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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  Toyotas are Very Reliable - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By BT - September 6 - 11:56 am

  Im a 30-year owner of Toyota--had a 1981 Toyota Corona for 16 years and sold it to a friend who drove it another three years before trading it in. I had a lovely 1998 Toyota Camry -- only problem before sold it was getting an oil leak stopped--it was costly to get to, but the part was cheap to fix, labor was excessive due to how hard it was to get to. Had a Buick in 2005, and was really glad when purchased this 2004 Camry in 2007 with only 9,000 miles on it. Car has a popping sound when turn wheel to park in garage at night. Am told if it bothers me, labor cost to get to part is about $250; its not bothering me that much yet. Was in an accident in 1988 Camry; it saved my life I think.

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  2008 Toyota Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By norske - September 6 - 9:06 am

  Have had it for 2 days and love it. Wanted it solely for mpg, so bells & whistles were not a necessity. Its just plain fun to drive. Parks like a dream (no depth perception so thats important), feels bigger than it is, good interior room, shifts great, acceleration is good, great Toyota a/c, thought dashboard design would be awkward - not, will be a great commuter car (70 miles a day). Other subcompacts have similar mpg & more base options but are more money, If you can find one, buy it, most bang for $.

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  I want my 99 camry back - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Whattodonow? - September 5 - 4:40 pm

  This was the car of my dreams the new royal blue, it was awesome. Until one day I was trying to excel into oncoming traffic on I-40 the throttle hangs and I almost get hit. I took it in to the dealer, they did not know what to do about it and said they would not know until Sept. This was in June? So what am I suppose to do until then? In the meantime, it happens 3 more times. finally by sept a fix comes out to reprogram the computer and erace your driving patterns. Worked for a little while but it started again. This has been the most disappointing car I have ever had. My tires wear out in less than 20,000 and always on the back first.

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  Camry is a BEAST!!! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Iwant10Prius - September 5 - 4:23 am

  No lie....I have 242,665 miles on my car and I am not embarrassed to drive it. I bought it with 112k miles on it from a private owner. It has been maintained well (oil changes, routine maintenance, etc.) but I have rarely put any other money into the vehicle. It drives down the highway almost like a new car. I would highly recommend purchasing this year Camry, as long as it has been taken care of. I will always be Toyota loyal after my experience (previous American-car only driver). What American car would ever even come close this mileage and reliability? Exactly! If I can get 500K, maybe I can get that new 2010 Prius I have been desperately wanting. :)

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  2007 Toyota HH - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By utahsteve1 - September 5 - 3:13 am

  I just purchased a new 2007 hybrid Highlander and broke it in over the holiday weekend. Drove approximately 1350 total miles. First 800: varied speed from 45-70 on 2 lane highway with lots of hills in rural areas. Averaged 29.1 by the dispaly and on paper. Second 550: set cruise control at 70 on interstate and averaged 28.7. This seems good to me. Vehicle is very comfortable over long distances and seriously quiet. Rides nicely and handles well. Have not used AC but heater seems to work well. Am very happy with my purchase and hope that with increased mileage that the gas economy will improve.

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  First Foriegn Automobile - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By David Loper - September 5 - 2:26 am

  I was of the opinion that I would never buy another American automobile again, because of repairs, when I purchased my 2008 Toyota Corolla. The Corolla has changed my mind back to buying American. The Corolla gives a rough ride and, within 24,000 miles, has given me several problems. The problems are: poor handling in the ice and snow, loose steering, front brake assembly recall, constant rear brake adjustments, wipers that dont cycle properly, power windows that cycle properly, tires that need constant filling, squeaky frame when under load, and loose gasoline filler tube.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Matttt - September 5 - 1:56 am

  Excellent car, quiet, easy to drive, 1 touch to start (w/ smart key option), lot of usable storage room, nice touch screen, great mpg even on highway, more than enough power to get on the freeway. Body roll is slightly excessive.

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  33,333 miles yesterday - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By daved58 - September 4 - 9:57 pm

  Purchased the car in April of 2008. Have had only one issue of a rattle in the interior and was fixed in August of 08. I am 6 4 tall and I love this car. And maybe the paint is somewhat thin since I have a few rock chips on the hood; as I have had with all other cars that I have owned. But I have to say that I really do love this car. No issues so far. The steering can get you into trouble if you are not an advanced driver. It is very easy to over steer in a critical situation. Had a lane encroachment on the freeway and it was a very exciting event. Be sure to keep both hands on the wheel....and please no texting while driving over 35mph. But I really do love this car. Would buy again.

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  My RAV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By randgard - September 4 - 10:06 am

  Great Toyota. Very functional and perfomance is super and gets 23 mpg. nothing but oil changes first 18000 miles. Very good quality for the price.

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  Its All That! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Sheridan McDaniel - September 4 - 9:36 am

  This SUV has class and quality Ive never experienced. The four years plus of owning this vehicle, the only issue Ive ever had with it is taking it in for its required maintenance. I dont think I can ever get a better quality and more affortable vehicle unless its a Toyota. The only reason I am departing from it is that I need more room due to medical issues, which leads me to the new 2006 that has more room. I havent checked it out yet but if the driver seat gives me more room, then Toyota has won me over again. I will never purchase another motor vehicle outside of Toyota. I hate having to give my SUV up, but I feel like I am getting a big promotion to what Toyota has to offer me next.