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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  Tundra review - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By xman1035 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased the Tundra and its a quality made truck. Its not as roomy as the Dodge 1500 Quad Cab or the GM/Chevy Silverado XCab. The engine is smooth, extremely quiet,and has lots of power-245hp. A supercharger should be available by Toyota Racing Development(TRD) that will boost the horsepower to 345 hp.

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  Best Car Ever - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Splendor - October 7 - 7:16 pm

  I sold my 96 Toyota a week ago & already miss that car. It was very dependable and I even drove it to AZ and back. In the 11 years I had it I only had two problems. One was electrical wiring & the other was my gas tank was punctured. I prob. hit something but once these repairs were made it was back to its dependable self. I wish I still had this car and when I placed an ad selling it I had numerous calls & sold it within 4 hours for 200 less than asking price. If you need a reliable car this is it! Dont hesitate to buy. I have a big family now & it was no longer practical but I sure wish I couldve kept it.

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  HEAR ME NOW...NOW...HOW ABOUT NOW? - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By ralph barlow - October 7 - 5:26 pm

  The Voice Recognition is very poor. Tried to teach the system my voice many times. I have had other cars that learn my speech without any problem. NOT THIS CAR.... TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THIS!!! Also... nice to have a small storage compartment at the bottom left side of the steering wheel. But, remember to close it before exiting the car... or you will feel it....

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  Great history with our Sienna - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Tom - October 7 - 2:00 am

  We have used this vehicle hard as our kids grew up and it has handled it well. I havent spent over $1500 in maintenance during the 8 years I have owned it (window motor, back hatch handle, couple of oxygen sensors and a set of struts)

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  Thumping Transmission Worrisome - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JeffG - October 6 - 6:13 am

  We have about 30000 miles on this car. It gets great gas mileage (around 24 city and 31 hwy). The seats are a bit short under the thigh and the ergonomics dont fit the average American as best they could. The car has become rather sloppy in the corners with pronounced body roll, taking several notches off the fun to drive category. It is a shame too, since that engine is smooth and provides fantastic power for a car this size. Biggest drawback...when accelerating we sometimes get a hard thump. Two Toyota dealers say that is a problem with the drive by wire system...and there is not anything they can or will do. Not sure this car is going to make it 10 years. Trading it in on a Honda.

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  Awesome compact SUV! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Joyce - October 6 - 2:43 am

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  Runna - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By clarkj5 - October 4 - 12:53 pm

  Love it! Ive wanted a 4Runner for 10 years, Now I have one and it was worth the wait. Love the off road capabilities and styling.

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  minor gripes - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob - October 4 - 7:06 am

  While still a new babe in the woods my 05 Tacoma is stunning beautiful, handles very well and the gas mileage is a real plus. I cant believe how finally someone in the automotive world woke up and designed an oil filter at a location where you can actually get to it without crawling under the vehicle. It is revolutionary, sort of. Anyway, simple types appreciate this kind of thought. It sells. I will say that even with all of the good things my Tacoma has to offer, I am disappointed in the lousy cup holders at the front of the console, my kitchen cup just doesnt work and I have been living with it for 25 years. A more universal holder would be better for future upgrades.

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  I LOVE WHAT YOU FOR ME.... TOYOTA - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By KuTeAzn1 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I use this truck for everything... Daily driving... work and fun... I am a big time outdoors person... So I decided to lift the truck and change the suspension... because it came stock with the Tokiko shocks... Put Sway-A-Ways in the front and Blistens 5100 in the back and this thing is great off road... never had problems with it at all... Also upgraded the stock radio and cd to a 7" DVD/CD Player and it is great on long trips...

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  Not up to Earlier Standards - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By John Baker - October 3 - 3:56 pm

  We have had far too many problems and repairs for a low-mileage vehicle. Electric door locks function intermittantly & cannot be fixed. Air bag already requires repairs although never deployed. Many rattles and squeaks. This is our 4th Toyota, and it is clearly not as well-made as the others.