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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  Its a plush bus - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By mr_ruez - April 29 - 5:30 am

  With about 1500 miles on the odometer, I am very impressed with the build quality of this car. There are simply no manufacturing flaws. There are a few minor design annoyances but the good points far outweigh the bad. Mileage is about 20 with mixed driving, expecting it to improve. The interlock that prevents the left sliding door from trashing the gas filler door when its open, has already proven its worth during a refueling stop. The power rear vents are a lifesaver when you have "gassy" children riding with you. It doesnt have the same precise on- center feel as our old Honda van, but that may be due to the tires, or just the fact that its a bigger car.

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  Throttle Suddenly Maximizes at Times - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By dlb - April 28 - 11:10 pm

  We love everything about our Venza except for one MAJOR problem. Twice now the engine has suddenly surged very SEVERELY and LOUD for about 10 seconds or so. It sounds like it goes from a normal idle to a sudden maxed out, floor-boarded throttle! We had around 3000 mi on it the first time this happened, and then this last time 9200 miles. Its been in park both times its happened, but were afraid its gonna happen while driving. Toyota checked it over thouroughly and couldnt find anything wrong. The car is perfect outside of this problem. Like I said, we love it, but we sure do regret buying it.

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  Very Happy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By MIKE A - April 28 - 9:36 pm

  Im very happy with my Camry. My parents have a 2000 Camry and never have had a problem. Stunning looks and plenty of room to boot. The bluetooth option works great, Nice touch in a car at this price level.

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  sweet little truck - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By Garrett - April 27 - 2:27 pm

  I purchased my Tacoma new in spring of 2014, it was my first new car purchase. I purchased it new due to Toyota resale value is ridiculously expensive. It has been a great truck, never have had to fix anything. My only complain would be the stock Dunlop tires suck and cheap shocks they put on base models, but I replaced my tires to bfg mts, and my shocks to bilstein 5100 and it made it twice as good. Gas mileage isnt bad I average 21 and power is not to bad considering a 4 cylinder. For a 4 cylinder it tows very well, truck weighs 3700 lbs and I towed 3200 lbs over 500 miles through mountains and never lost 55 mph and flats I could do 75 mph no problem. Overall great truck, very solid built and 2.7 motor not to bad just on really long climbs.

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  Transmission problem - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rk - April 26 - 9:10 am

  I put up 245000 miles on my previous 1987 Toyota Camry. I did not have any problems, except for regular wear and tear. On my 2002 model, at 119000 miles, It has developed transmission problem. It takes long time to change to higher gear and jerks. If you accelerate, it makes noise and slips. Speedo meter does not work. It stays most of the time at zero and suddenly shows the speed and goes back to zero. I changed sensor, but no use. It needs all the engine mounts to be changed.

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By dcook - April 26 - 1:00 am

  I purchased this car in lieu of a Hyundai Elantra. The only reason I was drawn to the Corolla was more headroom (Im 6 4"), otherwise the Elantra is more car for less money with a better warranty. We have had one for 3 years and it has performed flawlessly. It came with more standard features, drives better both in the city and on the highway and gets slightly better gas mileage. The Corolla’s style is admittedly more stylish and sporty. Toyota should fire the person that placed the clock it makes me wonder about other engineering decisions, that was plain stupid. The car has been trouble free except twice now the 6 cd changer just started spitting out disc for no good reason... hmm.

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  Pretty Good Car - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Leslie R - April 25 - 4:40 pm

  Ive loved this car, mostly because its just the right size for me. I can pack up half of my belongings and drive across the country (which I have to do occasionally because of my job), but I dont feel like Im driving a tank around the city. I also feel confident that Im not going to be stuck on the side of the road in the desert. The lack of power is a problem. Accelerating onto the freeway can be a little scary. Driving through the Rocky Mountains, Ive felt like I might start rolling backward. Turning radius is amazing, though. My husband, who is very tall, thinks its horribly uncomfortable to either ride or drive, especially over long distances.

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  Great car, could be even better. - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By carlupi - April 25 - 2:50 pm

  This is great car and value for the money. Comfortable overall, quiet, very fuel efficient. With some tweaks to the exterior design and interior layout, could be the best car Toyota makes.

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  They are not all that great - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By rbgreeves - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Have had ride and tire wear problems since day one. Dealer had me buy new wheel, no improvement. Toyota Customer Service is the absolute pits and there is no way I would ever recommend that anybody ever buy a vehicle from Toyota of Melbourne, FL.

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  Highlander 04 - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Gerome Desulme - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The highlander offers a smooth ride. It drives like a car and feel extremely comfortable. I like the relative small size and easy handling. It fits well in my garage and feels lighter than any minivan alternative.