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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  Love everything! (Except the gas mileage ...) - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By vogongirl - June 14 - 10:59 am

  I mean it - the MPG is the fly in the otherwise stellar ointment here. I drive conservatively but with a mix thats heavy on hwy miles vs. city, Im straining to get to 23 average. As the MPG rating was what initially drew me to the RAV4, Im disappointed, but I still love to get into it each day and drive. It practically drives itself, feels like a car, and doesnt lack power with the 4-cylinder. Youll want to go with the air deflector if you get a sunroof; I regret it and will be looking into after-market, since theres a lot of wind noise.

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  Best 4WD Iv ever had - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By BobbyK - June 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a really nice vehicle. In fact, its the best SUV Ive ever owned and Ive owned Fords, GMCs and Chevrolets. It definitely is much stiffer than any of the above noted vehicles. It is also designed to out last the others. It is fun to drive and has all controls within easy reach. It pales in comparison the my Suburban in size and towing capacity, but excells in safety appointments and its ability to brake surely and quickly. I look forward to lower annual maintenance costs and the ability to trust that my vehicle will be ready to do what I want it to do.

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  Wheres the bumper? - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By KBI - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Both this pickup and my Civic 2000 dont have real bumpers. Maybe this is the way they make them today. It will cost you if you his something. The transmission and clutch (std 5 spd), is the worst of any vehicle Ive driven of models built since the 1950s. I have to shift carefully to get anywhere near a smooth shift. By the way, I was raised on a farm and *know* how to shift. The pickup gets good mileage and the engine runs well and supplies all the power I need.

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  Great vehicle with some reliability issues - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By wolfzr2 - June 13 - 2:06 pm

  Bought it new in 2007, I have around 50,000 miles on it now. Im getting my 3rd transmission put in. The original failed at 25k with a cracked output shaft, and the 2nd one is whining constantly due to a poorly honed final drive gear. The steering shafts pop under stress, and the rear diff makes an odd THUNK when shifting into Drive from reverse. Im on my 3rd set of tires, and Ive already had to replace the front pads and rotors. Having said that, its an awesome vehicle in the snow. Great power from the V6, plenty of room for 4. Just wish it had held up better.

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  Be sure this is what you want - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By unixfreak0037 - June 13 - 1:29 pm

  I was pretty excited when we first bought this car. Now that the hybrid novelty has worn off I realize what this is really is -- its a decent family car that gets really good gas mileage. It is essentially the mini-van for small families. So be sure this is what you want. Its pretty boring to drive, and the cheap seats (in the base model) are not all that comfortable for long trips. The engine gets loud on hills, the the noise on poorly maintained roads at high speeds can be unbearable.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Ryan - June 13 - 12:43 pm

  When we were looking to buy, we had a few primary concerns: cargo space, being able to park it in NYC, mileage, price, and of course safety. Were thrilled with the Matrix because its delivered on all fronts. Playing in a band, I need to haul alot of equipment around with me- it has more than enough space and the plastic cargo area is durable and eases loading in/out. Its shorter (though taller and wider) than the Corolla, and parking even in tight spots has been a breeze. the MPG has been at around 28-32, depending on where im driving (city or hwy), and this will go up over the next year or two. i paid 15,000 for it, which i was happy with! and its gotten great safety ratings!

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  Love My Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By NJ Driver - June 11 - 10:53 am

  I bought my Prius used from a limo company. Got a great deal because they took good care of it. I am 65 and 240 lbs. and fit fine. Its a great car and I have a lot of fun with it. The pickup is good for a 4 cylinder and better when Premium gas is used. Gotta love it when I fill up the tank with premium for $25 and drive 450 miles. My wife owns a Lexus SUV and we take my car more often than hers. Id buy another one but a new one next time.

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  Summa- Lovin - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Amy - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The Corolla is a fun sporty little car. Im young and I love to travel and be out doing things! I love having my Corolla to depend on to take me where- ever my heart desires to go! The price was great and I could not have asked for a better car! I would highly reccomend this car to anybody!!

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  Good Basic Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By eddtinker - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Good gas milage,reliability,not impressed with fit of dash above radio,I have two 2003s and the tightness of fit is poor on both.Overall the cars do what their designed to do,and do it cheaply.

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  love that gas hog! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By wendy - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it and I love the feel and ride. The fuels economy is pretty bad, though and with gas prices increasing, thats not good.