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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  I like it! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By josiwhales - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought in Sept. 03, have over 4,000 miles with no problems. Fold down seats are a big plus. So much more room all around than the 96 for door SUV we traded in. Vehicle handled great in snow and ice condtions experienced in November trip.

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  let it snow - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By robert - August 26 - 1:00 am

  We have had our Higlander for 7 mos and have had 0 issues. Love the solid handling, strong engine, and good breaking for its weight. AWD + Traction control + stability control make it the best vehicle I have ever driven in snow. Even if I try in an empty parking lot, I can not get the back end to kick out. The Navigation system is easy to use and has been accurate 98% of the time. Interior is well designed and 2nd row seating is very comfortable on long trips. There are a few rattles which is dissapointing. My 02 Solara that I traded in had better interior quality and softer plastics.

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  Second Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By 2nd tundra - August 25 - 11:03 pm

  This is my second Tundra, my first was a 2000 SR5 4x4 extra cab. The only reason I sold that one was for a bigger rear seat. It was a great truck, with good power and great reliablity. My new truck is even better, with the TRD package it ride great and handles the dirt and snow just fine. I have not towed anything with it yet, but forsee no problems. Although slightly smaller then the other full size trucks, it has plenty of room in the back and front seats.

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  A monument to transportation! - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Fabron - August 25 - 4:30 pm

  Bought this car used with 130,000 miles for my wife to drive to work. I change the oil myself. Nothing, I mean nothing but oil has been touched on it with 229,000 miles on it now. I will definitely but another one in a minute. We drove it to Las Vegas from Sacramento. No problems through deserts, uphills and downhills, twisty mountains, or gas stations. We now take it everywhere we go without a thought.

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  durable, good performance, sweet engine - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By wduck3 - August 25 - 8:03 am

  Flawless performer for almost 94K now. Only one minor glitch with the tire pressure warning light that the dealer could not remedy. The reminder light isnt an active warning system; I donteven miss it. Wonderful, smooth engine & drive train. Rugged interior (grey cloth) that has worn well with soccer players, two large dogs, antiques, lawn mower, etc. Wish we had gotten the LEs alloy wheels, though.

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  Bought it new and still love it - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By jo - August 25 - 5:50 am

  We have over 175000 miles on and off paved roads including many miles of Los Angeles freeway stop and go driving. Replaced the brake pads/rotors ONCE and have had another $350 repair at about 150K. About the same time the antenna motor stopped working. Thats it besides regular service. We will have to replace the clutch at some point but thats because Im hard on them.

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  Very Pleased With The 2010 Sequoia - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nick G - August 25 - 3:23 am

  This was my first SUV purchase. Before I have owned a BMW 530, a VW Passat, Porsche Boxster, and Chrysler 300. I have always avoided SUVs, but I am looking to have a few kids and needed something more practical for around the house. So far this has been a great SUV with a car like drive an feel. The improvements in the suspension allow for more room inside and a better ride. It has plenty of power and I love that I can now have 7 folks easily get into a car take a long ride in comfort. I would suggest required features to have the Sonar, running boards and back up camera. I also like the wood grain interior and larger wheels. With this package the maintenance was included for 36K miles

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  Yota convert - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By DougT. - August 24 - 10:20 pm

  1999 4Runner SR5 (2WD, 3.4 V6) bought less than six months ago with 95k miles on it. When I test drove it I could not believe how tight (new feeling) everything was for a six year old vehicle with close to a 100k miles on it. The only problems were the power antena didnt work (broken mast, easy fix) and the starter tended to stick. Being a paranoid person, I put it in the shop on day one of owning it to have a complete tune up of all systems as well as a new timing belt, starter, and water pump (since they were at it anyway when replacing the timing belt) Ive driven it an additional 10,000 miles since buying it with not a single problem. So far its the best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Toyota man - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Terry - August 24 - 7:51 pm

  Great car. Very reliable. Nice ride. Good looking.

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  Sporty and Reliable - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By autophile - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 1997 Toyota Celica Conv. in June 2001 and find it very sporty, comfortable, and reliable. Its larger than a Miata and MR2 yet handles well, and provides more room. Its fun to drive and I feel as though I have a classic car already. The Toyota Solara is too pricey and not as sporty. My 5 speed shifts well and allows for swift acceleration. If you can find one in good shape, buy it and get fun, reasonable practicality, and good resale value. Its a real buy.