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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  Great True SUV - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By jenbrimac - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Now that SUVs are getting more car- like , the 4Runner is going to need some major rebuilding to keep pace. BUT, of all the $30K + mid-sized SUVs, the 4Runner is hands-down the best buy, IMO. If you place a high value on reliability, this ones unbeatable...Just change the oil every 3-5k mi & itll go to 250k mi no problem.

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  just the right size - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By steve tolbert - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this used, and it now has 20,000 miles. No probems what so ever. This truck has very comfortable front seats, is quiet, and is great on the highway. The only negative, is an uncomfortable back seat, but it is ok for around town and holds alot of stuff.

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  Love My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ed - September 21 - 7:43 am

  Others can give technical reviews - I will just say I drive a LOT (36k/yr) and switched from a GS300 Lexus (sports sedan) to the Prius, and it has been wonderful! Excellent mileage is a given (45-47 on all roads, all weather). I drive faster than I should so slowing down would eke out 3-4 more mpg. Interior is very well-designed. Displays are different from American cars, much more efficient and user- friendly, and the display info is amazing. NO REPAIRS YET at 105,000 miles!! I have had many cars and all needd repairs before 100k miles, except the Prius. Of course I needed new tires, oil changes, maintenance. Handles well, easy to turn/park, love the hatchback.

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  Love my Yota - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Rich Pacacha - September 21 - 2:13 am

  Purchased this car with 150000 miles on it. I do bank courier deliveries in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio with the car. I now have 329000 miles on it and have not had any engine or transmission problems. Power flush both components every 100000 miles. Replaced front wheel bearings, timing belt, and battery. I have been using Amsoil synthetic oil since day of purchase. Add 18 oz oil every 2,000 miles. This is the car that will break my heart when it quits. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, no squeaks or rattles and gets 35 mpg combined all winter and 39 mpg in the summer. Wish they were all this reliable.

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  Runs and Runs - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Louise - September 20 - 11:23 pm

  My first Toyota and wont be my last. I love the pep and frugal gas usage. It is everything I want in a car! Would buy another Corolla in a heartbeat.

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  Quality Corolla - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By timw314 - September 20 - 7:39 pm

  Before purchasing my Corolla I test drove a Hyundai Elantra and the Mazda 3 at the same price point $21,500 . To me the 2014 Corolla has the best quality,features and styling. The dash reminds me of a 1972 Chevelle.... in a good way. I really like the Blue tooth, back up camera Sport seats are really comfortable with lots of adjustments. large sunroof. The S model wheels are awesome! The CVT trans is great on the highway. To me it accelerates strange in the city on hills. The sport mode is fun with shift points. makes it feel pretty fast. Paddle shifters? really? I probably wont use them much.

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  04 Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Jim Rose - September 20 - 5:50 pm

  Smooth, quiet and a lot more peppy than my 2000 Windstar.

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  Get One... - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nopars - September 20 - 2:13 pm

  If you want a big SUV - this is it. Looked at all the others (any you know who they are)- none compared to this car. Excellent quality thoughout with better passenger room than any of the domestics. I dont know about towing as we only towed trailor with AUV or lawnmower. You wont be disappointed. We would buy it again!!

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  So much better than Chrysler - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By bsief - September 20 - 5:23 am

  This is a quiet-running vehicle. I can actually hear my kids talking to me from the 3rd row seats. At neighborhood speeds, I barely hear the van running. It is easier to park than the Chrysler Town & Country van I previously drove for 8 years. The cargo area is very practical for hauling groceries, soccer gear, anything. It is recessed from the rest of the floor level, so things dont shift and roll around the van. It is easy to drive. It drivesmore like a car than a minivan. A big plus is that it comes in AWD. Not a 4 wheel drive option that I can shift into if needed. It drives in 4 wheel mode as needed. Excellent control, tight steering. Buy it!

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  So far, so good! - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By Dave - September 20 - 3:03 am

  This is my third van (the other two were a Ford and an Olds) and the Toyota is definitely the best riding. Build quality is excellent and the engine very smooth and powerful. At this point I have no complaints, but have high expectations based on Toyotas reputation. Will keep you updated.