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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  Works as Designed - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Todds FJ - March 8 - 7:10 am

  I just sold my 2007 FJ. The interior is very well designed. Everything was ergonomically correct and easy to grasp (with the big knobs). As many owners on here, I bought the FJ because it was different. I grew tired of the vehicle after a while. Very basic interior and slightly rough ride. Not the FJs fault. It is not supposed to be a luxury car! In three years of ownership, not one day in the shop. Great build quality. Bad gas mileage...like driving a brick down the road.

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  Bought this car because of these reviews - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By bboga - March 7 - 11:36 pm

  I bought this car after having bad luck with cars, i call it the summer from hell when i went through two cars due to blown head gaskets. But i relied heavily on these review so i felt obligated to leave one saying it was by far the best decisions i could have ever made ive put almost 6000 miles in about 3 months since I am in the Air force Reserves and live 220 miles from my base. The car had a regular maintenance that i caught it up on, and since hasnt missed a beat. I would buy 3 more right now if I had the money just to keep the quality for when this one finally burns out (its at 152,000 miles right now). I just dont feel like the quality will ever be this good engine wise.

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  Steering - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Sammy - March 6 - 10:03 pm

  I have the same problem with steering like the earlier reviewer "Steering is a problem, the car veers from side to side like having a gust of wind hitting the car. I could never keep the car straight on the road, it gets worse as I gradually increase the speed"

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  Questionable Quality - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By JK - March 6 - 1:50 pm

  Bought new three years ago and heres what I noticed. When I hit approx. 65 mph, cowl rattles. High pitch is noticed at 62 mph too. Dealer tried five times but still could not fix it. Driver side door had to be re-aligned because it was improperly installed. Power sliding door was rubbing against main body of the van--body shop took care of it. When the weather is cold, the engine idles high above 1700 rpm for 5 min. before settling down. Dealer says its normal but did not notice this on other rental minivan. 19 mpg overall. Bought this over Honda Odyssey because it was quieter but 3.3L is inadequate for this heavy van. Overall, this is a decent van but body integrity is very poor.

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  Love It! But... - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By clinton810 - March 6 - 7:29 am

  I purchased my 2011 4Runner in December 2010 with less than 5 miles on it from our local dealer. Loved it! This vehicle can handle anything you throw at it. We got hammered with snow and in 4WD it is like snow isnt even an issue. Great gas mileage for a car this size. I am getting around 19.5 MPG with only about 6000 miles on it so far not even broken in yet. About 70% city driving and 30% highway. Only a couple knocks on the car. The engine is loud and makes a weird noise. I had it in for service and was told that these are known to have loud fuel injectors. Did some research and found some information this so it isnt complete B/S. No automatic car wash can get back window clean.

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  watch for recall on 2011 shocks - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By jdijkstra - March 6 - 5:08 am

  shocks are weak on the 4runner SR5. pushing down on rear and front ends causes continuos bouncing, as does little hills on the road. My rear passenger had gotten motion sickness from the bouncing . The truck front end dips on braking and any fast emergency braking causes the front end dip to be so excessive that the rear end lifts the tires up enough to cause the automatic braking to kick in. This has happened to me 3 times and is very scary since the abs brakes stay engaged for a min. I almost crashed into car in front of me . I showed the dealer service dept the problem, but was advised that if they exchanged the shocks for Bilstein shocks, toyota would charge them for the ones removed

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  Great truck! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By mustafa - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This truck is great! The only regret I have about buying it, is that I chose the V6 model (I have to go to school, SDSU, which is 35 miles away, each way). I would strongly suggest the consumer to buy the V8 iforce model. Anyways, this truck is awesome, I hope to trade it in for the 2004 model, which is improved greatly. The back seats are enlarged.

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  Just your average Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Toyota Man - March 4 - 10:00 am

  The car blows around on the highway when there is wind. You have to keep 2 hands on the wheel. I have the sunroof on my LE and when you pull back the cover it rattles. Good gas milage, good pick up for a Corolla.

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  Just your average Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By toyota man - March 4 - 10:00 am

  The car blows around on the highway when there is wind. You have to keep 2 hands on the wheel. I have the sunroof on my LE and when you pull back the cover it rattles. Good gas milage, good pick up for a Corolla.

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  Wanna love it but I dont.... - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By corolladude - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Problems galore since I got it a year ago...suspension brackets replaced, interior panels replaced due to noises. Currently, front dash buzzes and rattles, instrumentation panel buzzes, car lurches forward when at a stoplight, weird horn like noise when reversing, rust spot forming on roof! Ridiculous for this to happen to a toyota! I wanna sell it already...