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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  2002 Tundra SR5 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Hardball - March 19 - 3:26 pm

  Very reliable truck. I have had problems with front brake rotors warping. Currently on my 4th set of rotors. Other than rotors warpping the build quality has been excellent. The truck is 5 years old and still is in excellent condition. Current mileage is 86,000.

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  Still a Great Car Eleven Years Later - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By YSSMAN - March 19 - 8:36 am

  What can I say about the Camry that has never been said before. When my Mother was looking for a car back in 1995, it was easily one of the best cars sold in America, and thus she made the purchase. It has been a real gem for most of its life, really only showing trouble now (eleven years later). It is a great family car, and the car has been across the country several times. But, the car is dreadfully boring. It is boring to look at, boring to drive, and most certainly boring to ride in. But, for most people, boring is a good thing, and it should not drive them away from buying one of the better cars made in the 1990s. But, she needs replacement, and it looks like we are going with a VW.

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  Toyota MR2 Spyder - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Weaselboys - March 18 - 11:20 pm

  Toyota quality is in this vehicle, it has held up remarkably well over the last 5+ years. Ive only had some minor problems that were easily fixed.

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  Overall Good SUV - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mandi - March 17 - 11:56 am

  I have owned this vehicle for over 1 1/2 years and overall its very safe, reliable and dependable. I dont like that it has not much get up and go without taking a second to think about it first. Also, have had to replace rotors 2x now and working on the third. For some reason had strange wear on tires that were put on 9 mo ago and all rotors and tires need to be replaced again to feel stable. Had an accident in it and let me tell you, this is one SAFE car. Im glad I trusted my life in this car. VERY safe in winter.

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  Should have kept looking - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Carl - March 17 - 5:26 am

  We have a 2005 Corolla and have had great luck with it. Thats why we went with the 2009 Corolla. Having had the 2009 for 18 months now I can report that the 2009 is no 2005 Corolla. The seats are not as comfortable, the clock was removed from the radio and now you have to toogle through the odometer settings to see it. The plastic interior is cheap looking and the gas mileage barely breaks 30 mpg (as compared to our 05 which gets 35+). Overall this car is not in the same class as the previous generation. Very disappointed.

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  2006 Toyota Corolla S - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Brian Young - March 17 - 12:20 am

  My wife and I took a leap and traded a 2004 Malibu LT for this Corolla S. What a smart move. Our mileage has been over 40 mpg since we bought it 2 months ago. We now have 4300 miles on the car and are very happy overall. This 5-speed Corolla is too much fun!

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  Great car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By vrod305 - March 15 - 12:09 pm

  I bought a preowned 2009 Yaris S in January with 77,500 miles on it. Have put 16,000 miles on it since. Its an amazing car. Decent gas mileage, relatively quiet and very reliable. Ive had no issues with it other than a headlight going out (which my mechanic didnt even charge to replace). Im 63 and I fit fine in it. Does have trouble with going up mountain, but with 106 horsepower, you have to accept that. Would be nice if it had automatic looks, but thats not too big a deal. I would suggest a Yaris to anyone. This is also after I had a 2000 Echo that I drove for six years and got rid of with 199,800 miles on it.

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  I got Gas! - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Bryan Ayres - March 15 - 11:27 am

  Average 14.1 through 2600 Miles A little disappointing 50/50% I was hoping to match My 03 chevy Avalanche of 16MPG. I bought it for the reliability not the MPG. Time will tell.

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  Not so great! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Not satisfied - March 15 - 7:58 am

  Last summer, l Traded a 2016 Tacoma Limited for a Ford F-150 Lariat. What a mistake! After dealing with the sickening floaty bouncy ride, I took the loss and purchased another 2016 Taco ltd. Thanks to Toyota for resale value... Ford resale very bad. Taco not being perfect, is a very fun vehicle to drive... handling and ride on the highway is quite good.

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  Feliz with our Corolla - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By fkarau - March 15 - 2:20 am

  We are very happy with our Corolla and it is a great economical runner. Roads are rough down here in Mexico and there are a couple of annoying rattling noises from the dash and center console driving over cobblestones or paving stone roads. It isnt an easy starter. Quite often takes two attempts. Very roomy and comfortable for a small car. Not particularly impressive off the line acceleration but in highway driving performs extremely well with lots of power for passing and no down shifting even in fifth gear going up most hills. Very stable at high speeds for a small car. If it turns out to be as reliable as its reputation we will replace this Corolla with another.