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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  Fantastic Car! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By haney - August 28 - 9:00 am

  All I can say it this is a fantastic car. I would highly recommend to any person. Of course, the biggest benefit is gas conservation (truly averages around 48 mpg). It also has great pick up and go (something you wouldnt expect from a small 4 cylinder car), and is very comfortable to drive - and even the back seat is very roomy.

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  I new what I was buying - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By vtbowman - August 28 - 4:39 am

  I had to write a review after reading a lot of bad one star reviews by folks who did a test drive. First off the "power" issue is what it is. I have owned both the 2nd gen and now a 3rd gen Tacoma and off the line the 3rd gen seems alittle weaker, over all the 3rd will move when you get on the gas. I have averaged 20 mpgs on mine since day one and that is mostly winter time. Driver seat isnt as comfortable as it could be and if you are 63" this truck isnt for you. I also on a Current gen Tundra and it has nice leather seats. I bought the taco because it got better mpg than my tundra and cheaper operational cost. Ride and Handling is impressive. I dont plan on hauling heavy loads, mostly recreational equipment. This is a Mid size truck remember that if you want one. And to the guy who bought one and hates all the technology in it, why did you buy it. A lot of the technology is standard on most trucks today.

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  2009 Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By GrammyB - August 27 - 8:56 pm

  We just had our 5000 mile maintenance check in out 2009 Prius. We test drove a couple cars before buying the Prius. We love our car. It is comfy and of course the gas mileage is great. When we were looking we had 2 cars in mind to compare (one being the Prius) and the other being a Honda Civic hybrid. We thought we would lean towards the Honda as we owned one before, there is no comparison between the 2, the Pruis won hands down.

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  Most Reliable Car Ever Made - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By seandicks - August 27 - 5:40 pm

  I purchased my Corolla BOCH in May 2008 because my Escort died on me. As far as I can see the Corolla was the best all around car ever made. Ive put about 4000 miles on it and all Ive had to do was put an O2 sensor on. I painted the drums and calipers, put a cold air intake on it, tinted the windows, nice system and alloy wheels. Ive only owned 2 cars but this one blows the escort out of the water. It looks really modern for its time and has not failed me yet. There is 144000 miles on it now and Im hoping to get upwards of 200,000. I know that it will surpass my expectations for it is known for its reliability. Im getting a (1995) Maxima soon so well see how it compares.

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  Fun Reliability - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By RoninNC66 - August 27 - 4:06 pm

  Waited over a year to FINALLY locate my RED AWD RAV4. It was sooo worth it. They just dont have any of these in the Southeast US. It drives like a sedan, looks great, handles well,and decent mpg for an SUV. Recently had FOB installed and considering other accessories. Planning to keep for a while. Liked so much bought a black RAV4 for the wife. His-n-Hers Rav4s...very happy couple. Looking forward to winter driving to see how AWD performs. Takes the sting out of giving up my faithful 4Runner. Toyota build quality and resale value make this a real peace-of-mind purchase.

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  Not As Dependable As Is Widely Believed - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By dethark - August 27 - 10:34 am

  Purchased my Corolla in March 2002. At this time (June 2011) there are 49800 miles on it. Here is every problem Ive ever had with it over 9 years in chronological order: - steering wheel was slightly out of alignment, tilting to the left a bit; Toyota straightened it under warranty - AC cut out while I took a 600 mile road trip; only happened once, didnt need to fix it - squealing started off and on from the engine/belt; had belt replaced but squealing continued; sources online say its a belt tensioner problem; happens inconsistently; havent fixed it yet - crackling distortion began from rear speakers - rear wheel bearings needed replacing, $1260 for parts + labor

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  no longer afraid of minivans - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Chris Nichols - August 27 - 10:10 am

  I enjoy driving the sienna. I was very surprised on just how much it handles like a car. The style and ride of this van makes me wonder why I was afraid of minivans in the first place. I drove a kia previously and can feel, see, and enjoy the difference between the two. Although I have only had had the vehicle for 3 weeks it has surpassed what I was expecting

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  Prius overrated - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By tg - August 27 - 7:36 am

  The car has been recalled for steering problems and has died twice on the freeway because of another problem. I get anywhere from 38 to 41 mpg. I do take short drives to work on the freeway which reduces fuel efficiency apparently. The car handles poorly and is very top heavy and sways while Im driving especially if there is any wind at all. Its hard to see out the rear window. C+ rating.

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  Too Many Problems! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By swimmingturtle - August 27 - 6:46 am

  I have owned the sienna for 3 years now and absolutely hate it. I have never gotten better than 20 mpg highway. There have been numerous electrical problems. The stereo stops working randomly and kicks out cds. The rear a/c-heat controls do not funtion all the time. Only one of the power outlets works. The front floor vents were not functioning, found out they were blocked. The leather on the seats shows severe rubbing from the seat belt. The paint is poor quality. When I accelerate the van jerks. Dealer said this is normal. The seats are extremely uncomfortable for rides over 30 miles. The tires had to be replaced at 15,000 miles, not run flats. Did I get a lemon or are others just awed by the options?

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  Good car; not for family - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By 1999camry - August 27 - 3:33 am

  I drive a 99 Camry and love it, so when we has our first child and my wife needed a vehicle to replace her 94 accord coupe we went with Toyota. The RAV (sprt pkg)is sharp looking. We now have two kids, and it has become very cramped. We have had the car for a little over a year now and have had the ck eng light on for most of that time due to a failing cat converter, though weve not had any trouble yet. We also had to replace the main computer because it was causing the tran to slip- Toyota covered this pricey repair at no cost to us (thank you!), despite the fact that we are not the original owner and it is outside the orig warranty.