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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  Unhappy owner - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By ManManMan - February 2 - 2:00 am

  The gearshift is not very smooth at times and hard to shift to the reverse gear. It needs to release the clutch totally before reengaging the reverse gear again. To shift to 2nd gear then reserve gear, but it didn’t help. The clutch is extra sensitive compare other cars that I had. The most annoying thing is the driver seat squeaks after two weeks old. I brought it back to the dealership on six occasions and they replaced the seat frame at the 3 visit. After the seat frame replacement, it started to squeak after a month. It jerks while driving the first 10 to 15 second. Warm up the car for 1 to 2 minutes before drive off, but it didn’t help.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Annette - February 1 - 11:10 pm

  I LOVE MY PRIUS and brag about it frequently to others. I bought it new and now have 81,000 miles on it. It still runs perfectly. The gas mileage is not as high as was advertised, but I still get 41 mpg even when running the ac or defrost. I was nervous about the reliability of the Hybrid System but Ive had no battery problems. At 70k miles, Toyota replaced the computer chip (warranty) as I had a "Start Failure" warning light. It seems to have fixed the problem. Others comments are true re: wind resistance, poor tires, turning radius excellent for parallel parking, and computer screen making my foot lighter...

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  Legendary Toyota reliability, fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Richard - February 1 - 8:24 pm

  I bought a 2003 XRS w/190k for $3k, fuel efficient, absolute blast to drive! Exceptional ride and build quality. Most importantly, this vehicle saved my life! I was struck from behind by a Cadillac doing well over 60 mph, I forced the driver door open and walked away unscathed!(5-star frontal and rear crash ratings) A sporty look with very practical storage options. As far is Im concerned, one of the best overall cars ever produced. Only drawback is this engine requires premium gasoline, but with nearly 30 mpg its not that big of a deal. A true driver enthusiasts car.

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  Wanted one for years - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Danjo - February 1 - 7:46 pm

  After reading tons of these reviews and finally getting a 4Runner I would like to put in my two cents. Build quality is great. Did not get the sunroof option as it really does limit head room. I get about 14-15 mpg in the city but average 21-22 on the highway. The only way that I have been able to get better on the highway is on roads with a 55mph limit. Then I can get around 24mpg. I really like pretty much everything else about this vehicle. We pulled out the fold up rear seats and used the 4runner as pick up during a recent move. Great family vehicle as well.

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  On my short list - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Al Grigsby - February 1 - 7:37 pm

  I needed a vehicle that could hold 4 sets of golf clubs and bags with seating for the four golfers. This car handiled it with much better mpg than any SUV.

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  Toyotas swagger wagon - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By messls - February 1 - 7:20 pm

  Traded in an 01 Honda Odyssey for a 11 Toyota. We are so happy, Toyota took the time to understand the needs of families [like mine with 3 kids] and has designed an awesome minivan that meets so many of our needs and wants. Honda quality is overrated [put a new transmission in the 01 Odyssey at 60k miles]. Toyota makes a quality product with great features

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  New 2011 Sienna SE - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By PghRegi - February 1 - 5:56 pm

  Just brought home the new 2011 Sienna SE days ago. Loving it so far! I traded in a 1999 Grand Caravan (loved that one also!). The Sienna ride is stiffer than my G. Caravan, but probably a good thing as I feel more in control of the vehicle, especially when cornering. I am disappointed that the rear quarter windows are not powered on the SE. I believe they are on the XLE and Limited. Also, there doesnt seem to be a compass feature on the trip computer display, had one on the old G. Caravan and miss it now. We wanted the "sportier" look of the SE though--it has to be the best looking van on the road today! So far, after 4 days, we are happy with our purchase.

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  186k Miles, 5spd Tranny the best!! Great Car! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Jose - February 1 - 12:55 pm

  First Owner Japan Built, I have owned this Camry since new, people talk about headbolts problems and lot of negative comments..well, my car has been different, My Camry has been the most reliable of my cars, I owed a Benz S430, a suburban, a Honda accord, and this the only car that never has given me any major issues..the most Ive done to it was the starter, main serpentine belt, cleaned the MAF sensor and Brakes..and an oil change every 3k and fuel additive every oil change works..at this mileage I do have to use an Oil additive, I notice some smog in the mornings..but using thicker oil has fixed the issue..I recommend this car with manual Transmission since is the one I drive..I dont know about automatic Tanny experiences..

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  Had to part ways w/ my Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Janine - February 1 - 11:46 am

  This was my 2nd camry. After owning an 03 with no problems I expected a great car. Boy was I wrong. The transmission is the absolute WORST, it is very dangerous and can cause an accident. I took it back to the dealer to fix which they did but after a couple of months it was back to being very slugglish. My power windows stopped working, radio had to be replaced, rattles, rattles and more rattles. The plastic interior looks and feels cheap. I have since gotten rid of this car and upgraded to an 08 Infiniti G35 (wont buy another Toyota anytime soon). I dont miss this car at all!

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  Very well - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By gc188 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Good Interior & Exterior Design , Good Quality, Reliable