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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  Love it - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Dnoe - March 18 - 10:00 am

  In the whole SUV I have only a few complaints. Still a very nice rig and we love it. We have no regrets buying a highlander rather than a Honda Pilot. Here are our only complaints. 1.The sunroof needs an indicator to show when it is closed. You have to use wind noise to be sure its closed all the way; not easy if you are parked. 2. The driver/front seat cupholder is poorly designed. When you put a drink in the holder a hard springloaded lip holds it in place. The first time I put a soda can in the holder, the lip grabbed the can and soda splashed all over. A piece of rubber would be better than the rigid lip.

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  Great So Far - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By ameri_star - March 17 - 7:56 am

  Driving this car is actually a lot more fun than people give it credit for. Yes it is an economy car but it can get up to speed quickly enough to pass other cars. It has a very sporty look (even at the LE grade) and generally doesnt look like every other car on the road. The electronic power steering takes some getting used to but overall I havent had a bad experience with this car. Gets great gas mileage on the highway in my opinion. I drive mostly mixed hwy/city driving and so far the best Ive gotten is 35MPG.

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  Great car so far - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By yankees102110 - March 17 - 4:29 am

  I bought the car brand new back in April. So far 8,000 miles and no issues. I am averaging around 30mpg. This is my first Toyota Ive always owned ford focuses, I test drove the 2013 focus and hated the way the transmission felt. I have no problem at all with the 4-spd transmission that the corolla offers and the car has plenty of peep when i need it. I love the electronic steering. I have the premium package so it comes with the 17 inch rims and the sunroof.

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  Manual transmission - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Terry Gut - March 15 - 3:13 pm

  The 2005 Camry is convenient and even comfort vehicle. However, the manual transmission on Camry STD 5M I am currently using is certainly the worst one Ive ever tested. Those who are thinking about manual transmission should stay away from Toyota.

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  Never a Toyota Again - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By minnetonka - March 15 - 4:43 am

  I bought myself a car that has been back for several defects, including rattles from dash area. Apparently a service bulletin was issued by Toyota, but I have had it in 4 times and it is still rattling over road bumps. I had to have the trunk lid adjusted, the rear bumper cover reattached, a door arm rest cover replaced as it was shipped from the factory with a chip off the fake plastic silver. The front A pillar cover had to be be reattached as it was loose causing another constant rattle. The fit and finish that i thought Japanese car makers were supposed to be famous for did not pertain to my car. Irregular gaps in dash area. The leather on the seats seems very cheap. 4 cylinder is weak.

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  NO Repairs - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Bobber - March 14 - 11:30 am

  Drove it off the lot and more than 50k miles later this Sienna hasnt been back. Get oil changed wherever, wore out the stock Dunlops at 30k, and replaced them with Costco Michelins, and had the front brake pads replaced at 45k.I do brake and corner very hard. Snappy engine and tranny seem to egg me on, although numb steering takes the fun out of it. LE seats are so so on long drives, and I wish now I had gone with the upscale stereo. Power door on the right only is fine for me, but a smaller driver would want a power door on the left also. Hatch is very heavy too, and forget about folding and removing seats unless youre prepared for a workout.

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  Really nice car. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Stephen Crowley - March 13 - 9:51 pm

  Great car but check for working HID lights if so equipped. Have had trouble with them

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  Prius, a great car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By edventa - March 13 - 10:00 am

  The Prius is fun to drive and has proven to save gas, though not as much as advertised. Perhaps 50 mpg.

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  Some Surprises - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By VFI Greg - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Within a week after taking delivery I (and others in the vehicle) noticed several squeaks & rattles. The dealer has ordered a replacement center dash and is still trying to resolve the noises coming from the parcel shelf area. Loose seatback was repaired as was exterior door rub guard. I was surprised as this vehicle came so well rated. I average 1,500 kms per week so time will tell how this unit will hold up.

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  New SE - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By toy owner - March 13 - 7:26 am

  Swapped out a Benz GL 450 for an 11 SE. Very nice vehicle although interior plastics could be of higher quality. drives very well - car like. the x-tra tuning in steering and suspension create a much more German feel than the floaty XLE/LTD. car looks great and wheel, skirts and tire pkg make the car. cant beat the room. hard to argue against as a family hauler. this is our first van. IMO all of the SUVs out there try so hard to provide the utility of a minivan, as most 3rd rows are useless. even with the GL, 3rd row was one of the best in the SUV class, but not much storage beyond the seat when up. not much snob appeal but in todays world who really cares. bye bye 13 MPG!