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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  Over a thousand and still running. - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By barry morgan - April 20 - 4:16 pm

  I bought my tundra used with 78,000 miles. It was like I was in a new truck, and was very pleased. Until I started having problems with the oxygen sensors going bad. I rated the reliability low because I think Toyota has dropped the ball with the experiences that I have had with the oxygen sensors.

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  a lot for the money - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By shawn in georgia - April 20 - 12:26 pm

  Have had my limited for 3 weeks and put 1800 miles on it (combination of city and highway). Overall very good. Quiet, comfortable smooth ride for all occupants. Surprising acceleration. Exceptional fit and finish and quality materials. The laser cruise control is fantastic, will never be able to own another car without it. Navigation system is as bad as everyone else says it is (my primary complaint). My wife has a 2007 Yukon Denali XL and the navigation ease of use on it makes the Avalon look literally silly. No mute button on the radio is a real pain. Trunk has to be slammed very hard to close it (needs automatic tensioner). Have not experienced jerky shifts at low speeds as some have.

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  Cheap quality but fun - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jake - April 20 - 10:53 am

  Bought used with 50,000 and now my transmission went out, clutch, shocks, and the grill flew off on the free way. Its still a blast to drive and I like the styling and the size with a six speed manual. It needs more horse power and insulation. Bumpy all most drove off the free way twice.

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  Great handling vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By 338win - April 20 - 10:40 am

  The looks, acceleration, handles much better that the H2 and H3, great SUV.

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  Great car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Wayne - April 20 - 9:20 am

  Have been averaging 50+ mpg commuting to work, around town, running errands, etc. Comfortable car with good options, and it makes driving fun. People love it, the blue color is beautiful, and remember: Starships dont have keys.

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  Very solid car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Andy - April 20 - 6:03 am

  We chose a Toyota given their excellent record and reliability. To date, we have not been let down. In retrospect, we should have spent the additional $$$ and gotten the sport version for added pick up. Perhaps the best feature about the car is its excellente fuel economy. Our other car is a Honda CR-V and it pales in comparison. With rising gas prices, we do appreciate having to fill up the Matrix less frequently.

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  Outstanding - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Parrothead - April 20 - 2:40 am

  I purchased my Tundra new in September of 2000. Since then I have put 140,000 on it. Other then normal maintenance (oil changes, wiper blades, brakes) I have had only one expense which was an oxygen sensor. Replaced OEM tires with the BFG AT/KOs..love them. Definitely would buy again!

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  One of the blunders I made - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By BG - April 20 - 1:30 am

  As if the buying experience was less haunting, the new sienna that I bought makes be regret every minute I drive it. One of the blunders I made when I didnt test drive other minivans before buying the Sienna just because it had AWD. I wish I listened to my friends who bought the Odyssey. The engine is so noisy, especially during acceleration, sometimes during turning quickly, the steering wheel seems non- responsive and of course it is a little too big to make driving fun. The acceleration is not always the same sometimes it is good while sometimes, it doesnt shift to the next gear. The dash looks like cheap plastic. I have been in the drivers seat only and I do not like it.

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  Very reliable transportation - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Cori White - April 19 - 6:00 pm

  Great gas milage, beautiful interior, at highway speeds a little noisy however I like my music loud so you dont really hear the noise. Super quick off the line but governor kicks in way too soon. For a six speed you would think the power would remain consistent, but due to the governor kickingredients off so quickly you hit high rate of speed in just 4th gear. Good, clean car for the money, just be sure you have 2 jobs to make the payment......way over priced for a 4 banger.

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  Serendipity to the 4th power - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By shellspell - April 19 - 1:33 pm

  The 2012 LE Camry is my 4th Toyota. I agree with other review about cloth interior, dog nails catch on it and shows snags (hate leather). Easy fix- seat protectors. I set out to buy a 2014 Corolla trading in my 09 Corolla- then I test drove this Camry. I put a car through a hard test drive, doing excellerations on rural roads and interstates, hard stops, and taking sharp curves while speeding. Ive had many types of vehicles and this beats them ALL. Not sure what the bad reviews previously are about, but Im a Toyota cheerleader. Its super comfortable, (my friend has 2013 Lexus sedan and says its just as comfortable), reliable, surprising in ice and snow, n fun to drive!