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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  230,000 mile report - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dan sanchez - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this truck for 6 years. it has 230,000 miles and it still runs great. no big problems just had to change the cat converters. and the struts and rear shocks. kind of a stiff ride but its a truck. mileage is ok. could be better. i love this truck and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Real Value - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Carlos S. - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Some reciprocity; I found user reviews a definitive value when deciding upon this purchase. Pros: reliability, build quality, Lexus-like ride (test it), strong engine. Cons: paint quality, no frills interior(not an big issue at the price, sensibility to crosswinds. All in all a great buy, nanny your gas and it will truly reward you.

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  First Toyota product - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By y22zzaa - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Over a 10 year period (between wife & I), i have driven the following; Ford Escape (2004), Honda CRV (2006), and a Subaru Impreza (AWD, 2008). Of course i am bias but as of right now, this Toyota is far superior. Also looked at the Subaru forester turbo but dealership was not willing to deal. Thankfully, because then i drove over to Toyota and realized that for me, this is a much better fit. It is not perfect but for the price and what it is, it comes close. As of right now, i am getting about 1 mpg less than my 170 HP AWD Subaru! BUT i have 100 more HP! And i love tapping into it. Also, my insurance premium dropped by $1/month!

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  Love this fun little SUV! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Sparks - May 1 - 10:00 am

  First of all I have to say I was hesitant to get a Toyota after the whole ordeal and was on my way to sign on the CR-V but decided on my way to stop at the Toyota dealer on the way. WELL, I leased a limited RAV4 got it with NAV and Bluetooth. It is SO comfortable and has so much power! we took it on a road trip to the smoky mountains carrying 4 adults and my 2 years old. everyone were comfortable and happy. the car did well on the mountains road. Very impressed with the V-6 power and the smooth ride. the car is very responsive and fun to drive. I also wanted to mention that I got the maintenance package with it and it even includes free oil changes and car washes! Well done Toyota!

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  Oil Pan gasket Already - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By OIL Pan Gasket - May 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought car 12-2009, The 2 weeks after bought it all the recalls came out. took it in they changed the gas pedal. and flashed my Memory. I noticed the car runs a little different( in a bad way). at 15,000 miles I notice oil in my driveway,thought it was my 2000 dodge caravan. But no it was my Camry.Took it in and they had to drop the oil pan and replace the Oil Pan Gasket. Ive worked on cars for 32 years, had old junker etc and never had to replace a oil pan gasket, unless I pulled the motor and wanted to. 15,000 miles on a new car come on Toyota. The service guy couldnt explain why and said these things happen.

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  critique - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By ? mean - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Gimmick to have to pay $300+ for home link for garage openers, plus no refund for the useless mirror. A "fraud" to talk up application of Xzylon ?sp at $500 plus. See comments already listed by customers. I checked with another Toyota dealer, plus former GM executive who both claimed it is a money grabbing gimmick by certain dealers. The other Toyota dealer said they would never offer it and admitted it is not a benefit with the good paints today in the industry. I will no longer (2 months into a 3 yr. lease) recommend this dealer nor go there for service.

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  2008 first impression - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By oldjoe - May 1 - 7:20 am

  What a change from my 05. Lots more leg room, gas mileage seems about the same, and POWER - the new v6 is awesome. Very smooth and quiet ride compared to old model. Steering is very light but a little slower - not the same feel as the 05. It is a bigger, taller auto but not as large as it looks.

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  is this the longest rotor on the road? - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By madsy - April 30 - 6:23 pm

  Bought new in December 2002. Today (Feb 2013) the car is now 517,000 km. @ 420,000 km the strut was replaced. the right one started to leak. the other one is still ok but replaced as well as they needed to be replaced at the same time. @ 425,000 km. the front and rear wheel bearing on the drivers side were replaced. @ 475,000 km. the starter was replaced. @ 517,000 km. the sway bar link was replaced. others are just the normal maintenance like battery, oil changes, serpentine belt, transmission oil changes, air filter, cabin filters. The car drives like the day I drove it out of the dealership. The rest of the car is original...including the rotor. the car just starts and go in all weather

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  Its a hit! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By BB - April 30 - 5:43 pm

  The Camry hybrid is an excellant blend of comfort, performance and ecomony. Quiet and well built, its been perfect right "out of the box". Its averaging 37 MPG and we expect it to do even better after the break in period.

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  Female Disappointed With Toyota - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By thecrock1 - April 30 - 12:00 pm

  My car drove great for the first year and a half and now the steering wheel shakes (I believe its the rotors) but dealership wont do anything about it. But the main problem is when the ac is on the car acts like it wants to die sometimes when you are coming to a stop. The whole car is vibrating on and off or shaking like the engine is missing or something. Only happens when ac is on. Again dealership says nothing wrong. Very disappointed in Toyota and this dealership. Had heard so many good things about Toyota. Will not buy another one. They are just like all the other dealerships I have dealt with. Once you buy the car thats it. They dont help you or fix anything.