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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  Good Car Hope It Lasts - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Monicafl - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I drive 70+ miles a day mainly on highway. I am not a car person. Did research for more than 10 month before I got rid of my Kia/Sephia 1994 with 70K mile on it, and bought this Toyota. Love it. NEVER BUY KIA!!! I will buy another toyota if I have to.

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  2003 Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By paulz - October 6 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Toyota Corolla delivers great mileage and excellent quality. The LE model is fully featured, by far the best value for the money in its class. And it wasnt as expensive as advertised.

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  The best 4Runner Ever - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Louis Lerebours - October 6 - 8:20 am

  I have had my 4Runner for 4 years now. I live in Long Island and my wife used to live in Utica. I was thus driving about 1000 miles a week. Ride is outstanding for a 4x4. On the wet highways or in the snow, the traction control is unsurpassed. I invested in synthetic oil and change my filters regularly. The 3rd row seat is mostly used by my 2 toddlers. This is the BEST 4Runner Toyota has built so far. I am just waiting for an excuse to buy the upcoming redesigned 4Runner.

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  Toyota Rav 4 Limited Updated Review--B+ - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Randy - October 6 - 3:50 am

  Given my model is now part of the massive recall related to the sticky accelerator problem, up to this point Ive had no issue with a sticky accelerator. But, it certainly is on my mind now everytime I drive, which is unfortunate. Anyway, the only areas that have decreased in my liking are related to the gas mileage and exterior finish since my last review. In Oct., I was getting 24-27 mpg, now with nearly 5,000 miles, I am now getting 20-23 mpg with no major changes in my driving pattern. Very disappointing. Also, I notice the seals on the door/window jams leak cold air allowing me to feel a noticeable chill, and the road noise has become much more noticeable.

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  Great truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By kevin - October 5 - 1:53 pm

  I bought my double cab tacoma new in June of 2001. It has never been in the shop for a repair. Currently have 85000 miles on it. The seats feel a little flatter than they used to, but other than that, I love it.

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  Economical and fun! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dan H - October 5 - 1:23 pm

  Weve only driven the Prius for 5000 miles, but love it more every day. We chose option pkg 4 to get the safety items. Now that the weather is getting warmer in Pittsburgh and the car is getting broken in, were averaging 48 in combined (congested) suburban/ highway driving. Our only concern is the FWD in our winters, but we kept a Subaru as a snow car.

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  UNBELIEVABLE MACHINE - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SnoopBman - October 5 - 2:33 am

  Ive owned my Solara for 4+ years now and I have nothing but positive words for this car. I currently have around 165K on the car, primarily highway miles and it still runs as soft, smooth and quietly as it did the first day I purchased it. Im amazed at what Toyota has done with this machine. Ive only had minor repair issues in the past mainly due to my excessive driving. Only had to replace driver side window regulator because it was broken into and regulator was damaged. And I have an AC leak which I hope wont be too much of a repair before this summer hits.

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  Oil Change is a pain - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By J Brown - October 5 - 2:30 am

  Apparently two engine types. One with conventional oil filter...and mine. You have to remove a plastic housing that has a "cardboard-like" filter insert. An o-ring mus be changed and a new washer should be bought for the drain plug, at each oil change. A serious step back in engineering!!! Requires more time and mess. Filter inserts are more expensive than conventional filter. Glad I change my own oil. Would be afraid cheap oil service centers would not have proper filter and charge you for changing...without actually changing filter. Different topic: Paint extremely thin..hardly takes anything to scratch to metal. Gas mileage...lucky to get 30mpg with my automatic, disappointed!

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  Best Car I have EVER Owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dena - October 4 - 10:03 pm

  In St. Thomas, we have mountains, curves, scarcely a level highway on the island. The Prius maneuvers all this as well as my Buick LeSabre, but I fill the tank only once a month, instead of three times a month. Gas mileage here is around 32 mpg. I love my Prius.

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  We Love It!!! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By warnerjm - October 4 - 4:46 pm

  We love this car. We drove the Accord, CR-V, and RAV4 and this car had them all trumped in nearly every category. It is smoother, quieter, more energetic, the headlights illuminate better, the seats are more comfortable, the trunk and the fuel tank are larger than the others. Even the horn sounds "adult" - no wimpy "bleat". Weve had the car only two months so I dont have a handle on MPG but it appears to be in the 23-30 range(V6!).