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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  Great car for the money - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By K.D. Keever - February 13 - 6:39 pm

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  Oil leak, paint mismatch, a Toyota? - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By kwillliams - February 13 - 5:03 pm

  Bought new, oil leak, difficult for dealer to determine source. Eventually block replaced. Paint does not match. Fenders do not meet bumpers as well as one would expect in a top of the line Toyota. I would never buy this car again.

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  Sienna rattles - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By superchicken - February 13 - 4:32 pm

  We purchased a sienna xle w prem package. After just 900 miles , we have rattles from the rear seats and the dash. Its been back to the dealer once, no fix and going back again. There are many others having similar issues. Were very disappointed. Quality is not there. We used to have a 2004 Odyssey.

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  The best car out there! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By cad - February 13 - 2:40 pm

  I was looking for a vehicle that was great on gas mileage, reliability and safety. After two + years of test driving and research, I settled on the Toyota Yaris 4 door lift back. I have no regrets over my choice. This car is fantastic! Lots of fun to drive and peppy to boot. It wont win any drag races, but the handling is fantastic. Tight turns, gets up to speed on the highway and is very stable even on windy days. Performed admirably in recent ice storm. I commute on a heavily trafficked highway with lots of construction vehicles and not once have I felt overwhelmed in this car. My gas mileage averages 38mpg with 70% highway, 30% city with conservative driving (no speeding).

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  Awesome SUV - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By May Jones - February 13 - 11:53 am

  Everything you expect from a Toyota, great styling, and the quality is second to none, why spend all the extra $$$ on a Lexus??? The only thing is the gas mileage, however, compared too our friends SUVs its actually good.

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  King of the Hill - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sequoia2003 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my Sequoia. It has the typical toyota build quality and a flawless drive train (might as well have a circle L on the hood). I do wish the diver seat was more comfortable. Also, the 3rd seat is a bit bouncy for a long ride. One of the great features is the reclining 2nd and 3rd row! I would buy another one in a heartbeat!

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  Excellent Cruiser - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Michigan Cruiser - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of the first new V8 LCs in Michigan, courtesy of wierd US CAFE law that wouldnt allow me to buy a GM full size SUV that year. The build quality is great, and the engine smoothness (DOHC V8) is the best Ive ever experienced. It is much smoother than a SOHC Mercedes V8 of the same vintage. Great AWD. Only quibbles: not- bright headlights, replace engine heat shields every 40K miles, 15mpg, standard Dunlops are mediocre (replace with Michelin Cross Terrains.) Would definitely recommend another.

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  Great Used Car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By ClayFromCarlisle - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car a little over a year ago, and it has been an absolute joy to drive. Right now, the odometer reads 124,000 miles, and it looks, rides, and drives like it has 50,000 miles. As far as problems, there have been none except for a bad speaker. All maintenance has been performed on time. By the way, the oil sludge problem is highly overrated. There is an 8 year / unlimited mile warranty on suspect engines. Toyota has gone out of their way to ensure customer satisfaction. As far as the whiners who submit reviews, GET OVER IT. Cars cost money to maintain. The Camry is no exception. However, it has cost less than most cars on the market.

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  4RUNNER LIMITED - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By joey - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle.Would highly recomend it.

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  A Spacious Little Pocket Rocket - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By docdoc - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I needed a hatchback or a wagon for my mobile lifestyle. The Matrixs fuel economy and Toyota reliability drew me to it initially, and I am astonished at the fuel economy in my first 2 weeks of ownership. I have put 600 miles on it and am approaching 38-40 MPG in mostly highway driving. Its a quiet ride, with responsive handling and perky pickup. Its simple to load and unload, and transports folks with mobility problems easily.