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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  Whoa! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By paterick - April 1 - 2:23 pm

  I have about 1500 miles and this engine is more powerful than I realized. I never have to break 2000 rpms generally in town, it hums at 1200 rpms to 1400 rpms and that is accelerating from stop to the local speed. Gas mileage is very poor but that must be from the high compression engine. This car seems like it could use another gear which could improve mileage. Getting about 19 mpg. Cant imagine what it would be if I had a heavy foot. Women told me I looked handsome driving this car. Made my day.

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  Another Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By high_speed_chase - March 30 - 7:50 am

  This is our fourth Camry, but the first with a V6. We traded a 2007 Camry SE I4, and I am not disappointed. The 3.5 V6 is very smooth and powerful. It runs 0-60 and quarter mile times of the infamous 5.0 Mustang from the early 1990s, (in stock form of course). Gas mileage is within 1-2 MPG of the I4. 600 miles already racked up since Friday night.

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  My Rav 4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jennypooh - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my Rav4. It is a small suv, yet it is the perfect size for our growing family

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  to big for little women - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By shaunna - March 29 - 10:00 am

  i bought a 04 solar pearl i love the car its comfortable to drive its a real eye catcher driving down the road very good sound system and being 20 thats imporant

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  Ford Mustang 4 cyl to Toyota Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris Chase - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I decided to go for the plunge and replace my 93 4 cylinder Mustang with a 03 Toyota Corolla S. I was impressed with the fuel economy and safety ratings of the Corolla. Plus, I was tired of getting nailed each year on insurance with my Mustang, even though the 4 banger Mustang was extremely safe in collisions at normal driving speeds and didnt go very fast. Wow! Even though both cars are lightweight, get 30+ mpg, and have manuals, the Corolla is much quicker and the Corolla is more fun to drive. The Corolla also gets better mileage. After, I drove the Corolla, I immediatly jumped ship and said goodbye to the beloved Mustang.

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  Great truck, but obviously a truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Carnut - March 28 - 6:46 pm

  Had the truck for a year, and no major problems to report. Drives through 2ft of snow like its nothing, tows like theres nothing there. I was disappointed by the gas mileage - around 15 MPG around town, without a load. Ride is terrible with the TRD package, but its in line with my expectations for a truck. It also has a very clunky manual transmission. Has had numerous annoying interior rattles, which I did not expect on a Toyota. It also feels quite tippy and has a lot of "bump steer" even on slow corners. All annoyances aside, its a great truck. I like the simple, uncluttered styling, inside and out. It is very "trucky," but it feels solid and should last forever.

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  Huge disappointment - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ejet - March 28 - 9:09 am

  We bought this SUV new in 2002. We bought it because we have a 1998 Carolla thats been a very reliable car. But not the Highlander. At just under 200,000 k the old leaky head gasket then the stripped head bolt got us. Last year we thought we would keep the Toyota for a few more years so we put money into the few body chips. Bought new tires, winter and summer and put in a new windshield in the spring. Now we had an engine that was toast. Our local Toyota dealer found us a used motor from another Toyota and installed it. They say it only has 70,000 k but who knows. So we spent $7600.00 so far.

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  Happy Camper - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Wm Leider - March 27 - 5:50 pm

  I bought my 2008 Rav4 Jan 2010 and traded my 2006 Matrix. Wife and I wanted something a little bigger and easier to get in and out of. Im very pleased with both Toyotas and will buy another when I tire of this one.

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  Unimpressed - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By C.M - March 27 - 4:16 pm

  Bought car for toyota reliability. (Not real impressed). Nice looking car and good gas mileage. decent power for a 4 cylinder, but a dangerous hesitating transmission that toyota does not seem to want acknowledge or fix. Nice gauges but the blue lights around the radio are way too bright at night for me. I ended up trading for a Nissan Altima which I like much better so far as of 10,000 miles.

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  I thought Toyotas were some of the best - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By ecbuzz - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I loved the vehicle. It fit me to a "T". After owning it for about 1 1/2 years I started having problems with skipping. After several mechanics looking at it, I took it to a transmission man and he found a ball bearing had broken and ground up in the transmission so I had to replace it. He said hes has several Toyotas with the same thing. In 2010 it started loosing oil but couldnt find where. The third mechanic found it had a broken oil ring on the #1 cylinder and needs a new motor. So much for Toyota.