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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  One Great Truck! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By ryanmb21 - February 2 - 4:33 am

  Two weeks after buying this 4runner I installed a 3 inch lift and 32" tires the resulting stance is much improved over stocks low nose. I will comment that these trucks are perfect for lifting 2-3 inches as the CV angles up front are in a squatted position. 50K miles later including several off-road trips and snowy jaunts to the mountains this 4runner continues to impress! I love it! All I do is oil changes and never had a problem, 100% recommend!

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By TravW - February 2 - 2:56 am

  Overall the car was one of the best investments I have ever made. The fuel economy was excellent and the small design is misleading. The interior is very roomy. Wonderful car.

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  Fun Little Commuter Car - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Robert - February 2 - 12:26 am

  I bought the car used to commute 40 miles a day. I loved the sporty looks on the exterior and the inside is a little cramped but good for one or two passengers. It is lousy as far as backseat space is concerned but it wasnt built to be a family car. The cockpit is nicely laid out. I had to have the transmission worked on after about 100k miles but I would write that off to normal wear and tear. Overall Id give it high marks and it is a lot of fun to drive.

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  Wow!! I love this little car!! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Ricky Reed - February 1 - 6:13 am

  Ive now owned this little car for four years now, and I have to say its the best Ive ever owned. Gas mileage - wow! I average 32-36 mpg around town. No repairs, just oil changes. Everybody is still asking me what it is... they think its a Porsche! Hangs curves really well with rear engine. Dont complain about the storage space, cuz its not made for 10 hour vacation trips. Great for touring the countryside, relieving stress, enjoying the scenery. Always turns heads, even a six year old car. Would I sell it? Never!!

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  Not Perfect, But OK - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By 1toresearch - February 1 - 2:16 am

  My wife and I bought this car as the Family vehicle. Luckily, we purchased an extended warranty when new. The Gold standard I have of a reliable vehicle is just gas it up and go. I also include regular service intervals at dealer. This Highlander is not that vehicle. Although mechanically it seems great the car has its flaws. Automatic tailgate does not work reliably. Ours has been replaced but the problem has returned. Check enthusiast web sites and you can see the problem well described. We have also used our extended warranty on AC water leak into cabin, replaced sensors and a headlight switch. The warranty has paid for itself. My wifes 1st toyota and she does not want another toyota.

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  Toyota Quality - Not Just A Catchphrase - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By bobindenver - January 31 - 1:40 pm

  First the obvious - its a Toyota. If you take care of Toyotas they will run forever. My beloved 2002 4Runner Sport had 115K miles on it when I traded it in. The factory battery lasted 11 years. Original exhaust. Burned less than a cup of oil in 3k miles. No rust. You cant ask for much more than that. I decided it was time for that new car smell and traded it in on a 2015 4Runner Trail in Attitude Black Metallic. I got the KDSS suspension and the Entune Upgrade sound/media system. I have not had a chance to test out the KDSS offroad in the mountains yet, but the truck has done very well in snow (as expected) thus far.

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  One hot/fun/sexy/reliable car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MIKEY - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth/quiet ride. Responsive engine. I feel like Im driving a Lexus. Great build quality. Lots of midrange punch. Very happy.

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  BeSt Luxury Durable Car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By stiv - January 31 - 10:00 am

  never let me down, good transportation, can be a realiable friend too :)

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  Excellent Car for people in their 20s!!! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By anarod81 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable car. Not a lot of space in the backseat, but nice trunk and very comfy in the front. Because it is only 4 cylinders, car is does not go up steep hills very fast. Not good for racing, but fuel economy is excellent (same as a sedan)!

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  2000 Toyota Camry CE - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Barcou - January 31 - 10:00 am

  By far the best highway driving car Ive been in. Very good build quality -- no squeaks or rattles. Car feels as tight with 45,000 miles as it did when new. Smooth, smooth, smooth.