audi - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By martin j model - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Having put up with 2 new BMWs and 2 new Audis over the last 6 years I am pleased to have a car that is reliable and well built unlike the over expensive German cars that let me down often. The Highlander is as comfortable and quiet as either of the German marques and is liked more by my family and the Golden Retreiver!

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  miles heating up! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By batman - October 23 - 9:00 pm

  So far this car is adding up to the reason why I bought it - great gas mileage. I am constantly told how classy this car is. It is pretty roomy inside and the dash is great. So far I am averaging between 30-34 mpg. The only criticism I have is the compartments or lack of near the driver side. They are hard and even impossible to reach when standing still let alone driving. Overall so far a great car that drives nice on the highway.

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  Love my 95 hate my 91 - 1995 Toyota Pickup
  By bhoward - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I first came across the Toyota Pickup line was in 2007 my Dad bought me a 1991 Toyota pickup with the extended cab 2wd it was baby blue on the outside and dark blue on the inside. It ran okay until the A/C and heater went out on it. Then it just started falling apart. The day I sold it was the happiest day of my life. Well in May of 2010 my Dad found a 1995 Toyota pickup and I was hesitant to get it because of the horrible experience I had with my last one. I did buy it though and I LOVE IT! It runs so much better than my 91. I had to replace the fuel pump but it was time for it. Its a great truck with great gas mileage. Uncomfortable on long trips but I mostly drive around town.