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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  So far so great... - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave - August 31 - 6:16 am

  I just purchased the 2010 RAV4 V6 4x4, and got a heck of a deal too. While I dont love the styling of the RAV, the power that its V6 offers is very impressive. It handles well, and accelerates through traffic with ease. The ride is smooth but the transmission shifts a little rough. Overall, if you can get a good price, the RAV4 V6 is well worth it. I am kind of disappointed that they filled the interior with so many plastic features though. There is no place to store stuff and it feels a little tight. Also they could have put a few more lights on the instruments like on the cruise control.

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  Too many quirks - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By markymarc - August 30 - 2:52 am

  I find it hard to believe how many people have blind loyalty to these trucks. There are countless issues with them if you just look them up on forums and blogs. I have most of the problems people complain about: Drive line vibrations, brake shutter, wheel shutter, loud dashboard creaks and rattles. The whole truck shakes like crazy when I try to accelerate hard from a dead stop. The engine is chirping like theres a belt problem. The valves clatter when the water temp is cold. I practically have to wait for the water temp to get to normal running level before it stops. I love the truck and I want to keep it forever, but I get the feeling it either wont hold up or Ill grow to resent it.

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  Great used car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By camrybug - August 29 - 4:40 am

  I bought my Camry for my college daughter two years ago with 85,000 miles on it. Two years later, at 115,000 miles, I have had no repairs AT ALL! The car is pleasant (not exactly a head turner) but does everything flawlessly. Great gas mileage and does exceptionally well in snow. I was surprised to find that it had ABS, a power drivers seat and a CD player. Toyota put a lot into a relatively inexpensive package.

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  Great little car that will last forever - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Michael - August 27 - 4:10 pm

  One of the best little cars I have ever owned, the power of the little motor is very surprising, all features are great only one thing no cruise control, otherwise gas mileage and no timing belt makes this an excellent choice. easy to tune up yourself as well.

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  Not One Complaint! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By srogers50 - August 26 - 7:46 am

  Bought used in 2005 w/72000 miles, now has 141000, i had both a Chevy and gmc light truck, both were junk compared to my Toyota. Waterpump only thing Ive had to replace, did myself saved $600, Extremely reliable, love the ride, cause it rides like a truck. Regular maintenance done and it still runs like the day i bought it. Only problem i wish it had 4wd, other than that i will keep this truck until they tell me that there is literally nothing you can do to fix it. there is nothing i havent been able to do with this truck.

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  my 4th toyota - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By NAT.C - August 26 - 2:00 am

  this is my fourth toyota,1990,1992,1999 and now a 2002.my only complaint a thumping sound coming from the rear suspension on bumpy road.took it to two different dealers and they cannot find anything wrong with it.maybe they hear it,but dont know how to fix it. except for this problem everything else works like a charm after over a year of driving it.

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  Keeps on trucking... yea ya! - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eric - August 25 - 9:36 pm

  This was my first truck I have purchased on my own, when I was 18. Great truck!! It now has 270,000 miles and keeps on going. Things I had to replace or repair: U joint in drive shaft (80,000 miles & 120,000 mi), Powersteering pump (100,000 mi), starter (120,000 mi) and thats all that comes to mind. Right now, I do have a an oil leak, need to replace spark plugs more frequently since there is an oil leak there too but the truck keeps running fine and it passed smog (CA is a big deal). The car, in my opinion is very reliable. Toyota trucks, compact size, are great cars!

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  You get what you pay for. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Fernando Carrrasco - August 25 - 10:13 am

  I have owned a Nissan Frontier for years and was satisfied with it (I test drove the 05 Frontier and was not satisfied with it, especially with the gas milage the sticker displayed). I test drove the Tacoma (non-TRD pkg) and was impressed with the results, so I purchased one. What amazed me was the horsepower and torque it puts out for its size. I use 91 octane and average about 21 mpg both city and hwy. Overall, Im very pleased with this truck.

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  Generally good choice for teenage driver - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Parent_of_Teen - August 24 - 5:06 pm

  This review written after 10,000 miles and almost 1 year ownership: We have a 17-year old so the goal was to find a small SUV which offered all modern safety features in a reliable package. Naturally Toyota & Honda were the top 2 choices and Honda had not yet come out with the new CRV in Feb 2006. We chose the 4-cylinder to avoid overpowering the car and are happy with it. Also avoided the optional 3rd seat to limit temptation to carry too many passengers. Visibility is good for the driver, the mileage is genuinely 26 mpg on highway at 65, and overall a year later still seems like best choice at time, but now that Honda has released new CRV I would recommend testing that as well.

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  Bullet Proof Car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By bechman74 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  We have owned this car since 1998. Bought it with 26K miles and now have 133K in Oct 2004. My wife put it into a ditch 9-11-01 by accident and dented the compressor and radiator...it has been to the shop for this accident ZERO times! I recently ran over a concrete barrier avoiding a crossing SUV...ZERO damage. The sound of the doors closing is still solid as the day we bought it. I had to replace the thermostat at 125K. We had the water pump go out at 40K and it was replaced under warranty. Brakes were replaced around 115K. Great vehicle that is used solely as a daily commuter for a round trip of 40 miles...and still gets ~29mpg!!!