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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  tacoma - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By azb3 - October 30 - 5:26 pm

  2011 Tacoma 4x4 5 spd std. this is the cheapest truck I have ever owned you cant make it any cheaper it doesnt look like its built to last to me I see why all the frames on the older models rust out cheap metal 4 cyl. has no power clutch is weak it cant handle light work let alone heavy . the worst money Ive ever spent, if you want a cheap truck and want to spend 26K than this is the truck for you.

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  Shocks...Please Ignore Earlier Comment - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By alfonso_bedoya - October 30 - 2:52 pm

  In an earlier post, a consumer commented on the weakness of the Toyota OEM shocks. The comment is inaccurate. The poster describes a condition which is clearly the result of driving style, not the performance of a 5,000lb truck. If you drive a truck the same as you may drive a BMW, the results will be dramatic and perhaps traumatic. Changing to Bilstein shocks will not help this problem. The shocks are fine. It aint the car. And no, I do not work with or for Toyota in any way. i have been in the automotive biz my entire life and involved with motorsports for 30+ year, but never with Toyota.

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  Sole owner - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Matt - October 30 - 7:00 am

  This car has been virtually trouble free. There appears to be a little too much wear and tear on tires which might be the driver as well as wear demand on brakes. Comfort is incredible with no back aches after hours of driving, realiability the best of any car I ever owned. Very roomy, quiet, and resists road and external noise. Danger of falling asleep at the wheel it is so smooth. VSC has not been an annoyance but a pleasant surprise. Sunroof adds much to enjoyment of drive. Speakers and sound very excellent and I am a very discriminant listener. Compares to Lexus model as same car but much less $.

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  96 truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By More than Satisfied - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new , and now have 102,000 miles on it. It has never failed me. I got 83,000 on orig Firestone "Wilderness" tires. Changed battery at 95,000, and front pads/rotors turned at 97,000. Still has orig exhaust system, and everything else, starter, alternator, etc. I change oil every 4,000 miles with filter. Changed plugs at 60,000. With the 2.4, 5M, I can still get 29-30mpg on the highway, and 27-28 in combined driving. It is still a tight truck, I have never had front end alligned or any suspension work done, orig shocks. Yes, it was a little more expensive than others, but its never been in the shop, either.

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  It is a great little suv - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Picky driver - October 30 - 2:00 am

  My Rav4L has performed well. It gets great gas mileage and after over 90,000 miles it still runs pretty much like a new car. I bought the RAV4 for the best gas mileage in an suv and because of Toyota reliability. I got what I was hoping for. It is a cute car. My husband says it is more suited to a woman though because it looks so cute.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By KatD1Kat - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for the money. Its a combination of an SUV/Sport Sedan vehicle. Interior is very sporty (XR MODEL) and very spacious given its size. Engine has a lot of pep, its kicken 180 horses and its only a 4 cylinder. Engine is very quiet as well. As for reliability, all I can say is that "its a Toyota.

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  I look at it out the window all day.... - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner - October 30 - 2:00 am

  The looks of this vehicle first attracted me, but the test drive SOLD me! Warning - do not test drive this vehicle unless you have the money to purchase...! (Hint - if you are planning to purchase a Yukon - do NOT test drive the 4Runner....you will be disappointed!!!

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  2003 4Runner SR5 V8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pocketcam - October 30 - 2:00 am

  First "foreign car" in 25 years. One month of ownership, 1100 miles: Overall an excellent design. Powerful, nimble and fun to drive. Ample cargo capacity contrary to what you may have heard or read. Behaves predictably and sure-footed off-road. Surprisingly quiet and smooth ride.

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  Its good to be back with Toyota - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pierceu2 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  The last toyota I owned, a 1983 pick up had over a quarter of a million miles on it when I sold it , and was in about the same shape as the 2000 nissan I bought to replace it with after only 60,000 miles. I strayed away for a cheaper price in 1999 and wound up payed the price in the long run. Its good to be back in a solid riding vehicle again that I can drive and drive with no worries.

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  THE BEST SUV! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By conson - October 30 - 2:00 am

  TOO NOISY WHEN WINDOWS DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEED.