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:

• 

  Just bought one - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runner8762 - July 21 - 4:20 am

  I bought in mid 2014, a 2005 Toyota 4runner v6 Sport edition. It had 67k miles on it and 2-3 previous owners. I absolutely love it. the biggest catch for me buying it was the mpg, as my previous car was a civic. in all honesty it gets decent mpg, my city is 18, and highway is an easy 24. just dont drive like an idiot and mpgs arent too bad at all. the layout is great, super practical and simple. the back is big enough to sleep two and have room for gear. the engine is plenty powerful enough, although i can imagine a v8 being a bit stronger off the line. when i bought it I had to replace the alternator, and i did a seafoam flush of the oil and gas. great machine, buy it!

• 

  Loving our FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By BayAreaFJ - July 21 - 2:43 am

  My wife chose the FJ and loved driving it with our two young kids. It is easy to take them in and out of the back seat with the side-opening doors. We have the airbag package and it feels like they are in a vault. It has a hard, bumpy ride - as it should be, because this is no grocery- getter. This vehicle is absolutely no-nonsense and reliable, at 30,000 mi. with no issues, and none anticipated. Recently hauled three other guys for a mountain-climbing trip and the four of us were comfortable. One owns a new Jeep and lamented all the problems he is having already. We love this vehicle with no reservations and expect our kids to drive it when they turn 16 in about ten years.

• 

  Severely dissappointed - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By dunwithtoyota - July 20 - 12:16 pm

  Ive had my 2006 for 7 years now and until recently I loved it. Very reliable and very few problems (compared to the GMs I used to drive). However when I took it for the latest state inspection it wouldnt pass because the frame is rusting away. This problem now seems to be appearing on many 05 & 06 Tacomas. Both the dealer and I contacted Toyota separately concerning this. Toyotas response was basically too bad, now go away. Before this happened I was a big cheerleader for Toyota. Now, Ill never buy another Toyota again

• 

  More Than Expected - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Freemarket2010 - July 20 - 4:23 am

  Picked this up last month. Got it at invoice since the car market is slow and 2009 models are coming. VERY impressed with the car. Drove every hybrid out there and thought the RX400h would be the one but there is really no comparison between the two. The RX is an older, noisier, less luxurious ride than the Highlander and, interestingly, very few people realize that. That may change in 2010 with the new RXh. This Highlander really excels in many areas. Mileage around town has been 26.5 mpg-better than we read here. It is very quiet and the intelligence of the interior layout is impressive. This is my wifes car and shes coming from a Lexus LS430 Ultra and she is more than satisfied.

• 

  You Wont Believe My Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Gerard Chapin - July 20 - 2:20 am

  Do you live in New Jersey? Well I do. Do you know its the most densely populated state? Well, I do. There are cars everywhere because we lack the mass transportation network needed and we want the freedom of the automobile offers us. Therefore there are frequent traffic jams. When Im driving my 2004 Toyota Prius I get better mileage when the speeds are slower. So at least if Im not saving time Im at least saving money. The Prius has suprising pickup for highway merging since both the elctical system and the combustion system kick in. Air conditioning runs on the battery which in turn is charged by driving and braking. Mileage has been consistently at 50 mpg in the warm weather. Prius

• 

  great until hidden costs get you... - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By 4inthecar - July 20 - 12:46 am

  many have noted the tire issue - i had to order mine online and have them delivered to my home - $952. then i had to take them to a tire shop and pay to have them mounted. NEW shocker - at 63k miles and 3 years of age, my water pump died. the dealer says 3 days labor - 24 hours @ $90 hr + the part, $2400 more or less. supposedly they have to drop the engine and the transmission to get to the water pump on the side of the engine. NOT acceptable TOYOTA! what a worthless design. had i seen this coming i would not have bought the car and would have stuck with honda. my honda element has 240k - and only rountine service. the locks are wearing out - but not the engine...

• 

  Very disappointed! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By franc - July 19 - 10:20 pm

  Comparing it to my 00 and 04 Camry, there is no comparison. If this was the first Camry that we bought it certainly would be the last. The transmission hesitates, also downshifts, hunting between gears, then lurches (safety issue). This is all very very annoying especially when the dealer tells you that this is "NORMAL" operation. I wish I had my 2004 4 cyl Camry back, I would have given it a 10 review.

• 

  Candy Red - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By cfc - July 19 - 9:43 pm

  Purchased this car for daughter and not only does she love driving it but her mother and I do also. Very quiet, little road noise, excellent steering and also solid riding vehicle. Sharp looking and love the trunk lots of space even without the added advantage of the back seat laying down. Would definitely purchase another Camry.

• 

  2004 Prius an excellent performer - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Joseph R. Pulley - July 19 - 6:10 pm

  Handles well, 50+ mpg, good for hauling large items. Body integrity excellent. Auto headlight dimmers, automatic door locking and auto brake release

• 

  American Built Beauty - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Paul K - July 19 - 6:03 pm

  The 2010 Corolla XLE is a solid American-built car. The improvements over the previous generation are monumental; It is like driving an entry level Lexus for $20K, but with good fuel economy. Hugs the road. Not a single rattle, squeak, or clank to be heard. Roof is a bit too low for tall people. Sunroof, auto-climate control, and navigation are nice touches.