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:

• 

  Great upgrade, but could be better - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By DenverTOYO - November 21 - 9:36 am

  History of multiple Toyota, Lexus and BMW vehicles. The additional kiddo meant we need to trade in the RX300. Overall, not a bad car, but considering the price on the Limited, there is clear room for improvement for a vehicle that would have been a great transition from a Lexus.

• 

  Excellent across the board - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By barbara211 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the reason I love Toyota. A quality product, for an excellent value. I have 105,000+ miles on my 98 Rav4, and have had no major malfunctions. Regular tune ups and oil changes only.

• 

  This Baby does fly - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By BB_Flys - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Toyota (I had a 94 pickup previously). I was looking for a car and never really liked the style of the Celica but once I test drove it I knew it was mine. The exterior design rapidly grew on me! This car has nice acceleration, seats, sound system, and man "it turns like its on rails" (what my neighbor said as he test drove it). Country roads are a blast! It hasnt had to have anything done to it but an oil change and new rims. New rims please!! Stock ones are hitious.

• 

  Its a Toyota - What do you expect... - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jataga - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 4Runner for a little over 4 years now and am COMPLETELY satisfied. I must say it is a GREAT SUV to own. The reason why I purchased it was b/c of reliability and looks! I have taken mine off road numerous times in very difficult terrain and with the ground clearance and articulation this SUV has, it is awesome. I put an average of 25,000 miles a year on mine and it is running just as good at 100,000 miles as it was at 1,000 miles. I love it and would definitely buy another one!

• 

  Toyota Avalon xls - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By lgra9361 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  No major problems in over 30,000 miles. Excellent dealer service. Small problem with the driver seat recliner that was fixed with a new part installed by the dealer within a week of my complaint.

• 

  I LOVE THIS TRUCK!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4RunnerLOVER! - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I brought my 4Runner on march 16, 2003 from darcars toyota in sliver spring Md. All i can say about the car froa weeks ownership is WOW!!!! I love everthing about the car but i only wish toyota had made fog lights as an accesory! Also my car came w/ a maufacture paint defect that was on the rear lift gate but i had my dealer fix it.

• 

  Solid Begining - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By NEW2CAMRY - November 21 - 2:00 am

  After considering the Honda Accord, and the Nissan Altima, I chose the Camry. Everything about the Camry makes a firm statement of quality. If you want flash and power, go with the Altima. If you want a fun, sporty drive, pick the Accord. If, however, you want a quiet ride,smooth handling, and overall design excellence approaching higher priced luxury models, the Camry is your car.

• 

  Blown away - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Torosmaduro - November 20 - 8:13 pm

  I could write on and on about how much we like our car. In an effort to be brief Ill offer the items that could be improved. The A/C system is underpowered, It takes 15min to get a chill on during bright summers day. Next Ive never been able to put more than 10.5 gallons in the tank (specs put it at 11.9 gallons). The 10.5 was only after we ran out of gas and ran on electric for a half mile. Lastly this car gets blown around in crosswinds. If youre not paying attention you could end up in another lane.

• 

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By Shell - November 20 - 2:28 pm

  I bought this as my main vehicle and as a backup to our tundra for towing a camper or boat. We camp in the mountains of Wyoming and we were thrilled at how well it towed the camper, and accommodated 2 adults, 2 teenagers and a dog. Handled amazing on the mountain back roads. Great handling in deep snow too. Other than tires, air filters and oil changes Ive had no maintenance issues. ...still has original brakes at 103000 miles. Lots of room in cargo area.....if youre a multiple dog owner its great. Best vehicle Ive ever owned, both stylish and utilitarian.

• 

  My Corolla is great! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Toyota lover - November 20 - 8:13 am

  I love my Toyota. It looks great and sporty for a Corolla. It is very comfortable to drive and I get 32 miles per gallon on daily commutes and 38 miles per gallon on trips. The only thing that is a little challenging is that it is harder than average to see the rear when backing up, etc. because of rear headrests and the high back design.