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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  Our Boutique Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By carnut1973 - March 15 - 12:48 am

  We purchased our burgundy Tundra Double Cab Limited 2WD new...had all options: sunroof, leather, 6-disc in-dash changer and dealer installed Borla exhaust (which sounded great--it was the wifes truck and she wanted a truck that sounded like a truck). Our Tundra performed wonderfully but we sold it when gas prices shot over $4/gal because it really was only being used as a commuter-got about 16 in town and could squeeze out 20 on the highway. As a boutique truck it did great--smooth ride, 5 adults could travel in comfort and the full size bed w/ tonneau cover could carry ridiculous amounts of luggage.

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  TOYOTA SIENNA - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By 2005 TOYOTA SIENNA - March 14 - 4:46 pm

  Would like to have had six cd changer-got navigation and was told could not have 6cd changer. Premium gas only? Great ride sometimes light/mpg so far 16.5. Hope it improves. Arm rest/driver awkward to adjust on right side. For price, need more features.

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  The Corolla that could - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Pat - March 14 - 5:46 am

  My 1st Toyota and it wont be my last. Extremely dependable, great mileage, not a show stopper but beauty is only skin deep. My daughter borrowed it the other day and on her way home from work she was rear ended/side swiped by a car at 60 mph. Rear quarter panel damaged, bumper pushed in to tire but structural integrity of trunk and balance of car intact. Daughter suffered minor whiplash, bumped her knee on dash and got a slight bruise from the shoulder strap which did a fine job holding her back from the windshield. The other 7 cars the driver hit didnt fare as well - my daughter walked away. Thanks Toyota!

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  A High-Profile Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Roo-N - March 13 - 5:33 pm

  Pros - fuel economy, mechanical reliability, overall Toyota quality, peppy, sits higher than most economy cars therefore good visibility Cons - the light weight and higher profile translates to wind intolerance, side rear-view blinds spots are dangerous, interior construction leaves a bit to be desired with squeaks and rattles, horn is pathethic.

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  Want Another - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Unkel - March 13 - 2:33 am

  They should still make Corolla wagons. Id get another. Ten years, 212000 miles, the only problem is oil burning - I just use thicker viscosity. Ive done only minor repairs from wear and tear. Original clutch and exhaust - amazing considering winter driving. The reliability, efficiency, and practicality of this car should be emulated. I average 42 mpg summer, 34 mpg winter, overall 38 mpg. I dont baby this car - I dont slow down for speed bumps, I use it like a pick-up (firewood, cement, loam, etc.), I carry people, luggage, doors, trees from the nursery... I fear this one is irreplaceable. Toyota should return to making the Corolla wagon. Try it as a hybrid, or at least with very low emissions. For now, if I had to replace this, itd be with a Focus.

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  Noises on this car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By nikkim - March 12 - 6:20 am

  I purchased my 09 Camry when gas just so expensive for our 06 Tundra. Im happy with all but the sound of the slightly loud 4 cyl. engine. Once on the road is ok though, only when accelerating. Also we have dash rattling noises, not really bad, probably just need some foam padding in there. The biggest complaint I have is the fuel economy. It said 23-31 mpg. I am only getting about 26, and I drive very conservatively. Hopefully it will do better when the air is not on and summer is over. There is also a loud noise when I take off from a dead stop. Other drivers here on this site had the same problem. My car sounds like the problem is up front though. Am definitely going to take for a check up.

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  5 years and going - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Donald S - March 12 - 1:00 am

  I really enjoy the vehicle except that it tends to run lean and knock a bit upon light acceleration. Maybe that is why I get 20-21 mpg. Probably will get another one when I give this to my youngest son to drive. I still receive compliments from people about how nice it looks.

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  Free Ride - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By kevin - March 11 - 12:23 am

  I purchased my 1994 Corolla 2 years ago for $1000 at 127K. I replaced tires, brakes, and some other "wear & tear" stuff and I use Mobil 1 fully synthetic. I just hit 177K on the odometer and needed shocks and struts. The car runs so good that I couldnt justify replacing the car and I did the suspension work. I drive this car hard and still get 30MPH on average. Its stable and sure footed at well above legal highway speed, fits four comfortably and I dont mind when my wet Chocolate Lab. gets in the back!

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  Everything Works!! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By skidds327 - March 10 - 11:04 am

  Bought this 4Runner last week for 1800. Surprised that everything works except the rear defroster. The Limited is a joy to drive. Gas mileage is at 17city. I have a hard time getting in the driver seat under the steering wheel. I believe in Toyota quality, this one has over 175k and runs great. I have an Avalon with 198k. Dont like the design of access to rear tailgate thru the window. I would buy a 4Runner again.

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  My Blueboy - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By debster - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Have had my indigo blue 4WD XR for 4 mos. now and love the thing. Pouring rain does not affect the handling of this car - you just ride on through. The seats are comfortable but the gas pedal is set too high. Huge cargo area - we take this car instead of our SUV camping.