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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  2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 2WD - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jason hearn - April 21 - 11:30 am

  I did a lot of research before buying my FJ. I knew I loved the way it looked. The ride is comfortable and quiet and i feel safe inside its seemingly large cabin. Brakes are a little sensitive making the front end dive slightly. After a while you get used to them though. If you know how to use your mirrors when driving then you wont have an issue with the blind spots people keep talking about. Just put down your phone and youll be okay.

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  Clunking - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Beth - April 21 - 11:06 am

  Off the lot, the rear AC did not work. Then the driver door was replaced as part of the recall (note that we had had problems with the door, but were told repeatedly that nothing was wrong). At 2 years with the Sienna, noted a clunking sound when turning. Toyota service department found no problem. Clunking persisted for the next 2 years. Now, have had to replace the rack ($1200). No more clunking, although service department states that the two were not related.

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  Tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dennis Dewald - April 21 - 10:30 am

  I have had for 2 months so far so good. I like the gas mileage. It seems to perform well.

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  Great car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota and Nissan - April 21 - 10:16 am

  Great car. I bought it when it had 168000 miles on it and ran great. I did get new spark plugs, short ram intake and a strut bar, to improve the performance a little. The car never broke down, i had no problems with it. Now it has 192000 miles. It does have a 18gallon gas tank which i found to be a bit too big. but its okay. Now i drive a 350z Overall upgrade from the 99 camry. but the camry did very well the last 2 years.

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  Not To happy - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lanenn - April 21 - 9:30 am

  I did heavy research before I traded my 2004 Chevy Maxx. Read every report, drove some other cars,and this Camry Hybrid seemed to be the very best I could buy. Safe, good trade value, good mileage..maybe at 71 years old my last car. Now after almost 8 mos. I have been very sorry I purchased this car. Gas mileage not so great, better in summer then winter. Interior very plan,fun to drive, answer: no.Now with all the bad coming about Toyota, even if this Camry Hybrid is not on any recall..YET the value is sure to fall off. I should have stayed with Ford or Chevy. There all some other things about this Camry that are becoming more of a disappointment to me and my wife. The AC/heat control are poor.

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  Sold on Toyota - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Sold on Toyota - April 21 - 2:10 am

  We bought the first year of the current generation of Corollas, which isnt always a good idea. It is our first Toyota, and it wont be our last. In just under four years, we have had NO problems with the Corolla, except replacing the tires after just 20,000 miles. It holds four family members (two teenagers, not children) and all our luggage on our non-camping vacations. Unlike one of the other reviewers, our paint looks great. We may never buy anything but a Toyota again.

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  FUEL ECONOMY NOT WHAT THEY SAY - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By STEVE FLOYD - April 21 - 12:30 am

  I live in Iowa and only get around 26 miles per gallon -- 50% highway during the winter. i got around 35 miles per gallon in the summer. not happy with fuel economy since i am giving up safety for fuel economy

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  Sludge - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Bill - April 20 - 11:20 pm

  Well designed interior, but that doesnt make up for the sludge problem that Toyota hid from consumers for several years. We spent $6,000 in repairs on engine because local dealership would not back us up even with demonstrated oil changes per specifications. Finally, Toyota put in a new engine under the warranty -- but the $6,000 in expense, plus a horrible experience with Champion Toyota, has made us never want another Toyota. Its sad, because weve owned 6 Toyotas and 2 Lexus over the years. So much for customer loyalty.

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  Team Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Britty06 - April 20 - 1:23 pm

  The Yaris Sport sedan is an excellent car! This is my first car, and Im so happy with it. It drives great, and has great MPG also. And plus its very cute. The seats are very comfortable, people are always surprised on how much room there is in this car. Im so happy with my purchase. Thanks Toyota for making a great car!

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  reliable, reliable, reliable - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By shane - April 20 - 1:10 pm

  As a college student, what I really want is something that is reliable (read = cheap to maintain), safe, and fuel efficient. The Corolla fits the bill.