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:

• 

  Students Dream - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By EBarber - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but good things to say about my Toyota Echo. I get excellent gas milage and with gas prices so expensive it is truly wonderful to get 42 miles to the gallon. I am a college student who wanted something affordable as well as dependable.

• 

  Pared Down! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mark W - March 3 - 5:10 am

  Lots less from the 06 to the 10 - 1) No steering wheel controls 2) No locking/interior-release gas cap 3) No auto-latching rear door 4) No auto climate control 5) Less power 6) Thinner sheet metal 7) Power seats are now an add-on option 8) Very pricey

• 

  Great Car Fuel Economy a problem - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Justin D. - March 2 - 7:06 pm

  I purchased a 2008 2wd Limited in Atlanta in November 2008. Its a great car, interior well thought out with the right touches in all the right places. Ride is nice if not sporty. My only complaint is the following. My gas mileage for city driving is consistently around 15.5 to 16 significantly below the 18 Toyota promises. I use Costco gas, dont put much in the car, have tried to not acclerate very fast but this problem continues to persist. This mileage issue is a real disappointment.

• 

  2006 4runner Like a Timex Watch - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mikes 4runner - March 2 - 12:12 pm

  Only thing I have replaced is battery a couple of times and just recently the alternator.

• 

  Dissapointed - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By stovester - March 1 - 5:26 pm

  First Toyota I have ever bought always owned "American" trucks but thought Id give Toyota shot since they (used) to have a great rep. Lack of power off the line and have had several instances where it just wont GO! Even with the pedal to the floor. I was told by dealership thats how they are and if there is no check engine light then nothings wrong. Finally after having the recall performed the check engine light came on and turned out the emissions valve was bad. 2 days to replaced that (no loaner vehicle provided) and still having problems. Even more prominent with the AC on, loses power bid time. Last Toyota I will buy, not impressed at all.

• 

  Reliable, comfotable, powerful and great resale - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By kworben - March 1 - 2:19 pm

  I bought my 4runner Sport V8 new in Feb of 04. 8 years and 135K miles later its time to find a new home for it. It has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned in 37 years of driving. Gas mileage is what I expected at about 16/mi overall. I used it to pull a 5K # boat and trailer and never missed beat. Even pulled great through the hills of NH and VT. Ive done all of my own maintenance and found it to be very easy to work on. It still looks and drives great. Cloth interior shows no signs of wear. Only significant problem I had was with the sunroof while it was still under warrantee. Took 3 trips to the dealer and they finally replaced the whole thing.

• 

  Love it! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By blacksmithdog - March 1 - 10:00 am

  We had two (basically) two passenger vehicles (a Wrangler and a Mini). Granted, they could carry 4 people in a pinch, but not for any long period of time. We opted to sell the Wrangler. We wanted a 4WD SUV. We couldnt find anything we liked made in the USA, so we broadened our search. The reviews on the 4runner tended to be good so we went and test drove one, and decided to buy one. the dealer didnt have what we wanted in stock, but they looked around and found one that had about the options we wanted, so we agreed to buy it. We picked it up about a week to 10 days later and really love it.

• 

  2009 Braking system w/o TC option - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - March 1 - 10:00 am

  After one year plus and visits to remedy my brake problem, Toyota service changed a valve that they felt was the problem. It was not. I took it to arbitration, which at that time, the technical people gave me a full explanation of the brakes design. And, admitted that all prior service work done was a waste of time due to the brake design. The brake pressure is proportional. To top it off, the Toyota experts indicated that if I had the traction control option, things would have been different with the brakes. In the 2010 model they all have traction control as standard. I guess Toyota dealers were unaware of the importance of traction control on the 2009, they did not stock this option.

• 

  A match made in heaven - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By 2010-V - February 28 - 11:10 pm

  It has taken approximately three weeks to acclimate to driving this hybrid. Wet surface braking is different, be prepared to skid and activate the anti-lock braking system if you brake hard. My mpg is 49.4 with mostly city driving.

• 

  Most reliable car ever owned - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By brad - February 28 - 7:50 am

  Purchased used with 40K. While I maintained it, it never gave me one bit of a problem. Was getting 33 mpg. It was a pleasure to own this car. The reliability and fuel economy were unmatched. I could surprisingly lug around my toddlers car seat, stroller, and daughters softball equipment with no problem. Solidly built through and through.