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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  It is so much fun to drive! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Back9 - December 19 - 5:30 pm

  It is fun to look at and drive. On and off road! It is my everyday vehicle and I would estimate 20 miles to gallon on my TRD FJ with Automatic. I have driven everything from a pinto to a lexus and for me this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I am hard to please these days and Toyota did a good job building the FJ just for me. I guess its ok if they sell one to you too. :)

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  Great except for one thing! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By daf62757 - December 19 - 4:56 pm

  This is actually my wifes car. I drive it about once or twice a week. The car now has 55K miles and the problems, or complaints that I want to mention are the lack of power when the AC is on, and the knocking that comes from the steering column linkage. The power is expected because its a 4 cylinder. The linkage problem is a flaw that has received a technical notice, but no recall. Very frustrating that Toyota wont recall this and fix a potentially dangerous problem. Otherwise, a very good car and excellent for your wife to use for work or kid hauling.

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  Absolutely love my Absolutely Red Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ali - December 19 - 2:00 pm

  Toyota knows how to build a fun-to- drive 4 cylinder car. Not only that, but this one looks hot, and rides smooth as well. After determining that an Infiniti G35 was a little out of the price bracket this year, I decided to trade in my wonderfully reliable, but well-worn Ford Escort for something more...stylish and grown-up. The engine compression is fantastic, even at lower RPMs, so I dont miss the control of the manual transmission. The seats are extremely comfortable, and the power adjustments on the drivers seat are worth every penny. But dont take my word for it!

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  ECHO that goes! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By sonatafan - December 19 - 10:00 am

  My Echo is fast

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  Great Truck! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jynxie - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck because I thought it was a great looking "buff little truck" and it has certainly lived up to the name! Would definitely recommend it to anybody!

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  My 2001 camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By RobinG - December 19 - 10:00 am

  You know those commercials where the car owner says "I love my Toyta Camry!"? Well, I can now add myself to those ranks. The Camry is a well built, reliable semi-luxury sedan I think. I love the feel & you do have a real sense of driving a car that will take care of you if you take care of it. I am a sold Camry owner for life!

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  Front End Shimmy - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By nursenicholas - December 19 - 3:33 am

  Have had the car for over a year now and have been having a front end shimmy at highway speeds. This started at 9000 miles. The tires have been balanced over 3 times and now Toyota corporate is coming out to investigate vehicle. The dealer is telling me I may need new tires at 18,000 miles. New tires will cost over 1000 dollars. Loved the car at first but now am not sure. JBL audio system is poor and muffled in my opinion. Have a tear in the leather in the passengers seat and Toyota denied the warranty claim to repair it. This car has been in the shop so many times I cannot even count on both hands. I would urge any new car shopper to drive and consider all options before you purchase.

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  Economy Disappointment - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Joey Picard - December 19 - 2:10 am

  Toyota makes a great product. However, after a couple of weeks of ownership I am disappointed with the fuel economy. I find myself trying to improve the mileage by driving much slower and watching the consumption screen. However I would have to be traveling down Mt. Everest both ways to increase the mileage over 25 mpg. Living in the South Louisiana I have even gone without AC to see if I can get even close to the estimated 31 mpg.

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  5 years with a Highlander - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By jackgray - December 19 - 1:16 am

  In 77000 miles of chicago winters and texas summers this car has never caused me a problem. All I have spent on it is changed the tires atg 35000 and bought 4 michelin crossterrains.They are a little harder ride than the bridgestone OEM but still have about another 10K in them. I bought this the first year they were out and have never regretted it once.

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  Bland. Basic. BULLETPROOF. - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By London Lad - December 18 - 9:34 pm

  The bad bits first; the Camry is so bland to look at, its almost a stealth vehicle. Its equally bland inside. Possibly the most beige car in the history of the world. The drivers seat lacks adjustability and takes some getting used to. The CE version that I have does not have remote locking and cruise control. For the first time in 20 years, I have to key my car open. Now for the good bits; this car is surprisingly engaging to drive. Nimble, surefooted handling with crisp, well weighted & balanced steering. The 4 cylinder 2.2 engine is not as punchy or as refined as the 24 valve twin cam V6 units I drove for years, but its lively and responsive. More importantly, this relatively simple engine is ultra reliable. And its easy to work on because its well laid out with plenty of room - not that Ive needed to do anything. Also, it is a non-interference engine, so timing belt failure will not cause disaster. And lastly, its fuel economy is excellent. Its a perfect commuting car. The aircon is ice cold, the transmission silky smooth. It had done 131k when I bought it, now up to 153k. No issues other than the passenger side external door coming off. Update: car is now up to 170k miles. I replaced the rear shocks, springs and mounts using pre-assembled Gabriel Guardian units. The job was really easy. Fitting them took 2 hours, the most fiddly part of the job was removing the interior seats and trim to get at the mounting bolts. Cost of parts $250 This car now handles like its new. I also replaced the thermostat at 160k $75 for metal housing, thermostat and coolant. Job time, 15 minutes thanks to the time engine layout. The more I drive this little gem, the more I love it.