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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  bought new - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By stevedp - November 2 - 2:06 pm

  Very dependable truck. Had to replace the center leafs on both rear springs. Did that 3 years ago and no problems since. Sort of a chore changing the oil filter. Box is not very sturdy. Not sure if it is worth the extra money for Toyota quality? lot or routine maintenace like valve lash adjustment etc.

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  MPG Stinks - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Greg Winter - November 2 - 12:40 pm

  I am disgusted with this, my 2nd Camry, and my 3rd Toyota. The MPG was advertised as 24 city, 34 HWY. I have NEVER gotten better than 17 mpg and sometimes get 15/16. Ive taken it to Toyota and all I get is a recommendation for a $500 tuneup. I have religiously followed instructions for maintenance, and have treated it with care, but Im going to sell it. My Dodge minivan with 110K miles gets better mileage. I bought the silly thing mainly because I wanted better mileage, and it was a replacement for my 95 Camry which, even after 120K miles, got 24 mpg. Pathetic. Plus, the cup holder in the front doesnt work: its not adjustable and the slim plastic tab keeps popping out. A lemon.

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  Best econo car Ive ever driven - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By balls_mckenzie - November 2 - 9:14 am

  Lately Ive been able to drive my gfs 2010 Yaris sedan auto and I cannot understand why this car ever gets a bad review. The turning radius is so tight, its insane. The room up front is fine, a little tight in the back, but its a subcompact. What blew me away most of all is this cars gas mileage. Ive found it to be much better than 32 or 33. She has had the car for nearly 3 years - 0 problems. She still gets free oil changes, spent nothing on the upkeep. The ride is comfortable, we drove it on trips - no problem and like I said, the mileage is unreal. I own a 06 Xb with the same exact engine. 100K plus miles - zero problems. Its the reliability, thats why people buy it.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mitch - November 2 - 4:23 am

  Ive owned my 4Runner since new. Four years and 75k miles later I have to say I dont regret the purchase one bit. My 4Runner has been very reliable and I havent had a single problem with it. Routine mx is all that has been required and I usually stretch that out. It rides like a truck, which I like. The 4x4 is outstanding on the snow and ice. The only complaint of course is the gas mileage (16/21ish mpg). It doesnt run as well on 87 grade fuel. But I knew all this when buying the vehicle. I highly recommend!

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  Its HUGE!! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By nancyk - November 1 - 7:00 pm

  Owned a Tacoma extra cab previously. Bought quad cab site unseen- its enormous! Toyota blew up Tacoma like a balloon. Love the power and room, but feel like Im driving a dump truck. 57 y/o lady and its much more truck than expected. Hear the vibration that others note. Drove the same model at dealer, and vibration was worse than mine. Everything else is usual Toyota quality. 23mpg hwy-comfy/roomy for husband, me & dog on long trips. We have trouble with visibility on right side. Gorgeous and feels very safe- would love to have had this when kids were young. Hope I get used to the size (mammoth- not the Tacoma Im used to!) and hope to keep for many years as with other models weve owned.

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  I love it! - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By kendra - November 1 - 4:10 pm

  This SUV is amazing! I have the limited version, so it has everything you could possibly want! I will keep this SUV until it dies! But that wont happen for a long time, just because its a Toyota! Highly recommended!

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  Second Time Owning A Camry! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Mirac - November 1 - 1:36 pm

  I first purchased a 2001 Toyota Camry LE back in 2012, when I was 16. It drove comfortably, handled perfectly, and performed 5 star rating worthy. About three months into owning the car, I actually totaled it. I was hit by a 2013 GMC Yukon that was going 65 mph down a residential speed road and t-boned me. I walked out of that accident with bruises and aches, nothing else. My Camry TOTALED that BRAND NEW YUKON! What does that say about a Toyota Camry? Everything. I now am in college and I bought a 1999 Toyota Camry LE, because I knew that the Toyota Camry was reliable and worthy of a second run around. The car runs, drives, handles, and performs altogether... yet the same! I cannot complain, and if anyone is looking to buy a reliable, first time car, or a car for a college student who cannot afford something newer, then this is the car for you. The gas mileage is better than the site says, my car can drive to Tallahassee and almost all the way back without needing gas. That is not an exaggeration, and the insurance is inexpensive! Great car, and I definitely suggest buying this car.

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  I couldnt ask anymore of a car. - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By L.Roy - November 1 - 12:36 pm

  This is my first Toyota and I have to ask myself why it took so long for me to buy one. Ive owned just about every other car make on the planet at one time or another. At one time I even owned a Fiat. But this Toyota has a jewel box build quality about it. Its large enough to be comfortable. It has a large trunk. It rides quiet and smooth. And it gets great gas mileage. Im averaging over 35 mpg. Ive had no problems with the car and after reading other reviews I dont expect any. Another benefit is the resale value. This is a great car and I highly recommend it.

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  Great Investment! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By carmature - November 1 - 8:13 am

  I have this car for about a week now and I love it. Very conservative with gas usage. Simply chic is what I call it!... Nothing too fussy... gets you there from A to B in a comfortable way. Very affordable.

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  Will always love my Camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Kim - November 1 - 6:32 am

  If youre looking for a great car this is it. Ive had this car for 4 years (bought it off my brother) she has some bumps and scratches, but overall shes a bad MF!!! She has 180,000 miles and still a champ!! Im gonna miss her when she goes. (Not anytime soon though)