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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  1995 SR5 V6 2WD - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By daltam69 - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Very solid truck with no creaks or rattles at almost 80,000 miles. I love everything about this truck except the fuel economy...I expected anywhere from 16 to 20 miles per gallon (city/hwy) but am only getting 13-14 no matter what type of driving. Hopefully a good tuneup will help, but in any case the truck runs great and has a fairly civilized ride for a tough truck. Id buy a new 4Runner in the future...if they werent so expensive, but this one was worth the money used.

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  Great Vehicle, but something is missing - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JPell - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This is an extemely reliable and safe purchase in the large SUV class. However, for $40K, something is missing. I test drove the loaded Highlander and felt like it had a much classier appeal.

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  Solid - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By PR TAcoma - December 24 - 8:46 pm

  Bought my PreRunner SR5 V6 XtraCab new in fall of 98 and it still runs like a champ. Its only got 127k on it and had no major work done (tires, a few batteries, ac fan/resistor, starter contacts -- thats it). Considering how neglectful Ive been, its run great. Ive taken it on several long road trips and moved across the country with a full bed, but not towing anything, and its not missed a beat. City mileage is not that good at around about 12-15 depending on the temp and red lights. Have gotten it up past 24 on mountain highways, and currently am getting about 18/city keeping the engine under 2000 RPM when possible. Stinks in snow without modifications is the worse of it.

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  Dependable and reliable - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Archie Bowers - December 24 - 2:58 am

  My 03 Std cab, 4x4 was purchased used and beaten up but mechanically sound back in 2008. It has never left me standing, always starts even in -30 up here in Calgary. The crank windows and manual locks are annoying but it rides well, doesnt rattle, hauls everything, and serves as a perfect dirty contractor truck. The 4.7 sucks gas but the truck has get up and go. Not fast, but definitely quick. When i see other same model trucks out there i know the owners are enjoying the dependability, since Toyota definitely knows how to deliver up good trucks. This reflects in the resale price. I have 225,000 km on this truck and i know it can do another 225,000 no probs! Fluid and brakes only.

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  Good buy - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Gary - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Moved from an ES350 and really like the better visibility, ride (no boat float), comfort and especially much less road noise. Do hear the wiper motors and the whine of the transmission. Had to change out the horrible noisy wiper blades. Very cheap interior by comparison to others in class. It really has great handling compared to others in class. Not sure I will buy another until they get a better interior.

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  296,700+ miles and going strong.. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Louise - December 23 - 1:26 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had. Bought it used with @169K on it. Have had a few problems and Im meticulous about maintenance. But by and large, Id buy another Camry with no hesitation. Am driving it to Montana and back (2600 miles) in two weeks. I have lots of confidence in this vehicle and Toyota, in particular. At almost 300,000 miles, this car still looks sharp, gets 30+ mpg (its a 6 cyl), has no rattles or other noises.

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  Not really excited - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Threadbunny - December 22 - 1:33 am

  Traded in my 2003 Honda CRV for this car which does have much better gas mileage, but The hatch back is extremely small especially when hauling groceries and book bags. Outside scratches too easily despite having the protective clear coating applied. Standard is a little slow on the pick up. Inside is nice though. Seats are comfortable and does have nice leg room. Just not big enough for a family of 5.

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  2003 Camry SE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By dobelvr - December 21 - 2:00 am

  A great looking car, but three problems: There is a "thumping" sound in the rear suspension over tiny bumps in the road which is very annoying. The dealer says this is normal for the SE. I must drive quite a distance (over 2 miles) before the transmission will shift into overdrive in extreme cold condtions.The starter makes a "zipping" sound when starting in extreme cold conditions.

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  Trouble Filling Gas Tank - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By chris335 - December 20 - 3:35 pm

  Ive had the truck since it was new 2001.Its been a very reliable truck.The problem Ive been having recently is that when I go to put gas in the pump keeps cutting off.Takes forever get a few dollars in.Ive heard it may be the charcoal canister.Anybody have any answers on this?

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  Great except for one thing! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By daf62757 - December 19 - 4:56 pm

  This is actually my wifes car. I drive it about once or twice a week. The car now has 55K miles and the problems, or complaints that I want to mention are the lack of power when the AC is on, and the knocking that comes from the steering column linkage. The power is expected because its a 4 cylinder. The linkage problem is a flaw that has received a technical notice, but no recall. Very frustrating that Toyota wont recall this and fix a potentially dangerous problem. Otherwise, a very good car and excellent for your wife to use for work or kid hauling.