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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  First Toyota - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Ed Kolacki - December 27 - 6:20 pm

  Fun to drive and good on gas. steering is tight and responsive.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By rj - December 27 - 9:33 am

  Just turned 110K now. Ive changed oil every 5K, air filter every 15k, and changed transmission fluid at 105K and the old fluid still looked fine. Ive gone thru 2 sets of tires. I see no reason why this girl wont be around for at least 300K.

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  Strange Behavior - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By toyota corolla owner - December 27 - 7:43 am

  While i am driving on 45 mph and i hit the brake , then remove my leg off brake the car maintain steady speed of 20 mph. So i recommend to test your car before buying it by trying same step 1-Drive on 45 mph 2-hit brakes 3- remove your leg from brakes 4-watch your car speed

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  Toyota Needs a Compass - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By losttheirway - December 26 - 8:33 pm

  Toyota needs a compass because they have lost their way. I have owned other Toyotas and they never needed more than maintenance items. Not so with my Sienna. After only 4 years the front air conditioning failed. Then the passenger side sliding door failed. I was upset that it had broken, but thought it would take a $100-$200 part to get the problem fixed. Was I ever wrong. Toyota charges $1,100 just for the part and no company makes an after- market part! You have to take the door completely off the car to fix it. With the old Toyota it wouldnt have failed, but if it did it would have been simple to fix and the part wouldnt have cost so much. I wont be buying another Toyota.

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  09RAV4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By okudud - December 26 - 7:16 pm

  It is a genuine fun, easy to drive vehicle. Well made and just only two items were defective but Toyota taking care of problems.

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  Good and Bad - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Double D - December 26 - 6:53 pm

  2800 miles and I really enjoy driving this truck. Lots of power, easy to drive, not many complaints. Overall a great truck.

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  Worst mistake I made was selling it. - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By nuvabey - December 26 - 5:59 pm

  The title should say it all. I got antsy and sold my Taco for a sports car. Huge mistake. This truck was near perfect. That transmission rattle you hear? Dont let some whack job mechanic tell you you need a whole new clutch a flywheel. It just sounds like that. In town Id get no less than 22-23 mpg. And that was usually 16 miles round trip at 40 mph or less. I drive a Challenger R/T now and if someone said theyd swap me for my Tacoma again, Id do it in a heartbeat.

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  I love my TCH - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Z - December 26 - 5:50 pm

  Great looks. Great mileage (better than advertised on the road). Great ride.

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  Not perfect, but pretty good - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By m.r. - December 26 - 9:50 am

  This is company vehicle, have had it for 2 years, 50,000 miles. Car is peppy for a 4 cylinder, much better than the Mazda6 I had before. Overall, car is very refined, smooth, quiet, very reliable. A couple beefs; some squeaks have appeared in this car and I have some rust appearing on the B pillar. Also, Toyota paint is very soft, chips and scratches easily - had same paint issue on 2001 Camry. Despite minor issues, would definitely get another one.

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  No Body Side Moldings - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Piper - December 26 - 7:06 am

  This is my second Avalon, gave my old 1998 version to my son. I love the Lexus like quality and look. Great dash, plenty of interior space, lots of nice features, like the auto dimming exterior drivers mirror, extendable arm rest and reclining rear seats. Rear Lip Spoiler is a must. Was disappointed it does not come with body side moldings. Went on-line and found at Bob Bridge Toyota in Renton, WA. They are genuine toyota parts..... looks great and protects from door dings. Local dealer installed for $40. in my opinion they should have been there to start. All is all a great car to drive.