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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  Reliable Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - August 13 - 2:56 am

  I bought this truck with 58K and now have 103,000. I have the 5sp manual tranny. Ive not done anything but regular maintenance. I average 28mpg. Not real comfortable over long trips but very reliable and gets the job done. I wouldnt trade this for a new one.

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  Money well spent - 32k o.t.d. - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By hammer - August 13 - 1:03 am

  So far very good with this Ltd. Galactic grey mica v6 2wd 4runner. I live in the south where snow is not an issue so 2wd for me. Powertrain is top notch - can barely feel transmission shifting. Rides surprisingly well for a body on frame suv, quiet at speeds under 80. Interior is laid out nicely with easy to use climate and radio controls - jbl 10 spkr. 6 disc in dash changer stereo is a nice system with full sound. Room up front is fine, even though it has a low roof with the sunroof, and rear leg room is fine - but toe space is minimal back there. No third row on my model... dont need it. Cargo area has a double level floor option that is very usable and smart.

• 

  gets the job done perfectly - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Joe - August 12 - 9:40 pm

  This car is great. It goes forever on a tank of gas and has enough room for all of my hockey gear. I can pick 3 of my smaller friends and bring them with me anywhere. Sometimes I wish the engine was a little bit more sporty, but it has got enough juice to make a pass without a problem, but it wont win any races. It has lots of little pieces that rattle, like the door locks and window crank.

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  Great Run About - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By MP - August 12 - 6:23 pm

  Get the Sport model

• 

  Loss of engine oil with no warning light - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Angry owner - August 12 - 11:46 am

  I purchased my car almost 3 yrs ago, everything was great until it reached 33000 miles; suddenly the engine produced loud noise, it was a complete loss of engine oil with no warning light in the dashboard. The dealer was very familiar with the problem before I even spoke. He asked me if it was the loss of engine oil. I would like Toyota to look into this problem. Otherwise the car is great and I love it.

• 

  My Reliable Rig - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Susan - August 12 - 10:00 am

  It is so reliable. I looked in consumer reports before my purchase as it had 44,000 miles on it and was spendy at that time.The only thing I have ever had to do is change the starter at 85K and purchase tires.I have never had any mechanical problems.

• 

  Quiet & Smooth like a Lexus - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mutant Ninja - August 12 - 10:00 am

  You do not know you are driving a Hybrid. It just drives like a very regular car. It feels smooth and quiet like a Lexus ES or LS. I like the CVT. It is really smooth and transparent. Electric motor assists the gasoline engine when you need the power. Sweet! I have not achieved 35 MPG yet, I only get between 30 and 33 in Kansas City. For the driver and the front passenger, seat belts are particularly hard to grab/reach. There are some fitting issues. The auto-dimming rear-view mirror is wobbly on all cars at the dealership. The NAV display has strong magenta color cast. The JBL stereo does not display CD-Text correctly. (It has trouble with the artist name!)

• 

  Super Little Car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Toyota Fan - August 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car as a commuter as my husband drives 80 miles round trip daily. We have almost 34,000 miles on it and get 43-44 mpg on the highway consistently, driving at 65 mph. This car is fun to drive, corners nicely, accelerates quickly, and is amazingly quiet for a small car. I was a little antsy about safety in such a small car, until my husband hit a deer the other night at 55 mph and sustained no damage to the frame or engine compartment, nor to himself I am happy to say! We havent experienced any problems at all with our Yaris, and plan to keep this car for a long time to come.

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  First Toyota - like it dont love it - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By lewis - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Ride is smooth compared to my old Ford Explorer and Jeep Commander. Drives more like a car than a SUV. Quiet ride. Radio and Controls for heat/ac are confusing and seem awkwardly designed. I am 511" and my head is almost hitting the roof so this car not designed for a tall person. Got the auto start from dealer and it came as a separate key fob and you have to turn off car from outside to get in and than restart - a stupid feature. Horn sounds like it is from a corolla from 1985. I added the side body moldings for $200 - car seemed naked and i wanted some basic protection for doors in parking lots. No auto trunk opening - that is a big drag - overall had it 4 weeks and really like it

• 

  1200 miles, and very happy. - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By gw - August 12 - 10:00 am

  My 1st 4R but on 3rd Taco pickup. I purchased 10 days ago and just completed a road trip. I tried a new Highlander,Camry,Avalon as well as a used Lexus car and Acura MDX and TL; settled on the 4R as it felt better than the rest. I also own a 02 Accord I bought new, and while a good car I feel it doesnÂ’t match Toyota quality. I found some criticisms something to watch for,but exaggerated. The break booster sound is noticeable with the radio off, but not a big concern. I have not noticed hood vibration, cheap sounding doors, or problems with the brake feel, and the horn is fine. The performance and ride is great. I have yet to try accelerate quickly or tow anything. Love it so far.