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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  Very nice Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Carlos - December 10 - 3:43 pm

  I just bought it a week ago, but I can already tell that this truck is gonna be with me for the long run. It drives great, very smooth everywhere. Compared to the ride quality of my brothers 02 tacoma trd, this truck feels much much better. Toyota has seemed to perfect the suspension, its soft yet very solid when needed. The power is great, and fuel economy is ok. The interior is by far the best in a truck, kind of like being in a semi luxury vehicle. Engine layout is outstanding for those of you that like to change the oil yourself. If you are looking for a midsize truck, this is a no brainer, get the tacoma, you wont regret it.

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  Simply an All-Around Great Small Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Trent Ford - December 10 - 2:03 pm

  There is no secret what the Corolla is and always has been about: reliability and value. I purchased my 2010 Corolla new and have put 60,000 miles on it. Only non-maintenance issues so far have been a faulty gas cap (on warranty) and a plastic manifold guard that needed re-fastening ($1.75 for zip ties). The original brakes are still going strong, the tires will need replacing soon, but have lasted for 60k. The car is smooth-running, never rough idles and has produced fantastic gas mileage: 36-38 highway & 26-28 city. The interior, as with most Toyotas, is quite bland but functional. The materials are not cheap feeling as in other cheaper economical cars. The only cons about the Corolla are the acceleration, the road noise, and the paint. The car will cruise easily at 80 or 85 mph, but it takes a LONG time to get there. Acceleration is about what you would expect from a naturally-aspirated 1.8L 4-cylinder. As with most cars at this price-point, road noise is very noticeable above 60 mph, but livable. The road noise comes entirely from the poor isolation and not from the tires. The only issue I did not expect when purchasing this car is the quality of the paint. It chips quite easily and the clear coat has begun to erode on the trunk. Granted my Corolla has never experienced a garage, so your experience may vary. Overall this is a fantastic car that has lived up to and exceeded my high expectations. I definitely recommend purchasing one if you need a reliable, safe form of basic transportation.

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  Mission Accomplished !!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By CWY - December 10 - 1:16 pm

  Our 06 Prius (Package #3) delivers as advertised. Weve put nearly 3K miles in the first month since we drive the Prius all the time while leaving our other cars at home. As a result, were saving on fuel costs and polluting less while averaging about 47 mpg (plus not having to go to the gas station as often is also very nice). This car is sure easy to live with and tackles daily commuting better than any other vehicle weve owned. Its easy to drive, comfortable, has enough power to merge onto freeways or pass slower vehicles, very quiet at speed, roomy and has a very flexible cargo area (unlike the new Civic hybrid where rr seats dont fold).

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  Best Truck I have ever owned or driven - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Morpheustj - December 10 - 12:20 pm

  After driving this vehicle I knew that I had to have one. I have owned Dodges, Chevys & Driven Fords. I have also driven the previous model Tacoma & this is so much more truck. I had people stop me constantly asking how I liked my 2003 Tacoma & boy do I have news about the new one. It drives rides handles like no other truck. It has more cup holders than I think anyone could ever use. Maybe.

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  One fine car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By danrieke - December 10 - 10:36 am

  Ive got almost 92,000 miles on my 2002 Camry LE. I purchased it used with around 38,000 miles. This was a good decision! I like the crisp power in entering traffic and passing on the freeway. Fuel economy is very good. I get about 31 mpg when pushing 80 on the freeways. It doesnt move around much on windy days. Brakes feel a bit spongy compared to some cars but the vehicle stops very well and with the anti-lock brakes I can get on it hard and it stops true! I change oils (transmission oil, too) and filters. If you want to keep a strong flow from the fan (heating or cooling), it helps to change the filter directly in back of the glove box. Will this car go 250,000 miles? I may find out!

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  Im going back for another this fall! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By badassjen - December 10 - 8:30 am

  This has been by far, the most reliable car I have ever owned. As an avid convertible fan, this being my fourth, I find the top up ride to be quite noiseless. You dont hear the wind noise, and no rattling. When the top is down, it is a head-turner. I was surprised that I am constantly stopped by people in parking lots or even at traffic lights so they can tell me how gorgeous my car is and ask me how I like it. As for the reliability, I have only had to have regular oil changes. I havent had a single issue. The interior is gorgeous and flawless. The leather is great quality and the stereo system surpasses that of comparable cars. Overall, a great purchase!

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  Overall Great Vehicle - 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jack - December 10 - 8:00 am

  I bought my FJ in July to replace a piece of junk Land Rover Freelander (also purchased new in 2002). I wanted to wait until I had some time in the vehicle before writing a review. This is an outstanding vehicle. My wife didnt want to get it initially, but now she says she would buy another without a second thought. I immediately changed the oil over to Full Synthetic, and am getting an average 20mpg city/highway, and plan to change the drive train over to full syn in the near future. It is outstanding in the mud and snow. I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle, and Ive owned Fords, GM products, Nissans, Land Rovers, Mazdas and Subarus. Toyotas from now on.

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  Yota - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By ryan lock - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, if maintained properly

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  2000 Avalon - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By ckeene - December 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Toyota. I have owned this vehicle for 3 years and have had NO problems with it. The only work that has been done with it is routine maintenance. It is able to accelerate rapidly and stop just as fast. The ride and spaciousness of the car is difficult to duplicate. I am now looking for a new car and have found the following to be acceptable replacements: Audi A6, Lexus. I would highly reccommend this vehicle.

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  Awesome - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By DHare - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt wait until the 03 style came out because I had heard it woud be great. Well, I was not disappointed . I had to have it. Only had it one week but it is a super machine-great improvement.