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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  My new 4Runner - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By lahbsta - September 3 - 7:07 am

  I drove a 12 4Runner and didnt like it as much as my 05. This 12 Highlander Limited drives well, is comfortable and has many comforts and features. I have about 1300 miles following 262K on my 05 4Runner. So far so good. While not as tight as the 4, it is a better ride. I do many highway miles and I like the 10 way power seat better. This a very roomy vehicle too. The electric steering is too responsive and the wheel is small but now I am used to it. Powerful engine and smooth shifting tranny.

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  Wish engine were bigger - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Downser/Downeski - September 2 - 10:00 am

  We bought the vehicle with 35,000 miles. It is very reliable. The only problem is the engine is too small and that is only a problem for us when we were in Colorado. The car performed but was slow. Id buy it again.

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  The dependable Corolla - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By wardo - September 2 - 10:00 am

  The Corolla will give years of reliable service. Toyota uses high quality, long lasting parts and components. At 150K miles the engine uses little oil, the original CV joints and boots are intact, and generally everything works as it did when new.Not to mention great MPG.

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  Will I Buy Another Toyota? - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Calvin Swine - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Rattles worse than 10 year old Explorer. Fold up seats take foot off cargo capacity. JBL radio does not work. Speakers fade in and out - now only one speaker working. Supposedly a TSB on this. Repeated trips to the dealer "I cant make any money on this" service managers quote! Interior fit and finish are average - side of leather seat already has a wear-hole. Car hesitates on acceleration after sharp turn, etc., etc. Very dissapointed in quality AND service. Toyota should be ashamed and should fire the service manager. After all of this the dealer charges me $40 for rental car. Toyota? Never again!!!!

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  Poor Performance, Nice Looks - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dake - September 2 - 10:00 am

  The 4runner is an overall good SUV, but lacks the performance needed for some situations. If you are a car company and want to put an SUV in your line-up, make sure you compensate for the people that use it for highway use...in lain-mans terms, give it more balls.

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  check vibration - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By smithdog - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Toyota tundra has vibration issues in floorboard thru the arm rest.. Do a thorough test drive before considering purchase. Different vehicles vibrate in the driveshaft at different speeds. V6 more at low speds and V8 more at high speeds.

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  poor service - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By mike harper - September 2 - 10:00 am

  cannot determine if car is of poor quality or dealership is the problem. rattle in dash took 6 months to fix leather seats were flawed and could not get replacement for 7 months. brakes pulled to right after rain. squeaking noise in rear.

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  Prius - It could be better. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mrbehmon - September 1 - 1:53 am

  Engine noisy during acceleration. A rattle developed in the dash and the service department cannot seem to fix it. The Prius has a small fuel tank (only 11 gallons) - which means that the driving range is not far - though gas mileage is good. The Honda Civic Hybrid has a standard tank (13 gallons) and much longer range. If I had it to do again I would go for the Civic or no hybrid at all.

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  Great truck, must maintain w/Toyota - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By nderzis - August 31 - 10:05 pm

  I have owned my 06 Sport 4x4 V8 for 2.5 years. I bought it with 147,000 miles from a Toyota dealer. The reason I was convinced to buy this vehicle was because it had been maintained by Toyota since new. Since I bought it I have spend $3500 maintaining it (cataylytic converter, timing belt, water pump, axle, brakes, etc.) That is all in addition to the regular scheduled maintenance. It looks great and runs like a top. If you want an excellent SUV that is still "trucky" consider this vehicle. Maintain with Toyota and you will have a truck that will run for a lot of miles. I am currently at 182,000 and the steering is still tight. I highly recommend the 4x4 v8. Runs like new still.

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  SACRIFICING RIDE AND COMFORT FOR HANDLING. - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By DISAPPOINTED - August 31 - 8:17 pm

  The Camrys suspension sacrifices ride and comfort for handling. I feel like the car has a sports tuned suspension. You feel every bump and hear the road noise. I am very disappointed in the ride and comfort of my Camry Hybrid LE.