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:

• 

  Happy with a few issues - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Bob E - October 2 - 12:50 pm

  85k miles and going very strong. Love how easy it is to park and handle. Gets 23 mpg on highway - not bad. No serious issues. This is my 5th straight Toyota (Camry, Avalon, Highlander) Issues include: original tires lasted 28k miles; transmission slow to shift/hesitates a second or so at times which is annoying; some hunting in 3rd gear at lower (30-40 mph) speeds so I take it out of OD when in town; Loud thumping when only one rear window is down and driving at highway speeds - due to air turbulence - so open two windows at a time - one on each side.

• 

  You Get Your Moneys Worth - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Dr. Storch - October 1 - 2:06 pm

  This is the second 99 VE I have owned. The first one was totaled with 112K on the ODO and that car needed nothing. My current VE was purchased three years ago with 69K on the ODO. I now have 165K on the ODO and I only had to replace the alternator and the usual things like a battery and tires. The only problem I have now is that the CEL comes on indicating a problem within the EVAP system. This can be costly to repair. The car is now burning about a quart of oil every 500 miles. I always change the oil every 5k and listen to what my mechanic tells me. I happen to have a very honest mechanic which is very hard to find! If I can find one to replace this one for the right $ I will!

• 

  Mixed review! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Alyssa - October 1 - 3:25 am

  I bought my 03 Solara from a private party. Within the ten months I had it, I put 34,000 miles on it. When I quit driving it, it has 237k miles! My car was my daily driver, about 80-100 miles a day from school/work to home. There was a major problem with the front end, and it would shake uncontrollably around 70mph, but I would just cruise at 80 to make the shaking go away. My heater was a LEMON, It took twenty minutes to warm up. BIGGEST PROBLEM was, I had a had on collision with a full size pickup going 65mph. My car was totaled and I walked away with only bruises after spinning 5 times and etc. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I had a head on collision, I spun, hit things, my front of my car was demolished, yet my airbags DID NOT DEPLOY. Other than that, I actually was amazed at how it sustained the crash! My windshield and back glass shattered and came in the car, and my rearview mirror shattered and flew past me, and the panel that was on my ignition fell off. other than that, the interior looked as if I hadnt even been in a wreck, while the outside was pulverized. I had to put a quart of oil in it a week. Personally, I would not buy one again because we had a lot of maintenance but it was used with high mileage, but if you want something SAFE for a teen or young driver, definitely get a Solara. Gas is amazing. I would be on EMPTY and only pay $25 and have full tank. Im a very short girl (411) and I had virtually no blind spots.

• 

  A good choice - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Jan - September 30 - 6:20 pm

  We chose the Sienna over the Honda Odyssey. The differences between the two vans are minor to nonexistent. I have read very passonate reviews pro or con the Odyssey/Sienna. If you want to get passonate about a minivan, fine. I recommend going with the dealer that you are most comfortable with (and can give the best price). The Sienna is very comfortable to drive. Snappy power, quality workmanship. The kids love this car.

• 

  Good Car for the Money - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla Christina - September 30 - 12:26 pm

  I traded in a 99 Mazda Protege for a Corolla LE. I wanted a reliable car that would last about 10 years without a lot of problems. I test drove a Subaru Impreza and Honda Civic and just felt safer in the Corolla. The car has adequate "get up and go" and has almost no wind noise on the freeway. The seats are very comfortable, they are set higher up and give you a great view of the road while driving. The only distraction is the placement of the armrests - too low on the door. The car has a great stereo and the placement of the interior features are perfect and very easy to use. Overall this is a great car for the money and comes with Toyotas reputation for reliability.

• 

  Great small SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Juli - September 30 - 12:10 am

  I got this car as a birthday present from my parents. I am very happy with it most of the time, but there are a few annoying things. My car vibrates constantly, especially in the morning when I am stopped. The gas mileage is a little rough and I have to fill up my tank often. The engine is also very small; not too much power. The back set has minimal leg room. On the up side, the car is easy to drive and I love how roomy it is in the front (I dont feel claustrophobic when I drive). I also love the stereo system and how easy it is to park my car. It it nice that the car is comfortable because I do a lot of driving.

• 

  Luxury Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Brownie - September 29 - 8:50 pm

  I bought the truck recently and really like it. It is the Limited 4wd leather version and rides great. Fantastic acceleration and apretty good premium stereo. 4wd actuates with the press of a button. I expect really good long-term reliability. Gas mileage isnt that great (averaging 15mpg) around town but it is a V8. I recommend this truck due to its luxury features and safety record.

• 

  Buyer Beware of Paint & People Problems - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Richard - September 29 - 6:36 am

  The car itself is very good. However the paint is peeling and the dealer and zone rep refuse to acknowledge the problem. They first tried to say that it was re-painted (I bought it new and would probably remember if I had had a new paint job). Once we got past that issue they decided that I was 3 months out of warranty and 18,000 miles over as well. Apparently Toyota only expects their paint to last 36000 miles or three years. It is a great car, but at $500.00 a pop to have the paint fixed I seriously doubt if I will ever own another Toyota product. Too bad their management personnel and dealers dont have the same level of integrity as their cars.

• 

  Could be better - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By jerry - September 28 - 10:03 pm

  I love this SUV. I had a jeep and traded for this for fuel economy. I averaged over 26 mph on a 1000 mile trip. I dont like the excess engine noise when cold. Seats are hard but for a smaller person comfortable. Performance is better than Pontiac gt with 3.8. Some wind noise but have a Lexus also and its quiet. Great steering response in the mountains where I live. Corners not a problem. I got a lifetime drivetrain warranty from the dealer for free as long as he does the service.

• 

  Put together poor - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SaraBoadway - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I was excited to finally have a toyota that wouldnt be in the shop all the time. I have had the car almost a year and it has had to have the passenger seatbelt replaced, the convertible top replaced, the front calipers replaced, the wheel bearring replaced, the rear speakers replaced. Needless to say the it has been in and out of the shop all year and to make matters worse Toyota nevers gets it completey fixed the first time so you have to keep taking it in, and the wont give you a renta car unless the keep it over night, and the dont they keep it all day and rent it to you and ask you to bring it back another day