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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  97 Toyota Camry = Bored Mechanic - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - June 6 - 8:23 pm

  This car has been in the family since day one in august of 1997 being my Moms, then my Sisters and now its mine. With 173,000 miles on it still running purrrrr-fect, still riding like a new cars this car has with- stood the test of time and still have lots more life in it. Repairs made have been typical maintenance, rear strut assemblies, a few light bulbs, an egr sensor, a battery, a power steering hose, and.... thats all I can think of being done in a 173,000 miles so we have 1 bored starving mechanic. Its a great ride high quality even used pick one up put about a grand in it and enjoy timeless reliability!!!

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  Outlived any American car I ever owned! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By cooksfallskid - June 6 - 7:11 pm

  I owned several brand new Chevys and NONE of them came close to the reliability of my 08 Camry. ALL of the Chevys I had ever owned were in need of major service before 30k. I regularly commute from Upstate NY and this car never gave me any trouble. I follow the owners manual and service it myself. Synth. oil from day 1. I will not let those butchers at the dealership touch this car. Aside from the normal wear and tear items it is the most reliable car I have ever owned. I never had a car that had factory brakes last 100k! The only major component replaced was the water pump. I drive this car HARD and make regular trips to .FLA and NC 2 to 3 times a year with it. Toyota got it right this time

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  A nice car. Could be better - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By howeda7 - June 6 - 2:16 am

  I have had my 2010 Corolla S since July 2009. Overall, I have no major complaints. At 17K miles I have only done standard maintenance (and 2 of 3 recalls.) The steering seems fine to me, but Im guess Im not one to drive with me knees or one-handed. Acceleration is not special, but who expected it to be? Never had an issue passing anyone when needed, and have looked down to see I was going 80 without realizing it more then once. Exterior look is nice. Did accumulate several scratches quickly, but not sure if that was bad luck or not. Interior is OK. The S model shouldnt have the lint issue (if there is one) due to the sport fabric. The fabric does seem difficult to fully clean though.

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  Great car to own - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By camry - June 5 - 6:03 am

  Very reliable vehicle. Great on gas and is very comfortable on trips. Never gives me a problem.

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  2000 SR5...11 years running - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By kimbey2009 - June 5 - 4:22 am

  I bought this SUV used with 106,000 on it back in 2006. So 5 years later I now have 226,000 miles on it and still pretty satisfied with the overall performance. The few complaints would be 1) brake pads/rotor replaced 3 times in 5 years 2) the uneasiness of driving with high winds swirling thus causing the SUV to sway 3) fuel filter replaced 2 times 4) rear axle replaced 3 times 5) power antenna went out 2 times but radio still plays...other than those complaints it has been mechanically sound and I wouldnt doubt it going for another 100,000 miles.

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  Small problems - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By mac57 - June 5 - 3:06 am

  Love the truck! Small problems due to Toyota quality slipping. Rattle in door, kick panel loose, front end out of line at delivery, now my tail gate latch broke after only opening the gate maybe a half dozen times. Still love the truck but you do not expect these little problems from a Toyota.

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  Less than what I expected - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By HOTT Sienna - June 5 - 2:40 am

  Weve had the recalls with the radiator, seat belt and door. Fine. But the radiator KEEPS leaking and they havent been able to fix it in 4 trips to the dealer. We have just over 40K miles on it now and have had the tires replaced and brakes at 15k! We are pleased with the utilitarian aspects. (After all, that is the reason we buy these things right?) We just wish that the radiator thing and the brake thing wasnt there to fix.

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  Great value continues... - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - June 4 - 4:03 pm

  I am a third time owner of a 4Runner. They keep getting better. Excellent overall value, resale, MPG (V6), ride and comfort, reliability. The new 5spd automatic transmission in the 2005 is very smooth.

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  Good Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By southpaw1 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Once again Toyota has built a reliable good car. The Matrix XRS is useful in so many ways but still fun to drive. Finally a wagon that doesnt feel like an old fashion station wagon.

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  Supercharged, 2012 Tacoma Sport 4x4 - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By cansa - June 3 - 11:37 pm

  I purchased a Blue 2012 Tacoma Sport 4x4 with the Sport upgrade package that gives you Bilstein shocks, and 18in chrome wheels. After 4k miles I added the supercharger and TRD exhaust. As warned the supercharger does whine on acceleration but settles out on the highway. Dead stop 0-60 times are 6.4 but the real performance enhancement is the 60-80 MPH response. Prior to the supercharger and exhaust being installed I got at best 19.5 -21.1 MPG on the Highway and 14-16 combined. Now I get 21.5 to 22 highway and 18 combined. I strongly suggest getting both the supercharger and exhaust as they really up the performance and gas mileage. The truck rides nice and manuevers in town well.