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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  My new Tundra review - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By changsteven - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my 02 tundra in Thunder Grey a week ago. I am very satisfied so far. This truck will hold a great resale value and is known for reliability. Be prepared to spend money for gas.

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  All good at first - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Roxane - August 3 - 2:43 am

  Me and my car have a love hate relationship. I love the design and the way it drives. It is very easy to get around in. I bought my car in 06 it had 10,000 miles on it but looked brand new, In June of 08 the fuel pump went out (new fuel pump cost 798.00), May of 09 cylinder coil went out replaced and it still isnt running right. They just dont make Toyota like they use to.

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  Great little car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Scott Libbee - August 2 - 10:13 pm

  Bought new in 97 Change oil every 4k. Changed plugs at 30k and 60k along with timing belt. Replaced front brake pads. That is it!!! Very reliable car. Have 88k trouble free miles. Plan on driving for 10 more years. Get over 30 MPG all the time. The fact that I dont need to keep on buying new cars all the time is helping me pay for daughters college Education. Way to go Toyota!!!

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  2002 Toyota Camry MAINTENANCE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By 02camrymaint - August 1 - 10:47 pm

  I will write mostly about Maintenance 1) My O2 Sensor was on at 76k miles, had to replace Catalatic Converter- fixed it with Company waranty, which is normally 80k miles for Catalatic Convertors- 2000$ TOYOTA Bill 2) At 80k & 135k- Front Brakes shoes and Disc-250$ 3) at 139k- Starter- 300$ 4) at 90k- collant tank leak- 200$ 5) All four tires at 70k and 125k -600$ 6) Front and Back STRUTS are leaking, needs to replace at 105k- estimates around 1600$ TOYOTA Estimate 7) Engine Oil is leaking at 100k miles 8) Replaced Battery at 80k and 125k

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  Assembly Problems - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Ellen - August 1 - 8:26 am

  I absolutely love this car however I have experienced several problems to include the window control panel came out of the door the first time I rolled the window down. The speaker vibrated/cracked when I turned the stereo on. Took it to the dealer and after repair I now have an unbearable wind noise in the cabin that is proving hard for them to find/fix. Ergonomically I think the interior is a masterpiece. I am hoping the dealer can fix my problems so I can enjoy this car even more.

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  its worth it to buy this van - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By izar - August 1 - 3:03 am

  I just bought the 2000 toyota sienna 3.0 ce, the car is well kept and mechanically maintained by the previous owner. It has 155k miles on it and the interior & exterior are still in good conditions. The price I got was cheap too about $3,500. I choose this van because of the big space inside & because of its brand. toyota van will just move on the road without any trouble. The spare part are cheap & easy to get & there are so many mechanic that can handle this car too. I would suggest to people to but this car. Dont really trust on the negative review about this vehicle, because if you realized, there are many Sienna out there still move strong on the road..

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  GREAT CAR! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By AR - July 31 - 9:40 pm

  I have the car less than a month. So far, my only complaints are that the storage compartment in the center console is too small, although its deep...and its positioned slightly too far back. Bluetooth works great, but although, i can have incoming text read to me (hands-free), the system does not provide an iption for me to reply via voice activation. I cannot comment in fuel economy yet because I have only driven about 200 miles so far. Started with an almost full tank. I was down to 1/2 tank at 179 miles, so I think its pretty good.

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  Value for money - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By 3818 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The toyota matrix xr awd is a true value for money.definitely looks much better than pontiac vibe. Reliable driving on snow, versatile design, sporty looks and ample space makes ideal for a single person or a family with a small child. Its awd really works, the wider tires also help. Ample head room with a more upright seating than a sedan. Acceleration in the initial 2-3 seconds is a little slow, gear change in the automatic transmission; it down shifts a little slower than I desire. Unstable when driving in heavy cross winds at speeds above 70 mph. Over all very satisfied with my decision to buy this car.

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  Buy imported - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Ballbag - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great truck to drive for both work and play. Smooth car like ride with great low end power and giddyup. Simple yet comfortable interior, bench seats feel like captains chairs. Only downfall with the V8 is that it guzzles gas which hits hard in the wallet, especially nowadays

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  Not very happy - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By no more toyotas - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Had a 1990 toyota 4Runner, was an outstanding vehicle. Just anouther one this past week. Very unhappy with the over all unit. Seems basic safety has taken a back seat. Also found problems with paint on vehicle with in first mile, and returned to dealership, and was turned away, vehicle had left the lot, they will no longer honnor any problems, you must inspect vehicle before leaving lot or they do not seem to care. Also have raddles in head liner, they seem to need several days to get it in to attempt to fix the problem.