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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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By TitoTacoma - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I Have always wanted a tacoma since middle school, so i finally got one! And love it! Although, what is with the rattling passenger airbag...ive noticed alot of people have had this problem...and yes, I HAVE IT TOO!!! what I did though was just put a small thin cloth between the windshield and dash and hadnt heard it rattle since, but the cloth is VERY noticable. If you are thinking about getting one, its a wise investment...but if you buy a 2WD it doesnt do so good off- road, id go with the 4WD...

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  Excellent Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By John46 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Nothing better than a truck that holds its resale value better than any other and drives better than a luxury car. None of the other half tons can even compared no wonder toyota beats them all. Not to mention its made in the USA

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  Bought Too Soon - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By notwright - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Only had the vehicle for two days. Thought I really wanted one...did the homework...but I am VERY DISAPPOINTED. The vehicle is too LOUD, and dont open the back windows...youll lose your ear drums...ride is ok...it feels "loose" to me ...the engine ticks and sound "old" ...the leather seats up front are totally uncomfortable...my neck hurts. Its too small up front..no place to put cell, purse, etc. Ill keep it until its okay to trade unless the dealer will take it back (HA HA!!) or anyone out there will buy it for the high end $32+ I paid ( contact me)! Have had a 95 Avalon and like daughters 97 Camry ride better.

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  excellent built car, a mini lexus - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By ownerfromNJ - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I own this car for over 1 year it is a well built machine feels like your in a mini lexus has a 130 HP ALUM engine with VVTi for 14K!

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  mp - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mprid - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Everything has been exceptional with our 2004 Sienna except for rust. We have had two bouts of premature rust within 6 months (even with Sym-tech). Rust was found on, and around doors. Comfort, handling, fuel economy have been beyond our expectations. Recently getting 35+ mpg. Rear seat and sliding with windows are excellent.

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  I love My Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Jules5 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Ten years ago I purchased a 1990 Toyota Camry. I loved that car and had a hard time deciding to buy a new one. Then I saw the 2005 Corolla S with the VP#1 options I fell in love with the car. It had everything that I wanted and the price was to good to pass up. Out the door 15,880! The ride is wonderfully smooth, the pick up to merge on the freeway is right there for you, and the front look of the car reminds me of a Jaguar...ok maybe that is streching it ...but I love the looK ;o I dont understand these comments that it lacks personality... with the S version of the Corolla you get the reliability of Toyota, but a look that makes heads turn. I pur

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  Sleeker design 2005, two days owner! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Nina Davis - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I have switched from my 250k miles Honda Accord to the new Toyota Camry 2005, lets see how long this will last. So far so good, the body is more sleeker, my neighbors mistaken as a Lexus. Cool lights, looks very classy! They are brite, inside and outside. Its a very well made vehicle for the price, looks expensive, but not. Spacious truck, two large person would fit. The hubs are nice, the dealership reported theirs stolen already. The car is well design, it rides good and Im happy with it!

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  1997 Toyota Avalons - 2 of them - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Legacy - February 19 - 6:00 am

  I liked my first Avalon so much that I bought another in 2000 and weve put 330,000 miles on the pair. Both are nicked up but they still run fine (2008). In 19 (combined) years of use Ive had only ~$3,000 in repairs (other than an accident, tires and oil changes). Cons: Weak in snow. Steerling column leak (both cars - use sealing fluid). Goes through tires too quickly. Toyotas known for quality and reliability and thats exactly what Ive experienced. In 2007 I purchased a 1986 Corolla that runs fine. I now need a 4th car and it will be a Toyota. I still feel that I made a solid purchase every time I start up one of my Avalons.

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  Disappointed in New Toyota - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - February 19 - 5:30 am

  Toyota is selling new trucks on the the reputation built on earlier very good trucks. I owned a 1993 DX extra Cab and which was a bullet proof, high quality, wonderful vehicle. It was very tough, well built and solid... used as a truck... no rattles after 13 years of hard work. My 2006 (1,500 miles) is cheaply built, value engineered to minimal truck standards and will not take truck like use. It shakes, rattles and rumbles. The frame is not stiff enough (open channel) and the dam truck wanders all over the road. It came with cheap Dunlop tires andis mostly plastic. Use like my old Toyota will quickly destroy this truck. So in short - I spent $31K on a car like truck that is really a car.

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  Problems - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Patrick - February 19 - 12:43 am

  I just bought the used 02 Camry from a friend. In 500 miles, the catalytic converter went out, the A/C seems to be really week, I noticed the steering wheel squeaks (specifically on sharp turns), the rearview mirrors sags and it vibrates with the music on at any decent level, and the entire vehicle vibrates when coming to a stop. The dealership replaced rotors and pads and it is no better. The car is comfy and has good pickup, but so far I am very concerned about the quality, or lack thereof.