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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  Enjoying my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dynmo - November 22 - 11:30 pm

  I have owned Jeeps for the last 30 years so this was a big change and I was a little apprehensive at first at changing my 4X4 ride. Now that I have had the FJ for three months I can say this is the best 4X4 I have ever owned. It four wheels with the best that Jeep has to offer and is much more comfortable to ride in.

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  Camry beats all others - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By 4camryowner - November 22 - 4:51 pm

  No my Camry is not exciting to drive or very fast. It is however VERY reliable. I have owned 4 Camrys and am able to put 200,000 on each one with no major problems. My present Camry I bought used with 80,000 miles I now have 203,000 miles and only replaced the gas cap!!! Do not be tempted to the dark side (Ford, Dodge or Chevy) Toyota has best build quality. The 2003 model gets an honest 33 miles per gallon. Mixed driving (500 miles to a tank).

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  Love this truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - November 22 - 4:16 pm

  After having a Chevy S-10 and always wanting a Toyota, I can not be happier. I recently pulled a U-Haul trailer from PA to Florida, it made it seem like I had nothing on the back. My bud, pulled the same with an S-10. I pretty much could have dusted him. He had problems with hills, and I didnt. I also got better gas mileage, which is always a plus. I just like having a truck, even though this is the smaller model, it still rocks, has great power for a little engine. This is my second Toyota, I will never again own anything else.

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  6 weeks and 1000 miles - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By spencer327 - November 22 - 9:43 am

  Just turned 1000 miles. 29 mpg on the hwy, 19 around town, lots of room, comfortable seats. Ride was hard with the 20 inchers until I checked the tires(42lbs) Bled to 34lbs. Ride much improved. Great road car, cant wait to take extended trip. The almost perfect car/suv? for me!

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  Toyotas Complacency and Arrogance hurts - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - November 22 - 6:10 am

  Im VERY disappointed. Not as refined as it should be. The strange dash design is different for no purpose other than novelty. It is neither functionally nor space- efficient. Any departure from "normal" in something like a car where there is a huge does of safety involved, by golly better offer HUGE benefits, and the Prius doesnt. Not enough tactile identification and feedback on the dash controls. Thankfully they kept Toyotas "best in the world" cruise control multi-function stalk. The ride is harsher than need be, and the seats are extremely hard and uncomfortable. And no power adjustments? This is 2010! Outward visibility is poor. Too many distractions, including a split rear window.

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  Dumb water pump location - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By brettgjacobs - November 22 - 12:20 am

  I bought my Rav4 used about a year and a half ago. No, problems up until recently. My Rav turned 90,000 miles and I took it in for an oil change and the mechanic told me that the water pump was failing. Normally, this is a pretty simple repair on most cars but for the V6 specific Rav4 the water pump is buried behind the engine and requires the mechanic to lift or drop the engine to get to the water pump. So, its about a 700-1000 issue to fix and most all V6 Ravs will need this nearing 100,000. Just a heads up! Otherwise, I love my Rav4!

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  226,000 miles salvaged still going - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By 96camryman - November 21 - 5:51 pm

  i am pretty bored of this car recieved it as a graduation gift pretty good though considering it gets beat every day i go 95 on the thruway and it holds up just starting to get problems but i dont care i put some 12 inch ma audio subs in it and a kenwood head unit everyone refers to it as my hoopdee its salvaged and crazy fun on the thruway but the pickup sucks unless you floor it but it gets great gas mileage filled up took a trip to auburn from buffalo and then got back 232 miles only used 1/4 of a tank of gas awesome love it will be using it for a backup when i find another one trying to get it to 1 million miles that would be crazy good

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  Comfort, Style, Affordable - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Albert Cirigliano - November 21 - 1:40 pm

  The car rides smoothly. Its good on gas. It is roomy inside, with a large storage capacity.

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  1st time Tacoma owner - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taclover - November 21 - 9:56 am

  I really love this truck. I was looking for a truck that would last me at least 10 yrs and get good mileage. I love the box and suicide doors. The SR5 package is worth the money.

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  Great Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Flex Fuel Tundra - November 21 - 8:20 am

  This is my first toyota and I will most deffenently buy another one. Like all companies including the big 3 there are some issues with some of the trucks not all of them are perfect. Just wanted to mention that after reading some of the other reviews. My truck has not had a single issue. Drives great rides great performs great. The gas mileage kinda stinks on E85 but the cost of it makes up the difference and you get more power running it. Only thing i noticed was a bouncy ride on highways that have the groves to prevent water build up. After the first tire rotation that went away. If your thinking about buying a truck buy this one. You will love it.