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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  Thinking of another brand - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Hmmm.... - March 23 - 9:03 am

  I have owned five Toyotas- trucks, cars, station wagon, Loved them all until this van. It has been nothing but problems, expense and disappointment. Battery replaced twice, display lights not trusted, VSF and TRAC failed within 14 months, radiator replacement, brakes constantly needing work, cover casket needs replacement, radiator seam cracked again- recalls. Electrical breaking down so auto door unlock no longer works when turn car off, rear gate breakdown/dangerous etc. A most expensive vehicle and one that has me wondering if my next car will be a Toyota after more than twenty years. Reminds me of the poor quality American brands- cant tell you how disappointed I am.

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  Reliable car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By tomsw210 - March 23 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car brand new in 11/8/06 with 107 mile on the odo. Never did anything to the car except for oil change and tires. Replace brakes, spark plug at 100,00 mile and I replace the serpentine belt at 155000 mile. Now my Camry se have 175256 mile on the odo and still counting. im waiting to hit 200,000 mile then i will be replacing the water pump, do tune up, brakes all around + rotor, trans flush + filter and coolant flush. then go for another 200,000 miles lol

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  Good Choice - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bctundra - March 22 - 9:43 pm

  Did a lot of research and test drove all manufacturers and all sizes. This truck was the most impressive, bought three of them in fact. Everyone is amazed with the performance and absolutely loves the styling. Was hesitant to buy anything other than a domestic but couldnt pass on this truck.

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  2003 corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By MITCH - March 22 - 7:30 pm

  Having the car x 3 years, I can safely say that it has: fairly comfortable ride, Im spoiled with the gas mileage, great room for 5 (3 kids), and rock-of-gibralter reliability. Changing the tires to Michelins helped the handling on my mountain roads. Now if it only looked like a Mazda...

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  Reliable transportation spruced up with Aftermarket GPS radio - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By johnpatty2014 - March 22 - 4:10 am

  Ive had my Camry for 6 years now. It has never broken down, and Ive never had any problems. I feel safe in the car and its got quite a lot of pick up. The build quality is pretty good. The one upgrade I did do an was worth it was add like stock after market GPS radio, you can find a review of the model I used here: abrandao.com/2014/07/23/review-generic-toyota-camry-car-radio-navigation-head-unit knowing how reliable my Camry is, Im definitely considering another Toyota.

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  Pluses and minuses - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By robotnik - March 21 - 11:32 am

  This is my third Corolla. All were bought new. The first, a 1990 that lasted about 200k. I have a 2006 that has nearly 160k, and runs super. The 2006 is my best drivingCorolla, after comparison. The 2006 tracks well. The 2015 doesnt. Is it because of thinner tires, or the wheel base? The 2006 body has a more solid feel. Thinner steel in the 2015? It could be just my impression. 2015 cabin and instrument panel blows 2006 away. Great improvement. I hate the CVT tranny. Engine over-revs. The 2006 takes off like a bullet. The 2015 is unresponsive. On a hill, the engine sounds like its in neutral, over-revving. Blind spots over left shoulder, no camera to compensate. Rear-view mirror too small.

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  Still love it 6 years later - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By mmaddage - March 20 - 4:34 am

  Purchased Jan. 2006 at the time my requirement was back seat size, trunk space, side curtain air bags and great than 20 MPG. This brought us to the Toyota Highlander. It has been FANTASTIC for our family. I travel an average of 25,000 miles a year and have NO real complaints. I still when I get in say "i love this car". No major mechanical issues at all! Just routine maintenance. Change the oil every 5-7,000 miles - it is perfect.

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  Owning a Toyota Sienna can really hurt!! - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By still a Sienna Fan - March 20 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Sienna with 10 miles on the odometer. The transmission went out at 78,000 miles. A couple we play tennis with had to replace their Siennas Transmission at 72,000 miles!! The Toyota dealership wanted $4,100 to replace the transmission with a rebuilt one. OUCH! We had it rebuilt by some low-budget grease monkeys for $1600. Were now looking for a sucker to buy the van. Anyone interested????

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  Typically Toyota - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By kwjones - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a "Limosine in Trucks Clothing" The Tundra is typically Toyota in quality and reliability. It does everything you expect it to do, and does it very well. The Tundra has one of the highest crash ratings in the light truck industry, and that proved to be very important to me, when another driver passed out at the wheel and hit me nearly head on. I walked away from the almost totaled Tundra, and immediantly bought another one. Thanks Toyota for making it "one tough truck".

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  Damm Near Perfect... Ill Keep It! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By JonHailey - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Solid feeling body. No rattles. Smooth, silent, drive-train. Ample power. Pleasurable engine/door closing sounds. Right size outside/inside dimensions. Handy in tight parallel parking situations. Excellent foul weather handling. Seats are long term comfortable. Running close to EPA’s mileage estimate. Well placed armrests. Few, if any blind spots. Good mirrors. Flat floors! Rear seats recline. Ivory interior hard to keep clean. No change holder. Center console storage awkwardly arranged. Wind rush at highway speeds with any window/sunroof open. No power passenger seat. Few manual seating adjustments. No memory settings. No shelf for cargo area.