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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  More Front End Brake Problems - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Shadytrake - December 24 - 1:06 am

  I posted originally in 2003 about the brake problem. Well it has become progressively worse. I can only go 1 year on the front brakes before the rotors go and the calipers get stuck. It is in the shop now for its 5th or 6th (Ive lost count) front end brake, caliper, and rotor job. The truck is reliable -yes- but before I tow the horse, I have to have the brakes inspected for wear. They just dont hold up.

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  Great Find - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Grant Wilhite - December 23 - 7:01 pm

  I love my RAV4 it looks like a little new Lexus SUV

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  Love it so far - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bob - December 23 - 6:50 am

  Just picked the FJ up and had a good amount of winter weather blow in. The FJ handled the snow and ice with no problems. Time will tell on the over all reliability. I have almost 500 miles on it and have nothing bad to say so far.

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  Awesome looks and reliability! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By CeliSamurai - December 23 - 4:56 am

  I bought this car with 108,000 and now has 140,000. And let me tell you, nothing needed to be replaced! I just chose to replace the brakes and spark plugs right when I bought it. I love this car! Looks awesome, gets awesome gas mileage (35 MPG highway) They could give it a little more horses but its quick regardless weighing just over a ton. Also great winter car, just throw a sand bag in the trunk and your good to go.

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  2nd time around - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve - December 23 - 3:33 am

  I went back to a Toyota Avalon after owning a Chrysler 300 for just over a year. The Avolon gets much better gas milage, a smoother ride, just as much if not more leg room in the front and back. The style is still great as well!

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  Well-planned - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mb - December 22 - 4:43 pm

  I love this car! We got it b/c we wanted an SUV for kids and knew wed get hit hard at gas pumps, but also b/c in test drive, it was the most comfortable, and most thoughtfully planned interior of many SUVs, including new Acuras. Ive had a honda for 11 yrs and enjoyed the FWD, the reliability and all the nooks and crannies in it (I miss those hidden compartments) but this car has style, more cupholders than you could possibly need and that 3rd seat in the 2nd row is an amazing feature!

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  Id buy another! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Bill - December 22 - 4:06 pm

  I bought this vehicle after my 3rd $1200 VW Passat repair bill in 6 months. I fell in love with the turn radius, handling, pickup in the city on the test drive. The inside feel is as if the car has wrapped itself around you in a cocoon of quiet. The first time I pulled up to a stop sign, there was utter silence! I am continually surprised at what you can get in the back with the second seat folded down- it folds flat! I also own a Mazda Miata and I prefer driving the Prius!

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  Toyota, Please bring this car back - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By qkslvr - December 22 - 3:53 pm

  I bought my 2002 new and have 190,000 miles on it. I just returned from a seven week 9400 mile road trip. My guitar, my golf clubs, my clothes with room for a passenger. This is one of those amazing cars like the old Honda Civic Hatchback that do so many things well. On top of that, this design was over the top for a $20K sports car. I hope you all recall the great commercials implying that the car looked like it was going 60 while standing still. Since Toyota sold nearly as many of these as Mitsubishi did of their Eclipse I still dont understand the move to discontinue it. Lets face it, the MR2 may have been a performer but one could never travel in it with more than a carry-on.

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  Traded my 2014 Lexus IS for a 2015 Camty Xle - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By steve w - December 22 - 2:42 pm

  I decided my Lexus IS was not a very practical for my current needs. I was planning on getting a Camry XSE V6 to replace the IS. After driving the XSE, I felt the ride was a little too harsh, so I drove the XLE V6. It rode great, and was very quick, but the dealer suggested that I try the 4 as well. I was very greatful that he suggested that, because although the 4 is not nearly as quick as the 6, it was actually .2 seconds faster 0 to 60 than the IS I was replacing. I currently have lees than 2,000 miles on the Camry, but love it so far. We drove to Colorado from Wisconsin and got over 34mpg even though a lot of the trip has speed limits of 70 or 75 mph. The Camry is smooth, quiet, and very comfortable. It has plenty of cargo space, and the back seat is very roomy. I plan on taking a lot of road trips in the Camry and know I can do it with complete confidence and total comfort.

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  great gas mileage - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By unclogum - December 22 - 12:01 pm

  Have 14,000 trouble free miles and never, repeat never got less than 35 mpg. Im 59 and retired so I may look at things a little different , but have owned some 40 cars in my life and this one is a good one. Drove the others in its class and this was tops. They hold their value ( check out Ebay and craigs list) are reliable and easy to go 200,000 miles with. Hard to find a low mileage one for sale. If its value for your dollar this is it.