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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  Best pick for overall efficiency - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By sadaya_rose - February 5 - 5:43 pm

  I bought this car with 108,000 miles on it, but as we all know that is just getting one of these babies broken in. I have had zero probs with mine, just an oil change. Car runs great, great design, excellent gas mileage, I will not own anything other than a Toyota!

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom - February 5 - 4:26 pm

  My wife and I had been shopping for a truck for quite some time. We do a lot of weekend projects renovating houses and needed a vehicle that could support our growing family on trips to home depot and family vacations. My mind was set on the Chevrolet Silverado but my wife had looked at the Tundra and insisted that I take it for a test drive. Being a good husband I promptly did so, and was blown away. The amount of space in the truck is amazing. Others have talked about bed bounce but I have yet to encounter it and I have taken several long road trips in the truck. My only problem so far is when I first purchased the truck I had a defect in one of the tires. Dealer service was horrible.

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  TERRIBLE TRANSMISSION - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By David Legat - February 5 - 3:03 pm

  I am very unhappy with my Toyota Tacoma truck. I purchased the TRD Sport thinking if I paid for the most I would receive the most. Come to find out after driving it for a few hundred miles the transmission stinks. It seems like it has no idea when to shift into the right gear. When turning left or right under 10 mph it feels like it is out of gear so it revs up then drops into 1st gear "very scary". It also lugs when under 30 mph. I have had it back to the Toyota dealer a couple of times asking what the problem is and can it be fixed? The last time in the District Service Rep & Service Mgr. test drove it. And they determined the vehicle is "operating normal and as designed". "Do Not Buy One"

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  Out of the box, works like a Porsche - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By firstoyota - February 5 - 2:06 pm

  A head turner. The indigo ink access cab 4x4 is great looking. Made me look into pickups (I had a 1989 two-door Montero that is an awesome BEAST) as a new means of transport. Drives like a car, interior is spartan beauty (oxymoron, but it works), storage is phenomenal, and instrumentation is thoughtfully placed and effective. Performance with the 6 spd manual trans. is responsive and throaty. Yes, a throaty pickup. Went with the sport package, and glad for that -- great price package through USAA buying service with the dealer. They through in a little lagniappe: the slidable D-rings in the bed. The orange lighting is a little 1980s, but hey, thats not entirely bad, is it?

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  Matrix owner 2002 - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By R - February 5 - 2:00 pm

  Fun to drive although they can put more HP for this car. Sleek interior and nice exterior. Not the best fuel economy though.

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  Very nice car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By pc - February 5 - 9:13 am

  Ive had my Avalon for a month now and I am very pleased. One minor trim problem (faux wood piece in door not seated properly), which Im surprised was not caught at the factory. Very roomy, which was a priority in my purchase decision. Transmission takes a little getting used to and can be hesitant on occasion but not something that would change my original decision. Power is more than adequate and a nice, smooth ride. Im hoping my Toyota wears as well as most others Ive heard about. If you want a roomy, full size car, this is the one!

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  Great model - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By SoCalCarGuy - February 5 - 8:53 am

  My 1993 Camry is reliable, quick, and safe. I have had no major or minor problems in the years since I bought it new. The ride is really nice and smooth.

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By RevsRav - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Currently at 93,000 miles, this Rav has been a gem. It has seen all types of terrain. In wind gusts, tends to feel too light on the road, but has not been a problem as far as staying in the lane. Does well in the snow. Will keep it until it dies (which wont be any time soon).

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  CelicaGT2000 - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By GngrBrat - February 5 - 2:00 am

  This car rocks....it has great pickup for a 4 cylinder. The only problems I find are that the headlights are very hard to change due to limited space. Otherwise....this is one of the greatest cars Ive owned.

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  Smooth as Silk - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By badjura - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchase this car after doin alot of homework...it has paid off. This vehicle is exactly what I was looking for - turn heads, be reliable, and don;t take me to the cleaners on pruchase or maintenance. It has held up its end of the bargain. Its a shame Toyota ruined the loos of the Solara with its 2004 modsel - man, its really overweight looking. My Solara will be with me many years to come as it has checked out with the leading consumer report magazine and has stellar reliability as most Toyota products do. Go for it, this car is a winner.