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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  Nothing but trouble - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By NeverAgain - February 3 - 5:10 am

  Clutch blew out on the highway at 50,000 miles. Toyota dealer refused to honor "powertrain" warranty. Brakes wore out far too early. Security system is a major pain. Now, battery died at 55,000 miles. Car is a maintenance nightmare - everything is too expensive to fix. Would never buy another Toyota!

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  Best Car for the Money - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By skiprjim - February 3 - 5:03 am

  I love this car I have had it for almost 3yrs and I am the original owner.I plan on driving it to the ground.Do not compare it with hyundais or kias there is no comparison in long term reliability.

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  New to Toyota - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By nicolelyn19 - February 3 - 1:26 am

  I just purchased a new Rav4 last month and so far I am very happy with this purchase. It is very comfortable and has many great features.

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  Great used buy - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By CavMan - February 2 - 8:13 am

  Purchased truck with 65,500 miles on it and replaced two small dash bulbs and compass, but extended warranty took care of that. Other than that, the dash will rattle a little when cold, but truck is VERY sound. Power is very much still there with the 4.7 V8. I owned a (NEW) 2004 Chevy Suburban 4x4 and had 14 problems within 18 months of purchase. Ill definitely buy another Tundra!

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  Sugar, Spice, & Everything Nice! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By A.Y. - February 2 - 12:20 am

  My experience with the Toyota Corolla has been wonderful. I love the comfort level, it is a smooth ride. The best fuel economy out of all cars that I have ever had (I have had 4 cars including this one.)! I love the interior room. The wood paneling is okay... it looks real, but when I purchased it I thought it looked a little cheesy, but I dont pay attention to it anymore. Overall, I love this car! I wish the extras were standards. I have the moonroof which helps circulate the air when I am not using the A/C. Lots of storage. Great cupholders in front and back. Love the trunk. Plenty of space in the trunk. I love the design of this car. It handles nicely around curves,and slopes

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  I did okay for myself - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Jim in Wimberley, Tx - February 1 - 7:56 pm

  My soulmate wasnt sure about trading her Ford Escape, 20 mpg, since she loved the amount of rear storage space. After less than a week, she loves it. We were on a waiting list for 7 weeks for our Silver Pine, Pkg 2 Prius. The first two fill ups averaged 44.4 mpg which will get much better as we learn how to manage better fuel economy. The ride is wonderful, sound system very good, and it handles very well. With todays fuel prices I cant understand why other auto companies didnt develop a decent hybrid. Toyota will be laughing all the way to the bank for several years to come.

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  No charge for rattle - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Rob - February 1 - 4:40 pm

  Generally like most aspects of car. Handles like a go-cart with quick steering and low to the ground. Mileage is great - this is why we bought it instead of our dream Avalon. Have a ghost rattle from dash near LCD monitor/CD player area that appears and disappears with no apparent cause. Very annoying considering Toyotas reputation for quality body work and the price paid for the car. Otherwise it is fun to drive and well detailed. Still have to get familiar with many features in the manual that we are still experimenting with. Looking forward to winter driving in Wisconsin - will extra battery weight provide better traction in snow or more prone to sideways sliding on icy roads?

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  Toyota Carolla - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By chris313 - February 1 - 11:34 am

  This is our 4th Carolla and 6th toyota product. The new Carolla is missing some options previously (automatic lights, cruze control) standard. Our new Toyota does not seem to be as zippy as our 2006 carolla. The fit and finish seems to be better & the ride is less noisy and smoother. We have always had great luck with reliability (none of our toyotas required repairs, just oil changes) & I am sure this new purchase will be the same. While I am sure the Impreza, Mazda 3, Ford focus & Chevy Cruze may be zippier and offer more options it is hard for me to give up the feeling that I have a reliable vehicle that will last for years to come. Gave our last toyota to a 17 year old family member.

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  Bad fuel economy - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jfrose - February 1 - 1:36 am

  We purchased a hybrid for the fuel economy and it does not get nearly what is advertised. We get 25 miles per gallon vs the 28-33 they advertise. We paid extra for the hybrid for nothing and Toyota wont buy the vehicle back.

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  good reliable car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By schwab - January 31 - 11:00 pm

  bought mine used in 2002 and have now 98000 miles only replaced battery and brake pads and tires nothing ever goes wrong with this car . it is a great relaible car excellent gas millage and no need for a mechanic ever ....