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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  2007 V6 Camry XLE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By djm2 - August 19 - 8:19 pm

  I own a 2007 V6 Camry XLE purchased new from a dealer in New Jersey. The vehicle currently has 87,000 + miles and it has been completely trouble free. The only warranty service that I had done to the vehicle under the extended warranty was the oil line for the VVT. (This was done prior to it leaking when I read about the possibility of it failing on the "net!") The vehicle is only serviced by the selling dealer and I change the engine oil and filter at 2,500 miles. (My choice!) ---- (I DO NOT believe in extended oil / filter change intervals!) I do not have any "sludge" in my engine. At every fuel "fill up" I use an upper cylinder lubricant. (Four ounces to every ten gallons.)

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  Fun and reliable vehicle - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Art Haendel - August 19 - 5:53 pm

  My 2005 Toyota Prius is the most fun to drive, best fuel economy (45-50 mpg) of real world driving that I have ever owned. The vehicle has a 1.5L gasoline engine along with 2 electric motors. This combination provides smooth rapid acceleration. The engines are quiet and vibration free. Controls are conveniently placed, most being duplicated with push buttons on the steering wheel. The interior is suprisingly large. With the rear seats folded down cargo hauling capability is like a small SUV. If you buy the Prius please carefully read the owners manual as the vehicle has some distinctive features different from other cars. The smart key sysem is very convenient. Test drive first.

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  2013 Corolla S. - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By elvis765 - August 19 - 1:10 pm

  Many people pan the Corollas aging platform saying it has drum brakes etc. Well the Ford Focus has drum brakes and people think it is the best ever. I drove both cars, owned the new Dart and sold it, driven the Chevy Cruise and Noisy Mazda 3. Out of all the cars I did like the new Civic the most, however their price premium at dealer lots is not worth what you get on Civic Vs. Corolla. The new 2014 Corolla doesnt change much from the old and I didnt feel the need to wait for the newer model. The car is quiet, smooth, and build quality compared to the Dart isnt even close. The Focus was small on the inside compared to the Corolla and I would buy another Corolla in the future.

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  2008 Camry SE 4cyl - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Anthony - August 19 - 8:06 am

  I purchased the SE because of the styling and expecting about the same MPG as my old 1998 Camry (24/30). I now have 8K miles on the car and consistently get 22 (combined). In my opinion the car is underpowered with the 4cyl. The engine hesitates when accelerating at slow speed and I must be careful when pulling out or into traffic. Road noise is a problem when using the built in blue tooth. I was warned by the Toyota salesman about the poor ride of the SE as compared the to LE, XLE, he was right.

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  318,000 and still going - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Laurea McLeon - August 19 - 6:40 am

  My Rav has been in 4 major accidents and has over 318,000 miles on it and it is still going stong. I wouldnt part with this car unless you gave me another one...well maybe if you gave me a Highlander.. :-}

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  Very happy! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Eddy - August 19 - 1:40 am

  I searched for 4 weeks (which is highly unusual for me) for the perfect luxury mid-sized SUV. I narrowed it down to the H3, the Land Rover LR2 and the Acura RDX. I ruled out the H3 due to the reaction I got from everyone I told. The LR2 had no incentives and are ridiculous with their pricing and I was on my way to by the RDX when I passed the Toyota dealer. After seeing and driving the 4Runner, there wasnt a doubt in my mind that was the one!

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  Cant beat it - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By goinpstl - August 19 - 1:32 am

  Simply amazing automobile. Ride is quiet and smooth, engine quieter amd more powerful than 03 Camry, much improved interior over last generation. I think Ill take boring quality over exciting driver any day.

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  Catastrophic Engine Failure/vvt oil leak - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Deb - August 19 - 12:10 am

  I used to love this car. I ordered it specifically. We own several Toyotas. After only 37000 miles I had a VVT hose leak spraying the car engine and making loud grinding sound. The dealer will not examine the valves or open the drip pan. I have found this is more common than Toyota is letting on. Toyota has only replaced the hose (60000 power train warranty) and will not agree to look for any damage that may have occurred. The warning light does not come on until the oil is gone and the engine is frozen. Horrible combination. Hope this helps someone else avoid this situation.

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  Great Little Vehicle - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By C Lemons - August 18 - 10:40 pm

  I was always a big SUV driver but, with gas going up almost everyday....I needed a SUV that wasnt a gas hog so, I did my homework on value and cost to own and found the Rav-4. I am so glad I did. Great little SUV, handles good, scoots in and out of traffic, cute as a button and I am getting at least 29 miles to the gallon. Way to Go Toyota.

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  Corolla is still a leader - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By kenw7 - August 18 - 6:55 pm

  The Corolla still beats the competition. Quality is superb; reliability is well documented. At 34 MPG on the road, figuring $4.25 per gallon, the loss of savings in gas compared to a 40 MPG car is $1,200 over 100,000 miles. The competition is charging thousands more than the Corolla; you will never really save money! The brakes work great, the ride is great; the performance with the automatic transmission is fully acceptable. My Ford and Chrysler cars failed me miserably. I will stay with Toyota. Join me and 100,000 miles from now you will be glad you did too. The "bells and whistles" the competition have will not be much comfort when their car breaks down. Toyota still rules.