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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  Was satisfied, but now skeptical - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Justine - April 25 - 7:03 am

  I recently bought the 2010 Corolla in July, and I am amazed with the fuel efficiency. I just took my car into the dealership for its first oil change. The dealership informed me that a recalled part had to be replaced in my car. When I drove my car home, I noticed this high pitched noise coming from the left front end. The noise occurs when I accelerate, especially at speeds greater than 60mph. I also notice that it occurs when Im in cruise control. When I took my car back, they couldnt figure out the problem, even after 3 test drives. They initially thought that wind was causing the noise, so they replaced some molding. I still hear the noise.

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  Mid-Life Crisis Killer! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By John Treble - April 25 - 6:16 am

  We shopped for weeks looking at BMW 3- series, Infiniti G35, Volvo S40, Audi A4, and Mercedes C-class. Even looked at a fully-loaded Maxima...but then stumbled across this little gem. Got the SLE without Navigation system for under $30K. This is the sweetest ride we have ever had. Acceleration is very good and you hit 70 MPH without realizing it (a speeding ticket just waiting to happen...) Seats are very comfortable. Top goes up and down effortlessly. Sound system is robust and easily controlled from steering wheel. Rear seating is suprisingly generous for a convertible. Our dogs LOVE it!

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  Doesnt get any better - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By mnienkemper - April 25 - 5:33 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive owned. The 4Runner is fun to drive, looks good, and is very comfortable. Beyond these distinguishing features, I have had me 4 Runner for 50000 miles now (total of 114000) and I havent had one major thing go wrong. If this isnt enough, If I wanted to, I could sell my 4Runner for almost as much as I bought it for. This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  The best of the best - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Kyle Ginder - April 24 - 9:43 pm

  Excellent vehicle all around. I have the sport model and love the looks of it, and it handles great. Toyota has really outdone themselves w/the highlander. The only negative things I have to say about it is that I dont care for the headlights when switched to brights but dims work great and head rests are just a little to far forward.

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  Great truck - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By TJ - April 24 - 8:13 pm

  This Truck is great bought new, after looking at a new Explorer (junk) happy we bought Toyota most troublefree vehicle we have ever owned! front seat lower cushions could be a little longer for long trips though! I agree gas tank should be larger, and mpg could be better put brakes on at 60K Tires at 50K regular maint. its a great truck great resale also!

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  Good Family Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By mwaltjr17 - April 24 - 5:14 pm

  Bought this to replace a Buick Enclave. There is a ton of room in second row, and third row (with second row seats moved forward). I love being able to independently move each seat in the second row. It handles much better than other vehicles its size. We are very happy with this purchase.

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  Boring, generic, poorly crafted - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By rfk - April 24 - 12:43 pm

  I purchased this car new in 05 and about 5,000 mile ago the rattling around the driver and passenger windows and door and dash (front and rear) has become unbearable. Its gotten to the point that I just want to smash it into a wall. My daily drive has become a test of my patience and hearing (from having to blast my stereo).

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  Toyotas=reliability - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Fab Al - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Had to fix a few things because bought car used. Previous owner drove car without paying attention to minor details. I fixed up car and driven to Arches NP, Up and down CA coast. SLC, Utah and back and this vehicle is not missing a beat. Very comfortable for my back and cant say enough about Toyotas. I previously owned P/U Truck (Toyota) 1984, bought new, and put 250,000 on it. No major problems just a few little maintenance things, Im sold........

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  Great Truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By B Groover - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Tacoma LX 4x4 since 97 and put close to 60K miles on it. I recently had the AC compressor replaced, and that has been the only problem I have had. I have added a brush gaurd, roll bar, custom bumper and 33" wheels, and it really turns heads. A blast to drive both on and off road. I have definitely become a big Toyota Fan!

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  Nice handling, suspension, annoying soun - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By pooch - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Compared to its nearest competitor (Sebring Limited) this convertible is worth the extra cash. 200hp engine provides powerful and smooth acceleration, handling is great, and it glides comfortably over rough road. Biggest complaint: you better like bass because the stereo will pound it out and you cant turn it down. Its very uncomfortable to me to listen to the radio, it gives me headaches. At low volumes all you can hear are low frequency pounding vibrations. As much as I like the car I wont be able to keep it.