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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  Stay away from 2005... - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By jinxx15 - May 12 - 9:01 pm

  Bought my 2005 Toyota Sienna in June 2009, had it till May 2011. We started to notice a ticking noise coming from below the car, turns out the tranny was done, and we also found out later that week that the radiator was leaking! They wanted 4200$ to fix the darn thing! When we traded it in it for a new car, it turns out that 5 years earlier, the van had been in a 7000$ wreck which Guelph Toyota failed to disclose... I would never go Toyota again.

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  Surpasses Expectations - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By pierrelonesome - May 12 - 3:30 pm

  After ignition, while engine running it cant be heard (scary!). While driving encountered smooth ride. Accleration was right there (when needing it) passing those Mac trucks on the NJTPke! Encountered no noise. My height is 61 I have no problem with headroom, (legroom just a little tight). The body paint is superior! Im in love with this automobile. It gets you to your destination smoothly, safely and quickly!

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  Wobble Wobble - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By TCG - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought a Toyota over a Chrysler for the Quality. However, it developed a wobble highway speeds at about 8500 miles. Have balanced the Dunlop tires 3 times and eventually replaced them, but the wobble is still there!! Extremely irratating to drive especially when the dealer says its just the road not the van.

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  Highlander performs - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By SCVmom - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car immensely. I have had no repairs, only routine maintenance. It was a good decision to choose this model, but if I had it to do over, I would buy the 6 cylinder. The 4 is just a little too gutless for my taste.

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  Narrow Depth of Driver and Passenger Seats - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By dborlando1 - May 11 - 6:53 pm

  I love everything about the 2011 4Runner, except the narrow depth of the driver and passenger seats. The new Jeep Cherokee, Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango all have generous seat depths. To me, this is important because I tend to take long road trips for outdoor excursions (camping, fishing and windsurfing).

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  People mover - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By saljack - May 11 - 2:38 pm

  My biggest concern in purchasing a minivan was gas mileage. I calibrated the odometer against my GPS (it was perfect!), and then waited until the vehicle had reached 1000 miles. Then I carefully measured fuel consumption for our "around town" (we live in a suburb, so our "around town" doesnt have lots of stop and go), and cross country on open roads. I noted that the mileage computer is exceptionally accurate...within .1 mpg of my calculated mpg. The results: Our town driving...22-23 mpg Highway (under the best circumstances possible)...26-27 mpg. Basically, for a vehicle of this size and power, and with an EPA rating of 18/25, I think this is pretty good, and I am satisfied.

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  Gas guzzler - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By casha - May 11 - 5:00 am

  Received 8 miles per gal when tested on hwy. Very poor gas mileage in comparison to what it should be. Style sold us but not very kid friendly. No access to 3rd row seat and no cup holders for 2nd row seat reachable by children. Mostly disappointed with efficiency.

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  Great Choice - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Nevster - May 10 - 9:16 am

  I was on my way to buy an Acura RDX, when I drove by the Toyota dealership and remembered the 4Runner. I was love at first glance! Fabulous vehicle, couldnt be happier.

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  Toyota Quality not what its claimed - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By REsson - May 10 - 12:20 am

  Got a 2007 Corolla and the paint and bodywork are not good. Poor design of Rear bumper and generally poor quality paint job. Been back to dealer once for paint work and still not good. Otherwise seems to run okay, good MPG but a bit too much engine noise.

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  Solara- Excellent Long Ranger - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Gene - May 9 - 8:50 am

  I keep cars a long time. My 97 Solara should break my record for longevity. Brought it new and it now has 171200 miles on it. It is also a 5-speed (special ordered) V6, and the clutch is still original and still tight. Mileage is about 33mpg if I can keep my speed below 65mph. Reality has been excellent and I only had a suspension problem, which took Toyota several attempts, but was finally fixed. If you can get one used, it is an excellent choice.