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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  My Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Schotts631 - September 5 - 11:46 am

  I bought this truck new in 2002 and besides a replaced power steering pump (under warranty) I have had no mechanical issues. Toyota quality is second to none. Only gripes I have is the placement of the clock, and a jittery ride over bad pavement, and mediocre gas mileage (18 mpg avg.) but hey, its a truck. Stock tires were crap and after replacing them with bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos the handling improved greatly. This truck has never let me down, and Ill probably have it forever. Its still as solid as the day I drove it off the lot. It always pays to have a great pickup.

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  Another Excellent Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Thomcin - September 5 - 5:53 am

  Great motor. Great 5 speed trans. Roomy. Lots of air bags and safety. Handles well. Good value.

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  Great for zipping around town - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sharon devenney - September 4 - 11:50 pm

  I might not want to go on a long trip in it, but it is great getting around town, especially when trying to avoid the interstates. Parking is a breeze anywhere downtown.

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  I think I like it! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By pruischick - September 4 - 9:00 am

  I bought my Prius a couple of weeks ago. Actually my husband convinced me to buy one. I wasnt sure about it at first, but I think I like it. We are getting about 54 miles to the gallon which is fantastic. The ride is smoother and much quieter than I anticipated but it doesnt handle curves in the road as well as I thought it would. The new body style is cute and it has fun accessories. Yah, I like it. I wish they offered a Prius coupe though. A two door would be really awesome.

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  Good, Dependable SUV - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By RSL - September 4 - 5:13 am

  I bought this vehicle in August 1998 and have put over 113,000 miles on it since then. Overall, it has been a reliable SUV. The fit and finish are still excellent after 8 years of ownership. Mechanically, the car has been virtually maintenance free. My only significant complaints are the stereo and the power antenna. I had the stereo replaced 3 separate times. The power antenna was replaced twice. Gas mileage averages about 15 in the city and 20 on the highway. Power is only adequate. I still get compliments on this vehicle 8+ years later. The paint and overall look still is appealing. I would highly recommend this SUV to anyone looking for a highly reliable SUV.

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  10 years old and still running strong... - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Ben - September 4 - 12:16 am

  Ive been having my 2000 Camry since 2005, before that my aunt owned it. she had regularly scheduled maintenance ever 3,000 mi as have I with minimal maintenance. Its easy to work on and drives smoothly @ 148,000 mi. Added short ram to it and have only changed out the radiator plugs and wires, and replaced gasket seals on the valve head and oil pan and door handles. other than that its an Awesome responsive ride.

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  Outstanding Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By John Darr - September 4 - 12:16 am

  I purchased the Avalon as a Christmas Present for my wife who is a Real Estate Agent. It has the quality and refinement of a Lexus. It has a huge reclining back seat perfect for showing real estate. We have had a lot of complements for clients. My wife says it is the best car she has ever owned. I can rest easy that it conveys style and refinement with out being overstated and I know reliability is not an issue.

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  Far worse quality than before. - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Dan Hogan - September 3 - 8:36 pm

  I have owned a 1993 Camry and a 2000 Camry. This 2008 is so much worse quality than those two. Very disappointing. Terrible rattles from the dash and the rear deck. Cheap plastic parts inside everywhere. The transmission shifts all the time. I will keep this car for as long as I can handle the poor quality.

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  Great commuter car with issues. - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By elliska7 - September 3 - 7:09 pm

  Pros: - great gas mileage (Im getting 35MPG with mostly highway miles) - entertainment console is easy to use even while in motion - small, sporty family car Cons: - way too small for anyone 6 or taller (I fit but commonly have to bend my legs and constantly be moving or my legs go numb, and a hard time getting in/out of the car) - also way too small for a family size larger than 2 (with my infant in her rear facing carseat behind the passenger seat my wife cannot fit due to height, she still has to sit behind the drivers seat to have any room) - this cars steering/handling is worst of any car I have ever owned (driving at highway speeds the car floats, it drives in a straight line but the body/suspension/frame are constantly pulling to the left or right. This motion causes me to constantly have to pull the car one way or the other. I have had to deal with 3-4 service appointments where I was told that "this was the issue" or "that was the issue". First time they told me the front tires had too much of a toe so they completed a four wheel alignment. Didnt fix the issue. Brought it in again and they replaced the rear axle beam. No fix. This last time, they told me nothing was wrong and that is "just how the Corolla handles.") - during snow, rain, or wind you might as well leave the car in the garage and walk to work (with any sort of wind, at all, the car is pushed around as if I was driving a skateboard, snow or rain is dangerous in this car) Overall: Im looking for a new car, ASAP. I may even try to lemon this thing.

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  Loooooove the FJ!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Suomex - September 3 - 5:33 pm

  This is bound to become a cult vehicle! What a successful redesign of a legend! Not an easy feat. I am female, so I didnt get the masculine looking roof rack, and in the blue color it is just amazing.Dont call it a Hummer! Some people do that, and I tell them its an ADVENTURE vhicle, no a military vehicle. It feels very stable in turns, hs decent torque for its sie and weight.I love the inclinometer!