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:

• 

  Its Okay - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By CypressTX Driver - May 3 - 12:00 am

  Its okay, my wife loves it and it is her car. To date no major problems with it, weve only had it for a year. There are a few things that dont work the way I expect them after driving domestic vehicles all my life but I cant say theyre done wrong. One nice thing is it gets pretty good mileage for a large SUV. Over all the vehicle has no personality. But so far it has been reliable and the wife likes it.

• 

  Hybrid-like gas mileage. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike C. - May 2 - 8:26 pm

  This is the closest youre going to get to a hybrid, without an electric or diesel motor. Right now Im averaging about 36 mpg with aggressive 60/40 city/hwy driving. And get over 40 mpg hwy. Its an amazing car, with the room and comfort of some mid-sized vehicles. I also drive a Tacoma, and have found the Yaris more comfortable. Contrary to other posts, I have found my Yaris auto to be quite peppy. It wont set speed records, but its very practical. I got a feeling that this will be a keeper for a long time to come.

• 

  Prius review 2005 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Cathy Meiklem - May 2 - 7:53 pm

  Gas mileage is not what they report. Ive driven 6000 miles and the best Ive gotten on a tank is 45 mpg. I have the fully loaded car and love the high tech blue tooth and navigation. Car is fun to drive but dont expect luxury, interior is nothing special and not easy to clean. The material they use for the dash is very difficult to clean. Im hoping they start to make a model with leather. Even with the slight drawbacks I would still buy this car again.

• 

  Most reliable car - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By oldetimer - May 2 - 10:10 am

  I have owned this car for eleven years and have had no major problems with it; in fact, very, very few minor problems. Its certainly not an exciting car to drive, but it is extremely reliable and just keeps going. It has averaged about 32-34 mpg. This is the best made car I have ever owned.

• 

  135K and going - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By B4Runner - May 2 - 2:00 am

  135k miles and going strong. I take this off road also and had only the usual maintenance issues, breaks, rods, etc. Low $ cost compared to my other SUV. I’d recommend to any one and have. They have bought’em and loved’em.

• 

  4x4 KING - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By BrianV - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Dont be fooled, this truck is a TRUCK. The thing has a horrible highway ride, no real nice features (considering sticker was $38k). The stereo is awful, and the car lacks the power to safely pass cars on two lane highways. However, this thing is incredible off road. Its locking rear differential and 50/50 tq converter allow it to do ANYTHING. My friends Ford Explorer cannot do anything near what this car can do. Build quality is excellent, but only buy this if you really want a truck. PS - best looking sport ute ever

• 

  My 2001 Tundra SR-5 Access Cab V8 - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By DrZ - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 Tundra as soon as it hit the market. I have not regretted my decision since. The gas milage (14.5 mpg) can be improved by adding a flowmaster 50 behind the convertor and duals from that. I now get 16 city and a bit over 20 on trips. I have loaded the bed with 1.25 tons of floor tiles and the suspension was close but did not bottom. Great truck! This AM I hit 44000 miles and had the check engine light come on. All the manual says is take it in to the dealership. I will do so and will drive my tundra until the wheels fall off which I believe will not be for a very long time.

• 

  Corolla Not What it Once Was - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris - May 2 - 1:10 am

  I bought my 2003 Corolla new in June 2002, and it has been plagued with quality issues from the start - a major surprise as I thought Toyota was known for its reliability. Some of these issues are minor but annoying (my center console door broke after a few months and wont close, and my dashboard fuses have blown twice). However, the engine started leaking at 40,000 miles, a $400 fix. Most disappointingly, I had to completely replace the power steering rack at 80,000 miles for $1100. Also, the serpentine belt needed replacing at 50,000 miles ($200) and now, at 90,000 miles, Im told it needs replacing again. I wont buy another Toyota

• 

  my family van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By j. verceles - May 2 - 1:06 am

  This is one of the exceptional van I ever drived. My family loves it and I am glad choosing this one instead of the other compitition. I own the all wheel drive and it is doing a great job. I lived in upstate New York and I dont have any problem driving it on snow. How I wish Toyotas next generation of Sienna will be a hybrid.

• 

  Very Nice - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By lkrsfan1 - May 1 - 10:56 pm

  Have had my v6 FWD for a few weeks now and Im very impressed. I love the look with the 20 wheels, and the overall exterior look is similar to cars much more expensive. The interior is sharp, well-thought out and attractive. Im 63 and fit very nicely in the car. Back seat space is fantastic and helped by reclining seats. I couldnt be happier with this car.