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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  Worth the money - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By j - February 1 - 6:40 pm

  No complaints for reliability and worth the money.

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  Fun to drive - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By RT - February 1 - 4:10 pm

  Very well built, fun to drive, efficient. This Rav4 is everything we expected and then some. More room in inside than it looks on the outside.

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  I LOVE My Car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By YliceMGolden - February 1 - 2:56 pm

  The title says it all! I love it! The Prius is zippy, fun, and great on gas. It has a ton of room for a small car!

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  This is a great van to own. - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By mblomstrom - February 1 - 12:50 pm

  This is hands down the best minivan on the market. Honda and Nissan dont even come close. First trip out we got 27.4 mpg while running the A/C. This van turns on a dime, better than our Honda Accord. Plenty of power to get you over hills. At 75 mph the engine is only running at about 2200 rpms. We test drove both the Nissan Qwest and the Honda Odyssey and neither come close to the 2007 Toyota Sienna.

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  I hate it I hate it I hate it - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By deafmatrixdrvr - February 1 - 10:19 am

  I swear the thing has damaged my hearing it is so loud. The door seals are one poor design and allow air to whistle and roar through the car. Took it back twice and they replaced the seals with no improvement. Finally ran silicon sealant around behind the seal and that has helped a lot. Tire noise very loud. Loud gear whine at 35 MPH and You cant shift into reverse without double clutching or hammering the stick. Both normal per dealer. Impossible to back up at night. Stupid automatic headlights can not be turned off and backup lights are too weak. Gas mileage is poorer than my Camry with same motor and tank is too small. Max of 300 miles and its on Empty.

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  Classy, Comfy, & Sophisticated - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By 1daveg - February 1 - 8:40 am

  I have had my 4Runner for only a month, but I have already driven it over 3,000 miles, and Im in love with this car . . . or is it a truck? I bought an SR5 with black exterior and tan leather interior, with the premium options package, and everyone who sees it or rides in it comments on its comfort, appearance, and leading-edge features. For a beefy SUV, this vehicle has an exceptionally comfortable and quite ride and performance when you need it. Also, the sound system is incredible! The Entune System is a little complicated and, frankly, somewhat finicky, but its worth with it to have Bing and Pandora at your fingertips in your car. Love it!

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  First and Last Toyota - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By n_hastings - February 1 - 6:24 am

  We have owned our 2012 Toyota for about 4 months and it has 50k miles on it. The rear speakers are blown out; the windshield exploded from the inside without any impact and the dealership is refusing to reimburse us for a new windshield; when you turn the temperature control to "0," the fan never completely stops blowing air; something on the passenger side clunks when you hit your breaks and turn left; the windshield wipers were not properly designed to fit the windshield, therefore you can never see out the windshield; the windshield fogs up EXTREMELY BAD and because the windshield wipers dont touch the window, you literally cannot see anything until after the morning fog has lifted.

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  Still Going Strong! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By JimBo - February 1 - 2:30 am

  I bought this used to see if I could live with a compact truck. Mine has 2.7 4 cyl with 5 speed. The catch is it has 220k miles on it!! I have to say it runs like new I swear!! I talked to the guy that owned it from new and he had no problems ever. Leaks nothing and burns no oil. Shifts great. I have oversize rims and tires and still has decent pickup. When this wears out Ill buy another with less miles for sure. Oh no rust on the body or frame either, Im in the rust belt in the Northeast. Goes great in snow.

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  Tess Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By pacunas - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Great truck! Completely dependable.

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  As Good As It Gets - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By CTP855 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  My Landcruiser has been a pleasent experience through the first year and a half of ownership. The V-8 delivers plenty of power and smooth acceleration. The ride is firm but very controlled and stable. Handling is good for such a heavy vehicle, and the interior is roomy and comfortable. The fit, finish, and quality are impecable. Gas mileage is not real good, but most SUVs arent. I tend to keep vehicles a long time, so hopefully this will turn out to be a reliable long term investment.