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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  Great but a couple problems - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By tmaracle - July 26 - 3:20 am

  We like this truck. I am encountering some issues. I added the running boards with LEDs underneath that light up when the door is opened. The dealership is fixing them for the third time because the wires got corroded at the connection. It is not a water proof connector, bad design. I now also have a leaking oil pan. It appears to be the valve seal that is faulty because the hose and pan are oily. Hopefully the dealership will fix both issues under the extended warranty. So far they told me the light bulbs are not covered. LEDs are not light bulbs, they are diodes that rarely fail. This is an electrical issue. Is anyone else having problems. Albeit, these seem to be minor.

• 

  I saw it and I liked it - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By ricky55 - July 24 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased this Corolla after having my Camry for 10 years. I needed better gas mileage and lower car payments. I am also glad these cars last at least ten years. I was not disappointed. The car is actually more spunky to drive than my old Camry. This car can zip down the highway if I push it. It has more personal space than my old Camry.

• 

  Vesten reviews the 03 Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Vesten - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Fun, different, and exciting. It is fun getting into a car that told you how your fuel economy was doing as you are driving and how the power is being used with a visual display. It is very different sitting at a stop and feeling the engine just turn off and realizing the car is still running. It is exciting to see how far you can go on a tank of regular gas and challenge yourself to see what your best milage can be.

• 

  h - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By FA - July 24 - 2:00 am

  /tis car is like a good appliance, boring but you never have to worry about it. In 5 years weve had to replace the clutch and tires but nothing else. Runs in -40 weather without a block heater. I figure it has at least anither 5 years in it.

• 

  fair enough - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By newbuy - July 24 - 2:00 am

  the exterior looks great but the braking distance and sound insulation could be better.

• 

  noisy - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By gejones - July 24 - 2:00 am

  this car drives noisy and i can hear alot of outside noise while driving

• 

  Never Toyota Again - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Never Toyota Again - July 22 - 8:56 pm

  I have bought Toyota Celica 2004 GT in 2004. Not much but oil change for the first 2 years. After that the car becomes a money draining machine. Brake changes; Tire changes; Clutch changes; Now, Transmission change - burn out in the middle of no where after 5 years of driving (yes the transmission oil had been changed before). The car is reliable until the expiring mileage of 250000 km or 5 years. I guess Toyota has to make money and we have to buy a new car every five year to have reliable transportation means. Oh, forgot to mention that Check engine lights stay On and I still pass emission test in Ontario. The computer for emission in Celica is very tight.

• 

  Should have bought something else - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By kf286 - July 22 - 1:46 pm

  I expected better from Toyota; my new 2007 XLE is very good in some respects, not so good in others: transmission hunts for gears, ride quality much worse than even a mediocre car, Auto sound level doesnt work, accessory outlets do not work unless car is running or acc is on (no more charging your cell phone while youre shopping), radio shuts off when engine is shut off. Also, excessive rattles and buzzes, rear suspension a joke. Excessive torque steer when floored could be a problem for an inexperienced driver. The 2000 Bonneville I traded was not as refined or quiet, but rode better and got nearly the same mileage.

• 

  owning the Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By foozy8933 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I am now at 6 months ownership with the highlander. I find it one of the most enjoyable vehicles I have owned including luxury sedans. Power could be improved somewhat and milage is low. Otherwise a real gem. Performance in snow and ice is super. I will definitely get another in a year or so.

• 

  Its Great - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Bill - July 21 - 10:16 am

  This car is quality throughout. It was delivered in absolutely perfect condition. Handling is good. Driving position is great, and cargo capacity is amazing for a car of this size.