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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  Cheap Built - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By tuckerp - June 24 - 6:36 pm

  My 2012 reg cab 4x4 gets very poor fuel milage . And forget trying to pass another car . The build is very poor . Right front inside fender Well keeps falling out . It is put together with snaps . After twice in the shop . I am putting screws in it . The manual stick leather boot fell through when I dropped my phone on it . Once again it is snapped in. Now falls out easy . Worst truck I have owned . I have owned at least 20 new trucks . I had a Tundra the first year they came out . It was a great truck .And had a 85 toyota 4x4 that was indestructible . This truck should be nick named the lego truck . I cant believe how much Toyota has moved toward such poor quality .

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  NOT THAT GREAT - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By niya - June 24 - 12:10 pm

  there is hype about new corolla, it is on higher end for economy car buying. compare to honda civil LX 02 automatic, corolla provieds less useful features. i m most disappointed that it doesnt come with cruise control std. and on top i am paying almost 1000 more new corolla. I just dont get it.

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  LOVE IT SO FAR - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By tezra - June 24 - 8:53 am

  I have only had it a day, but I live 25 miles from the closest city and going back home is all up hill. I didnt have the least bit of problem climbing the hill. I am suppose to break it in at 70 mph. Having trouble keeping it from 80 mph, an thats going up 4000 ft elevation from sea level. Handles well, radio sounds good. Gas is barely off top end of gauge, and I have driven it close to 80 miles already. It is comfortable to sit in. Plenty of leg room and head room for me at 56. The engine purrs. Very quiet. A little wind noise but not much. Sporty looking.

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  Kens Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By kennethj - June 24 - 2:00 am

  My car has lived up to my expectations. It has not given any problems for the 15000 miles that I have had it. It drives well, rides good, and is fun to drive.

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  Love it... - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Bishop13 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  After putting in over 100K in just 4 years, the car is still humming along like a trooper. Total vehicle miles is at 215K, no major problems, just regular maintenance and a leaking valve seal in the #4 cyl., otherwise, a great investment!

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  Good truck, a few problems - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jimwhoboughtatruck - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck has 2500 miles on it now, and I have noticed a few problems. The steering wheel is in the way of the clock, and I have to lean over to see it. About half the time, the truck takes two tries to start. I have no idea why a brand new vehicle would not start on the first try. Since I bought the truck, a few rattles have developed in the interior. One is the cover for the passenger side airbag on the dashboard rattling. I havent tracked down the other rattle yet. The clutch petal just started squeaking every time I press it down.

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  I must have bought a lemon! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Stephanie - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Camry in the shop 8 times. 5 of those times for the same thing. Finally got Toyota involved and they found the reason the engine light kept coming on was because the 2nd and 3rd cylinder was creating metal shavings. Toyota replaced my engine but since then my CD player has gone out and now it is in the shop again for the engine.

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  White XLE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By EdwardArnold - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I hate this car, I will never every buy a Camry again, After leaving the dealership, transmission issue, check engine light, brakes, leather seats, my new car was in the shop for the first complete month, and after 7 more times for the same issues. I hate this car, will never ever buy a Toyota again

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  Rav4 First - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Donny Boy - June 24 - 12:20 am

  First Rav4 after a Camry for six years with nothing but routine maintenance. Hope to get the same from the Rav. Comparing the SUV to the Camry car is like apples and oranges. They have there own values. Enjoying the Rav as the vehicle it should be. Has some road noise and a rougher road ride because of the Sport suspension and larger tires. There is trade off. All wheel drive, firmer suspension, safer vehicle for us who travel in winter climates and the build quality where it counts is there. You want a Caddy ride buy one. You want quality and a fun road safety vehicle SUV buy a RAV4.

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  Great Buy - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Scott Carbaugh - June 23 - 7:40 pm

  This is one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. Smooth ride, powerful and unbelievably reliable. Most comfortable seats of any car Ive owned. We have 140,000 miles on it now and runs like the day we bought it in 2003. Sound system still sounds great. Only problems have been fuel gauge that sometimes doesnt work and VSC lights come on sometimes. Would like if second row was removable.