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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  My Toyota - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By cheryle - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my Toyota. Gas mileage could be better, I get 19 to 25, but a small price to pay for the looks, styling and comfort. I really do love my Toyota!!

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  HAPPY - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By mrs go ahead - December 4 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Highlander is one year old this month. I cant think of any complaints other than the minor problem of the lousy cup holder placement for driver, drivers seat doesnt go back far enough, and the console area is wasted when the cup holder is in use, therefore my purse has to go in the back seat if the passenger seat is occupied. Oh, gas mileage could be a bit better in city. I really love the ride, look, and the fact that I have not had to return to the dealer for any problems, other than oil change. Highly reconmend the vehicle.

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  Reliability combined with great economy - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Buhler - December 4 - 9:00 am

  I bought this car 4 years ago, now at 144000 miles - I have a long commute. The car is by far the best car I have owned, hands down. I have the 5-speed manual transmission, and get great handling and performance. I get anywhere between 40 and 42 mpg since I am mostly driving freeway. On my third set of tires, other than that, no defects or repairs needed - still on factory brakes and clutch. Change oil and rotate tires religiously. I did not buy any options with the car and find the LE basic model quite complete and comfortable.

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  Love the Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Brittany - December 4 - 8:10 am

  I love this car. I got a brand new car with great gas mileage! Its a cute car. A lot of space. Tough little cookie. The gauges are easy to get used to. Dont be fooled. Awesome buy!

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  Bought three years ago and still love it - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Marcia Gruver - December 3 - 9:53 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned, and Im a 50-year-old woman, so Ive been around the car block. Its compact enough that it gives decent gas mileage and being an SUV, it puts me on the same level as the rest of the world. (In fact, Im a bit miffed theyre planning to make the 2007 models bigger -- if you want bigger, move on up to a Highlander or a Sequoia. Leave the Rav 4 alone!)

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  Great, great car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By jed - December 3 - 6:03 pm

  This is a great car. Comfortable, fun to drive, fascinating to use such a progressive vehicle. In Vancouver Canada, these things go for two hundred thousand miles between brake pad changes. I shake my head when trolls on this site trash the Prius. Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) turns many North Americans off these cars. "10,000 batteries need replacement every few years". "Emergency workers die from electrocution when getting survivors out of Prius wrecks". An Industry funded "study" that showed Hummers were more environmentally friendly than the Prius based on the most ridiculous assumptions i.e. Hummers last 300,000 miles but the Prius lasts only 100,000?, etc,etc.

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  190,000 Miles of Punishment Endured! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Thomas P. - December 3 - 4:43 pm

  For the basic car driver: I was not joking in the title. I push this car harder than it was ever designed to be pushed. The gas pedal is more of an On/Off switch against the floor than something you step on lightly to get up to speed. To account for this, I do early oil changes and transmission services. The car has absolutely no fluid leakage whatsoever and the motor has never once missed on regular gas. Do NOT use premium fuel unless you install an aftermarket turbo and need the additional octane to eliminate detonation. The car hates High Octane fuel, especially on cold starts. For the Home Mechanic: This car is designed for simplicity of operation and service. To swap out the rear suspension, you literally pull 2 large bolts and the whole rear end is able to swing down to replace any component. Little things like this make me love it more. I have also installed 14,000 Lumens of off-road light bars and a 75 watt shortwave HAM radio in it. It took both and the alternator keeps up like a champ. I have modded, manipulated, and punished this car on 1000s of miles of logging roads and mountain passes and it keeps running. Best investment ever!

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  Great Rig - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Harness - December 3 - 11:10 am

  The truck is fun to drive and is just the right size, not too big or too small. The fuel economy could be better, but I understand the short- falls of having 4-wheel drive. The driver seat could have more thigh support and running boards/tube steps should come as standard equipment. Overall, Im please with the rig and look to have it a long-time.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By jungleking3 - December 3 - 10:06 am

  I got my license in 2003 and got a 1991 Toyota Corolla from my grandpa. I liked the car so much that I bought my own 2006 Corolla LE with the intent to keep it for as long as I could. I was not disappointed. I have had the car for 7 years now and cannot complain. The only things I had to change on this car was wear and tear. I also had the ECU replaced under warranty as well. I think this is a great car that is cheap to maintain and drive. I have put 140,000 miles on it so far and am planning on going 300,000+ without any issues.

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  Exactly what I was looking for - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By NinjaRob - December 3 - 7:33 am

  My new Corolla S is exactly what I was looking for. Great looks, nice interior and Toyota reliability. While some reviews on this car put is behind the competition, I think the real points are missed. Lets face it, people buy Toyotas for their reputation of being safe and reliable. This new Corolla is all that, plus it looks great and is very comfortable. It is my third new Toyota and I hope I remain as happy with this car as my previous Toyotas!