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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  Great Van light on features - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Bob - April 10 - 2:26 pm

  I recently purchased the 2008 Sienna Limited. I traded in my 2001 Honda Odyssey after 2 transmissions! So I wanted to try Toyota and I love it. It is like riding in a luxury car, smooth ride, quiet engine, leather, wood trim, 360 watt stereo and plenty of room. Its new, but Im only averaging 16 MPG on the highway, so hopefully it will break in and get better. One complaint that I have is when you pay over $33k for a limited you expect a DVD and navigation system, Honda gives you that for the same price as the Toyota! However I drove the new Honda and it was sluggish, and would never trust that brand again. I guess a good engine is better then a good DVD and navigation system!

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  Poor Sienna gas mileage - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By San Diego - April 10 - 1:20 am

  Sold our rock solid 99 Sienna after 130K problem free miles. We were looking forward to improved MPG. Dont believe Toyotas claim. This model is a gas hog, about the same as our 4WD Sequoia. If you need a van for around town expect about 15.5MPG. Our old Sienna was much better. We suspect the trans - the newer tranny is constantly shifting in town (the old was smooth as butter - the new is jerky and noisier). It appears Toyota traded city MPG for better highway MPG - a shame since most people use vans for driving the kids around town. The other beef is with the armrests on the captains chairs - not sure who they designed them for, but they dont line up with my arms or my kids.

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  Good but not great - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By DD - April 9 - 4:36 am

  First of all, let me say this has been a really good truck, so if this sounds like a negative review, these are relatively minor points. Gas mileage has been a disappointment for a V6: 15- 17 combined city/highway. I have a bit of a lead foot, but still, when I see full-size Fords and Chevys advertising 20 mpg with V8s, I cringe. Also, not as sure-footed as Id like in snow and ice. Interior: The rubber inserts have all cracked and fallen out of the cup holders. And last, despite fastidious care, my rear chrome bumper has started to rust. Those negatives aside, this truck has gone all over with poise and confidence. Also, your pictures wrong; 2001 models had a different grille.

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  A fun drive, but has its flaws - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By JeepGuy - April 8 - 10:16 pm

  First things first: why has nobody mentioned that the factory hubcaps have a tendency to fly off at the slightest bump/sharp turn (5-spoke)? My girlfriend drives this car and loves it, but I know she is not the only one to have problems with wheel covers/hubcaps, especially since it so difficult to find this particular part online. Other than the aforementioned problem (and a strange whistling noise in the upper part of the windshield-loose seal?), this car is fairly stylish and fun to drive. It definitely gets better gas mileage than my old trusty Jeep, but I still prefer a car a bit higher off the ground.

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  Sliding door problems - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Unhappy - April 8 - 2:20 pm

  Overall, the van is good value, very comfortable and drives smooth. Had 3 problems so far - The laser guided cruise control is located in the bumper. Must have hit a snowbank and it is out of calibration (want $800 to re-calibrate).Who would put such a sensitive instrument in the bumper is beyond me. Continuous problems with sliding doors. Has refused to latch intermittently from year 2. Dealer did not do anything, since it worked at the shop. 10 miles past the warranty, one door permanently refused to latch - luckily had purchased extended warranty. The second door failed a month later - with a child sitting in the seat!! I am not certain that i would buy a Toyota again.

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  WOW! - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Skip - April 7 - 10:03 am

  After driving my 2007 Camry for 38,000 miles, it was time to get something a bit more comfortable. After having 3 Park Avenues (one of which I put 303,000 on), which are VERY comfortable cars, I was very unhappy with the Camry in the comfort area. I LOVE my Avalon Touring Sedan - so far. Comfortable, quiet, looks nice inside and out. Heck, Im thinking of up-grading to a Limited with all of the bells and whistles. :) Its very early and my MPG isnt all that great (21-23 +/-), but Ill gladly give up a bit of MPG for the rest of the package. Yes I WOULD tell anyone to purchase one.

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  $mart Choice - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By stephen - April 6 - 8:23 pm

  Purchased vehicle new w/ leather, sunroof, JBL, 30 months/21K ago. Choice was based primarily on "return of investment" having shopped for used versions (CRV/RAV) realizing their high resale values. I am still pleased with my choice, my RAV is roomy, rattle free,comfortable, easy to live with, nimble, relatively quiet, dependable, versatile and averaging 23 mpg in mixed driving. Sure I see more exciting, faster, sexier choices out there (I still struggle with the tire on the back) but whether hauling 4 adults to the airport, 3 dogs to the groomer or 30 bags of mulch I am hard pressed to find another vehicle that comes close to doing them all as well. The RAV has been a $mart choice.

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  Smart Choice! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Patrick Law - April 6 - 2:06 pm

  Prius is probably "the" car for a geeky engineer like me: Drive by wire throttle, hybrid engine, re-generative brake, computerized engine display, etc. You also get the build quality of a Toyota. It may not be a big deal for its gas mileage nowaday as gas price is just a bit over $1. But as a VULEV (very ultra low emission vehicle), I feel a lot better driving this car around.

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  Stylish Step in the Right Direction - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Guy - April 6 - 5:16 am

  Ive had my Limited AWD hybrid Highlander for one year now, and no problems yet. Its acceleration is a lot of fun. And its wood and leather interior, and "gold package" metal nameplates on the exterior, all give this vehicle a lot of style. Highway mileage is the 27/31 hwy/city mpg as advertized, as long as I dont go above 65 mph. Otherwise it drops to 24-25 mpg. No chance to measure city- only mpg, but it is higher than hwy mileage, maybe 31. But with sunroof, headroom is a little low for my 62". Legroom barely adequate. And though William Shatner was right about its smooth ride, seats seem way too firm for much comfort on long trips.

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  Wish I Could Own It Forever - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Happy Camper - April 6 - 1:03 am

  Just passed 326,000 mi. on my Sienna. Purchased new in 1999 - absolutely the best car ever! Faithful maintenance seemed pricey at the time-timing belt every 60,000 miles, e.g., but I stuck to it & can count the number of repairs on one hand. Water pump at 200,000, stuck seat belt, tie rod ends @ 250,000. Had 3 prior Chrysler minivans, none of which lasted more than 140,000; all needed new radiators, transmissions etc. Inconceivable on this van. Not even broken plastic parts. Didnt use the tow package til recently. Added a trailer hitch and took a full U-haul across the Appalachians at 300,000 miles w/no problems. Driver seat has great lumbar support - when my back hurts I go sit in my car.