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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  Tacoma experience thus far...... - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By issisteelman - May 1 - 2:36 am

  My Toyota Tacoma is just over 4 years old. I only have 32,000 miles on it so far but the experience has been a good one. I live in the sticks in Northern NH and spend a lot of time on logging roads so many of the 32K miles have been hard ones. The only minor problem Ive experienced thus far is that my e- brakes recently locked up. Im also a little dissapointed in the gas mileage for a 4 cylinder (only getting about 17 mpg in town and 21 mpg on the highway). However, so far the truck is completely reliable and has lived up to my expectations regarding Toyota quality. I use my truck in all conditions to haul wood, to trailer my snowmachine, to trailer my 4-wheeler and it runs great!

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Matt - April 30 - 10:43 pm

  I tried not to like this car, but every time I compared it to something American made there was no comparison. The S model makes the car look much nicer in my opinion. I have almost 4000 miles on it since March. Gas mileage is excellent. Consistently getting 34-35 mpg with 75% highway driving. Im 6-2" and am pretty comfortable in it. I use a wheelchair and it fits in the trunk fine. The seating position makes you feel like you are sitting in a larger car. I agree with many other reviewers that the steering wheel position is a bit awkward, but I have quickly gotten used to it. I would highly recommend this car to someone needing economical, reliable transportation.

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  Quick glance after 300 imles - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Motorhead - April 30 - 8:56 pm

  Love it fun to drive Great 4 door sedan that makes commute fun Lacks raw horsepower/torque of my other cars in the gargage but gas mileage is much better.No problem keeping it straight I think its just really touchy so people are over correcting. It has the EVP #3 plus sunroof the sunroof open at high way speed is very easy on noise.Dont be afraid of the recall on this car the only recall on mine is for floor mats, but my floor mats are attached to the factory hooks to keep them from sliding in to dash area. I checked my VIN # at Toyota website. Will use this for commuting as it gets way better mileage over my Mustang and Explorer.

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  Toyota will pay for transmission repairs - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By bbeek - April 30 - 7:55 pm

  I just found a link to an article that documents that Toyota will pay for ECM failures/transmission rebuilds. Here is the link:http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/13/toyota-extends-warranty-on-troubled-2001-3-rav4/. You can call the center in Torrance, Calif at 800-468-7814 for more info. I am going to get back my repair costs of $4300 for a rebuilt transmission and ECM module replacement.

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  Mileage Surprise - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ned.dick - April 29 - 7:50 pm

  With the premium some dealers are adding on to the Prius I started wondering if my concern for the environment was worth it. I have been pleasantly surprised. Driving the car reasonably with acceptable limits I get just under 49 mpg. On a trial using max speed of 55 mph and air conditioner only when really needed I got an incredible 62.4 mpg. Since I live in the foothills of western NC I think this is outstanding. Just watching the use of my air conditioner and staying at the speed limit (70 mph on Interstate I travel) gives me an average of 51.3 mpg. Over my 6 cyl. SUV that I use to commute in Ive saved over $800 in the 15,400 miles I driven in the last 8 months.

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  Almost perfect - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By rawhide - April 29 - 6:16 pm

  Except for it being like a tin can as far as dings in body, it has been exceptional. No mechanical problems.

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  My New Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Jackie - April 29 - 9:56 am

  Just bought the car yesterday, drove 150 miles, like the car alot. * Handles nicely at 75 mph. It handles ok at 80 mph (if highway is very smooth but not if bumpy). * Power to accelerate is above avg., (feels better than Sentra that we didnt buy). * Visibility is very good looking over dash, back and side mirrors provide great view. * Seats are very comfortable and adjust nicely for my 52" or 6 husband. Legroom very good. Seatbelt is very comfortable. * Car is fairly quiet at lower speed but gets more road noise at higher highway speed. Sound system is nice up to about 70 mph, it is not enjoyable to play at 75-80 mph. * Looking forward to great mileage and reliability,,, Jackie

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  cruiser - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By realestatelady - April 29 - 9:43 am

  The cruiser is a great truck !! IT carries 7 people.

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  Decent city car - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By M. Patrick - April 29 - 1:26 am

  I traded in a Subaru for the Matrix and I miss the power. The Toyota is a nice solid car and fits a dog well, lots of storage, very comfortable driving and comfortable for four adults. The center console is messy and doesnt fit a coffee cup w handle. Acceleration is kind of lame, you have to be light on the gas or youll squeal the tires. Ill keep it because its so economical and dependable. I havent put a cent into it. But it is boring and really pretty terrible in the snow we have in Michigan.

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  My Kids Like It - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By ToyTaco - April 26 - 10:06 pm

  (+) Passenger airbag auto off -Head room -Cabin storage -Big side mirrors -Bright headlamps -Radio controls (-) Engine noise...chain drive -TPMS