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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  love it - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By rkirchoff - March 25 - 7:56 am

  lots of power, rides nice, corners great, gets 18.8mpg city/hwy so far.

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  2005 Toyota Corolla CE - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By joe - March 25 - 2:23 am

  The car is too small to find a comfortable position. Made for very small people, the power is... there isnt any. The seals leak on the window. Very noisy ride. AC cant really keep the car cool enough inside. The sound system is poor quality. Low and hard seats leave a person hurting after a trip around town. Visibility is very poor to the rear of drivers side. Low clearance under car makes a small road hazard a very big problem. Cheap paint, chips easy. Handling on icy roads very good, but low clearance is again a big problem.

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  High Quality Product - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By john - March 24 - 9:06 pm

  Bought the 6cyl LTD 4Runner new and have put 5000 miles on it. Very pleased overall with this SUV vs the Jeep GC I previously owned. This vehicle exudes quality and great driveability. Combines off road capability with car like comfort on the highway. My main beef is the comfort factor of the front bucket seats could be greatly improved-- not enough cushion and about 2 inches shorter than should be for my 6 foot frame. Also rear side view visibilty not adequate. But overall this is a great SUV. I expect many years of quality performance from this vehicle

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  1st Camry ever - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By naatz1 - March 24 - 5:28 pm

  My wife & I bought our first Camry ever a week ago (see details incl competition in my post to the Camry forum "Prices Paid..."). Interior comfort, MPGs (why we got the 4cyl), reliability/quality since we plan to drive it for 10 years were all important along with safety features like the backup cam. We have over 600 mis on it and so far not regretting anything other than color: she wanted and got grey, I wanted red. The leather interior is much roomier and user friendly than Id expect in this price range. The Michelin primacy tires are highly rated and a plus, no change to drive in snow yet.

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  Prius is an ALLSTAR - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By RickECU - March 24 - 5:00 pm

  Went from an SUV to the Prius.. Thought I would be laughing all the way to the gas pump, but expected some difficulty with the transition. Absolutely have no reservations and the car drives incredibly. Its just a GREAT vehicle...Would recommend to anyone! Get it before December 31st and qualify for a $2,000 tax credit.. Thats 2,000 more in refund..dollar for dollar.

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  Its the Little things! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By anteatersgirl - March 24 - 12:10 pm

  40K miles, 4years old... Rear Speakers cracked and fell apart, into the speaker last year. Really hard to clean out, radio buzzes when bass plays. Toyota doesnt replace part. Bad design! Had to buy new covers. Door remote no longer works. Can only get into the car by driver side. Very hard with 2 young children in car seats. $800-$1000 to replace at Toyota Dealer. Safety hazard that should be covered by the company...its not. Other than those issues I like the car very much. Its the little annoying things that just add up.

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  Very impressed so far! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By parbri - March 24 - 10:56 am

  Life long full size pickup owner here, but decided to commit to reduced fuel use. I parked my full size pickup and purchased this for a work vehicle. I farm for a living, and I was thinking of a Tacoma, but was not sure the mileage would be good enough to switch, so decided on the Matrix. Fuel mileage is 30-32 so far, on 1000 miles drive, with short distance on and off pavement driving. Loads of fun to drive as well! I couldnt be happier!

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  Ol Trusty - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steven - March 24 - 3:13 am

  I have been driving vehicles of all makes for years now. This is, BY FAR, the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. It has the most superior build quality ie: no squeaks or rattles, and is great looking too! All of the body lines are perfect too! Its performance is second to none (Even the V-8 Dakota cant out perform this V-6...if you dont believe this, then read all of the reviews.) The ride quality is superb, and the handling is right on the mark. Best of all its a Toyota!

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  Most Reliable Car Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By topspin456 - March 24 - 1:11 am

  I got my Camry when it had 90,000 miles on it and have put 70,000 miles on it in the past 4 years. During this time I have had no expensive issues. I just got new tires last summer and will likely need to replace the brakes soon for the first time. About 5,000 miles ago the drivers side door handle came off, which I guess is pretty common with this year of Camry. Its a pretty simple fix that you can look up on youtube though. My dad had a 95 Camry that he traded in at 290,000 miles and when he drove his new Impala off the lot he missed the smooth ride of his Camry. Toyotas are just well made. #1 in reliability in my opinion.

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  Premature review ! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Dale A. Drottar - March 23 - 10:53 pm

  I write a review earlier, immediately after buying the car. Having owned it for a month, the only obvious fault I have experienced with it is the quality of the front part of the seat back on the drivers seat. The polyester cloth has worn/frayed where I enter/exit the vehicle. Apparently my belt and belt loop has worn the cloth on the lower left of the drivers seat. I tried to contact Toyota through the computer help line with no results. The seat was worn with less than 500 miles on the car. I am thin and in good shape, my weigh has nothing to do with the poor quality material being used. Dealership will try and help me, I hope. Rain always drips in the windows, rain shields a must.