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:

• 

  Excellent - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Don Nelson - June 16 - 6:33 am

  It is a very well designed auto and runs and handles very well, mileage not quite as good as 2004, but only have 2100 miles on it. Lots of room in it and outstanding quite from motor and engine and outside noise. Very good.

• 

  Traded our Odyssey for Highlander - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By ToyGuy - June 15 - 11:03 pm

  Decided it was time to finish the minivan phase of our lives. We bought a Highlander and like it very much. Not as much cargo capacity as the minivan, but that is to be expected. Interior on Limited has all the options we need and is very comfortable. I would have rated build quality higher, but we recently discovered a grinding/rattling noise in front end when going over bumpy sections of road. Need to get it to dealer for a checkout.

• 

  Number one Toyota-san - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Toyota-san - June 15 - 10:30 pm

  An all around solid commuter car that mirrors a Lexus for build quality and soundness of design. This car is very smooth on takeoff thanks to its japanese designed 4 banger motor. The japanese designed 4 speed automatic shifts smoothly. The radio is intuitive as are the HVAC controls. Fold down rear seats allow for longer items to be carried in trunk. Fuel economy on a not-yet-broken-in car is astounding at 31 MPG in city driving.

• 

  Surprisingly Large Compact SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By juhoney76 - June 15 - 3:10 pm

  06 RAV4 is selling really fast! five RAV4 were available when I went to the dealer. It has sufficient low end torque. Also, getting to 80mph is a breeze. The newly designed interior is beautifully modern. I never considered buying a RAV4 because of its small size. But, 06 RAV4 is definitely worth a look for its car-like handling, peppy engine, beautiful interior, larger space and gas mileage.

• 

  Great concept but weak execution. - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By PGS031 - June 15 - 1:03 pm

  Failed on some basics: seats: too short, feels like stadium bench; angle of headrest horrible. Dash controls: paid designer too much; should hire an ergonomics engineer. Dash lighting and visibility - poorly lit & cant see some displays when wearing polarized sunglasses. Center and door arm rests too low. Throttle: peppy after lag, way too touchy, use more of the travel. 4x4 lock: this is an SUV, I want to control when it is 4x4 not have it automatically switch out at 25 mph. Rear bumper: add textures top for "stepping surface". "Premium" radio: whine w/ MP3; sound quality not very impressive. Window lock: driver cant open windows when lock is engaged. Strange clunk in back end.

• 

  a disappointed owner - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark Fontenot - June 15 - 11:13 am

  I really loved the truck and still do this is my second Tacoma. After I bought the truck I realized that it was making a noise. I brought my truck to my dealer to fix the problem. After the 3rd attempt of trying to get the truck fixed they finally told me that they would change the shock in the back. I was happy until I picked up the truck and there was a new shock on and I drive it down the road and hit a little bump to find out that it was still there well to end this I was told that toyota has a new shock on their tacomas and that is just the noise that it makes and trust me it is very easy to hear and very disappointing. I do hope they fix this problem quickly.

• 

  Interesting Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Linda Bear - June 15 - 8:26 am

  I do like the quietness and the driving response. It is a fun SUV to drive. I have yet to test it on a very snowy day - I hope that it performs, because I am used to 4wd. The gas mileage consumption has not lived-up to what it should be. The navi is great and the brakes are very good as well.

• 

  Nice Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Check It - June 15 - 6:23 am

  Its a very nice car . I got this the 2nd week after release. I love it, no doubt its an excellent car. Some people are saying its slow with pickup, its not true. If you are going for a family 4 cyl car thats what you will get. I dont see any issues with this.

• 

  Unexpected Warranty Issues Disappoint - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Stephanie - June 15 - 5:03 am

  Owned ~6 months (6300 miles) and initially loved the car, despite some visibility issues. Love the ride and responsiveness of the 6 cyl; but seats are uncomfortable on long trips. Sadly, car is in shop today for several concerns. Heard water sloshing under floor; amazed to discover puddles on floorboards! AC evaporator is under dash, inside car; hose got blocked and condensate dumped into car instead of outside after driving 300 miles w/AC on. Fuel and outside temp gauges not working properly. Dashboard makes annoying popping/cracking noises. Selected Camry based on reputation for quality and reliability, so needless to say, we are disappointed with our ownership experience thus far.

• 

  Good Value - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By spearing - June 15 - 3:16 am

  I purchased my 2001 Sequoia in Feb 2001 and currently have just over 127k miles. During my ownership i have never had any mechanical problems (thank God) and have had only a few cosmetic issues( had to replace a/c adjustment knob, rear hatch door latch, drivers side seat adj knob, and currently rear window not working/not sure if i will fix)Overall, it has been very reliable vehicle and still attracts plenty looks and complimentary comments to this day(20 in. chrome rims/ silver vehicle). Getting ready to invest a lil money in areas that are beginning to show some wear(exterior window moulding & seats .