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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  Transmission Leak - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By David Yee - June 2 - 2:30 am

  My Sienna has less than 4000 miles and my transmission is already leaking. Its been in the shop for about a week and I guess its taking awhile to dismantle everything and then put it together again. Aside from this defect, the van seems to be pretty good. Its quite roomy to the point that I have difficulty getting out of my tight garage. I really like the turning radius on this van. Ive been getting about 15 miles/gallon on city driving with 4-5 passengers.

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  It finally died at 230K miles - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Keisha M. - May 31 - 11:22 am

  I bought my blue Highlander from the dealership, I was the 2nd owner. I got it at 59,000 miles and it just died on my about a month ago at 230,000+ miles. I absolutely loved this car. I previously owned a Toyota 4Runner (V6) and loved that car too, had it at college and it was a great, safe vehicle that I used to pile my college friends into when we went out. I was constantly on the highway with a lead foot and never had a problem with that. I didnt expect that much from the Highlander but I found out, it was just as reliable at the 4Runner but with a smoother ride. I never had an issue with the engine, but I maintain my cars very well. Also, this Highlander got me through 4 blizzards in the DC/MD/VA area without an issue, and I never hesitated to take it out on the snowy roads, it was actually pretty fun. Car had an awesome amount of get up and go and loved to "race" faster cars who would sleep on me at the light. Lol. My car engine died and I am still not willing to give it up. It just got a brand new battery and four new tires before it died. I plan on finding a new engine eventually and keeping it for my son to drive when hes ready.

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  Yaris rocks - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sarah2037 - May 31 - 10:20 am

  I went out just to look at the car and drove away in it. I couldnt resist it. The car is hip, stylish and gets great mileage. Dont be fooled by the size, it can still fit 4 comfortable and the back seats move so easily for extra storage.

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  Wonderful 2001 Toyota Prius - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Breathe-easier - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Why more people are not buying these is beyond me. A wonderful, reliable car. Nice to pass by the gas pumps and laugh.

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  96 4 Runner - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By jbmeng - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Purchased with 105k miles and have put on 120k additional with no significant repairs. Put new Michelin radials on when purchased and Im still running them. Been driving for 40 years and this is the best vehicle I have ever driven, new or used of 20 some odd that I have owned or leased.

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  Proven over 50,000 miles - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By cpl - May 31 - 10:00 am

  The most fun car weve ever owned. Its a quick and nimble ride, excellent in the SoCal canyons and amid the SUVs on the freeways. With the car so short and the wheelbase so long, its easy to park in in otherwise impossible spots, a real plus at the beach. The best of all worlds, its efficient around the city, romantic on a date, and fun on the open road.

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  Best For Price - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gil geddes - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy this car as much as I enjoyed my SL mercedes. The car is reliable to the extend its never been back to the dealer since new.

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  Greatest thing on wheels - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By NG - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I got rid of a Lincoln Navigator to get this hunk of a SUV. If it were a man I would marry it.

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  matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By francisco - May 31 - 10:00 am

  in one word: we love our matrix

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  Tundra V6 - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Tazdog - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had the truck almost 3 years now. Have had no problems of any kind. It is a very comfortable ride with plenty of power. I put a shell on it & experienced no performance drop off. Gas mileage actually improved by 1/2 mi. per gal.