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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  Best purchase I ever made! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Rod - September 22 - 8:16 pm

  I have over 80,000 miles on my Echo. It has run perfectly since the 1st day. If I keep it under 65 mph on freeway I get over 40 MPG. It cost less than $13,000 "out the door". It will take hybrid buyers a long time to make up the difference in purchase price. It accelerates great, handles great! It is a little noisey on the freeway and the shifting is a little rough sometimes but I can put up with that considering I can go over 400 miles on 10 gallons of gas.

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  Great truck! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By equin - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable truck considering I abused it for 145K miles. Only had to replace the battery (~100K), rear axle oil seals (~130K - only $7 each & easy to replace) & exhaust manifold (hairline crack ~140K - good excuse to get a header, another easy install). Holds up well with heavy loads. The 2.7L is real easy to maintain and practically bulletproof, except for the ex manifold. Does real well off-road even w/2wd. Lifts and other mods to improve its already great off-road ability are also easy to do. Biggest complaint is the uncomfortable front seats - could use more padding. Rear seats are for tiny kids only.

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  Id rather drive the Sienna. - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Charley - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The thing that really stands out about this van is the light and crisp feel of the steering. I have driven most makes of minivans and only the Chrysler vans have come close to the Toyota Siennas pleasant driving experience. I also like the logical layout in the drivers area - this is a car that anyone can get into and drive without much of a learning curve.

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  The Lexus of Minivans - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By flybone89 - September 21 - 9:06 pm

  Traded in 06 Odyssey and you cant go wrong with either van. But the styles are very different, and we prefer the Sienna. Sienna is quieter and rides much smoother. Sienna also has better turning radius. We took the Sienna on a 1600 mile road trip and loved the journey. And we originally wanted it without AWD, but we ran into a snowstorm and AWD paid for itself in one trip!! Our Sienna is loaded, and it really feels more like a luxury sedan than a minivan.

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  Again, the best car I ever owned - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By r. nason - September 21 - 3:56 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Camry only because my wife was retiring and we wanted to upgrade to a new car because of plans to travel. I traded in a 2003 Camry, and I must confess that I almost cried parting with that wonderful automobile; in hindsight, it would more than likely still be running fine. All of the reviews on the 2006, however, made me feel that it was a good decision. I currently have 60,000 miles on the car. Nothing has gone wrong. I replaced both the front and rear disc brakes just a week ago- such an easy job, the braking system was so clean. Replaced the factory tires at about 48,000 miles. The fuel economy of this car is simply outstanding. Always obtain 34- 36 mpg on the highway.

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  My Echo - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Bob - September 21 - 2:56 pm

  I use this vehilce to comute. It is comfortable and provides lots of space. I would buy another in a heartbeat. Good value for the money.

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  Old faithful - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By tstevens - September 21 - 12:46 pm

  We bought this van specifically for moving 5 adults and luggage across the country several times in the year. It handled the job nicely and even the teenage boys (who spread themselves out) seemed comfortable for multi-day car trips. We put 24,000 miles on it in the first 9 months. Gas mileage was only fair but didnt waver much between loaded and empty (20-23 mpg). Had trouble with sliding door mechanisms and the parts arent cheap. Brakes havent been a problem as Ive been reading in other posts. We have 180,000 on ours and I venture to say it will go to 250,000 no problem.

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  Tacoma 4X4 - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By blootnik - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall it is a very reliable vehicle. Except for routine maintenence, it has not had any major problems or repairs. For a V6, it has enough pep, but being a truck, it isnt geared like a sports car either. I sold my Camry when I bought this Tacoma, and have no regrets. Sure, it doesnt ride like the Camry, but then again, I dont expect it to!

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  Exotic Looking Economy Car - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Celica GT - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Hello fellow car enthusiasts and I hope you are having a great day. My celica was one of the first to be made and I have had no maintainance problems. The car gets 36 MPG on the highway and handles very well. Calty Design Studios did a fantastic job on the styling. What we have here is an exotic looking car for the masses. There are two weaknesses. 1. The interior surfaces are hard plastic and scratch easily. 2. The paint is thin and chips easily.

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  Amazing - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By eesseJ - September 21 - 6:10 am

  This is my third vehicle this year and by far the best. the second i got in this car and started driving it i was in love. I no longer am wasting gas as i did in my truck, cause getting more then 18mpg is almost orgasmic to me. If your looking into corollas for your kids first cruiser, your 8th wonder or whatever, seriously buy one because you will not regret it at all.