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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  Things fall off - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By lb - November 10 - 5:40 pm

  Bought used in 2002 with 30,000 miles. As for reliability couldnt be better. At 100,000 miles replaced belts, hoses, & water pump. Thats it!! but the interior seems cheaply made. At 135,000 miles there is a leak that we cant find and back window has come off track Cover for fuse box on side keeps coming off and carpet is coming from under the door. Front seat broke. But at 32 mpg Ill keep it til the doors fall off. Fairly good on brakes and tires. My daughter will get in when she gets her license. May buy something a little more exciting then.

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  Not that sure yet..... - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By mark - November 10 - 8:00 am

  Got the Trail model in mid January, actually came down to the 4Runner vs a Lexus RX...not your typical comparison. After trading in a 2002 Pathfinder, i figured i would stay with the "truck look". However, although the body look and style is really nice. Its a bit bigger than i thought, (or would have liked). At about 3000 miles now, I cannot even reach 17 mpg, doing about 50% highway,, thought it would be better. The BIGGER concern is today, after braking coming up to a red light, i had a sudden surge of acceleration. This was not imagined, it was VERY REAL. While i was braking, the car had a sudden surge of power. It did stop right away after that so i am going to contact Toyota.

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  Owner of vehicle - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By don - November 10 - 6:36 am

  Nice truck, long distance hauls are uncomfortable, seats still are not well padded, it is sporty and has looks, braking is still a little sluggish.

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  Good Truck Tacoma 2wd V6 6m/t - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By tslick76 - November 9 - 5:03 pm

  I think the Toyota Tacoma V6 is great strong Motor and the 6 speed m/t works fine (I find the oil changes very easy to do, I love the location of the oil filter). But, I have had some problems with chipping paint also. Furthermore the seating position is a little low. Also no iPod connection, my company work van has one. Also I wish the Tacoma had pop out wing windows (my 2004 Tacoma did). The Tacoma has great looks and it will be easy to sale. I suggest getting the tow package (6500lbs), the Tacoma is strong and can handle towing and off road driving. Its easy to beat up any truck, but in 10 years this truck will be still on the road (reliable).

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  The Best of Many Worlds - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By P. Onsager - November 9 - 2:36 pm

  I spent a lot of time deciding on a car. I was almost sure I wanted a Civic Si, but when I randomly saw and test drove the XRS, my search had come to an end. It combines comfort, very decent styling, excellent interior materials and build quality, and easily the most rev-happy engine in its class. It can be driven mildly, as it doesnt actually hit 170hp until high (6-7k) rps but if you actually enjoy driving, its a blast. Love revving way up in 1st and youre good to go from there on out. Combine these things with the fact that Toyota has maintained a reliability record that with Honda has been on the decline, and you have one great car...if youre lucky enough to find one!

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  GOOD VAN, GOOD PRICE - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By PJ - November 9 - 10:00 am

  MY WIFE AND I BOUGHT OUR SIENNA TWO WEEKS AGO. I DONT REGRET IT A BIT. I LIKE THE PERFORMANCE AND THE LOOK. IM NOT BIG ON ALOT OF AMENITIES SO THE CE MODEL WITH THE EXTRA VALUE PACKAGE IS MORE THAN ADEQUATE. THE RIDE IS GREAT AND THE MILEAGE IS PRETTY GOOD. 19 IN TOWN AND 24 HIGHWAY IS DECENT FOR A MINI VAN AND YOU CANT BEAT TOYOTA QUALITY. THE ONLY THING I DONT LIKE IS THE NOISE THE AIR CONDITIONER MAKES WHEN THE COMPRESSOR CYCLES EVERY MINUTE OR SO, BUT THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS NORMAL AND WOULDNT HURT ANYTHING. IF YOURE LOOKING FOR QUALITY AT A GOOD PRICE, THE SIENNA CE IS A GREAT CHOICE.

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  New RAV4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By chickenlips - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive, especially with the 5-speed manual, but under-powered. Handling is superb, as are the brakes. All-in-all, a nice vehicle. Could use a larger engine. Sterio sounds tinny. Same as Camry. Needs better speakers.

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  2005 v64wd highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By anna - November 9 - 12:36 am

  I bought my highlander after considering size, saftey, gas milage,and reliability as compared to other suvs. The size is perfect for me-not too big, not too small. There is plenty of room for hauling-took 2 kids to college in it. Its very nice to drive, but the transmission is sluggish when starting out. Also, I previously had an explorer, and the seats in it were much more comfortable. Its a pleasure to drive- its very quiet and smooth-sort of like gliding through the air! It handles very well around bends etc, and is easy even for me to park!

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  Dont believe mileage claims - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Herb - November 7 - 4:43 pm

  I have had the Prius for a month. I love it except for two things. I am 6 foot 3 and it is hard to get into the vehicle because the steering wheel does not tilt up high enough. Once inside it is fine. To get 60 mpg you would have to fill up at the top of a mountain and then fill up again when you got to the bottom... there is no way. I am a very conservative driver and I am consistently getting 40 - 43 mpg. That is twice what I got in my previous vehicle but it is not what was advertised.

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  Almost Flawless - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By pat - November 5 - 7:46 pm

  A member of my family bought this car new in 97. I took ownership in 05 with 130K miles. This car has never been a problem!! Besides scheduled maintenance there has been little work done. It now has 190K miles on original wheel bearings, axles, exhaust, alternator, starter, engine, tranny, you name it. We have never seen a Check Engine light or had any sort of breakdown. I would drive it cross-country tomorrow if I had to. The only problem that has come up, besides just starting to use oil (1 quart in 2000 miles) is that the AC wont work in cool weather to defrost the windows but works fine in summer heat. Absolutely the best car Ive ever owned.