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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  Loud 2016 Hybrid - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Bill - November 4 - 1:18 pm

  Its a good car but.. It is loud due to excessive noise from the windows. Took it to the dealership at 5300 miles they compared it to another similar vehicle and said it was the way it was made and that they wouldnt do anything about it. Not only is the problem annoying, the service dept with all its fufu cookies and cream wont do anything for an actual problem. I bought a foriegn car for too much money to support renewable energy technology and do my part to persuade the US auto industry to become more involved as well. Unfortunately, this foreign company is learning the bad behaviors of US companies and denying the existence of a problem probably because its cheaper for them. I hope others will read this and be encouraged to speak out as well, if we do nothing they will too

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Bernadette - November 4 - 10:00 am

  After well over 90,000 miles, my Camry rides and looks like a new car. The only thing Ive replaced are tires. Reliability is the #1 thing I look for in a car and the Camry has it. I recommend it for anyone and will purchase another. I like the newly designed 2002 or 2003 Camry. I owned a Corolla before the Camry. Too small and uncomfortable for long rides, but it was still a very reliable Toyota product.

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  LUXURY/SPORTS CAR CROSSOVER - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By INDYCAR - November 4 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR! THINKS ITS A LEXUS. THE SOLARA DEFINITELY HAS LEXUS SOUND DEADENING WHICH RESULTS IN LOW WIND/ROAD NOISE. THE V-6 HAS ENOUGH UMPH TO BREAK OUT OF A STANDING STOP WITH A MONTE CARLO BUT A FEW MORE HP WOULDNT HURT. LIKE OTHERS, IT SEEMS TO DING EASILY ON THE SIDES. I CHOSE THE SOLARA OVER THE ACCORD, PASSAT, AND THE MAXIMA. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS IN THEIR CLASS AND PRICE RANGE. WHEN IM READY TO GIVE UP THE SPORTS CAR SIDE OF ME, I WOULD CONSIDER THE AVALON.

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  Sweet Ride - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Stevesemm - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 2001 Black SR5 w/ the sport package. Man this thing is great looking! I shopped around and found others that offered more for the $ but it all came down to the kick a** looks of the 4Runner sport!!! My only complaint is that my wife drives it more than me!!!! Love my 4Runner!!!

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  Poor reliability - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By jtan3 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  After driving for 3 years+ and around 38K Mileage. I have to fix: 1) Car paints 2) Air flow sensor 3) Air fuel sensor 4) Oxygen sensor 5) Engine control unit and the last 3 part happened in two months after the 36000 mile coverage expired. It cost me R600+ to fix the above problem. I doubt Toyota is that reliable as it claimed.

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  The best. I should know. - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By TommyBright - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Retired pro cycle racer, driven everything but a Lamburger-Weenie in 800,000 accident-free miles. Weve bought 4 more Toyotas since my first went 407,000 miles (my new Chevy was junky), but we are astounded how perfect this one is: Our finest, tightest, best-laid-out car ever. Quieter at 70 than a new Eldo. Just finished a 1,000-miler with 4 aboard. Seats, cupholders, instruments just right, kept us alert for the word and encyclopedia games that helped the miles roll past. Now, Burbans and Expos are just wannabes. I believe Toyota engineers are respected and paid attention to --- nowhere have we found slapdash design or build compromises.

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  Best Small Pick-Up on the Market - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By jreid - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I test drove Fords, Mazdas Nissans, & Dodge. I kept coming back to the Toyota. Best value for the money. Most dependable and reliable small pick on the market. You get what you pay for.

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  Axle Wrap - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By MarkMarkN - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my truck 2002 dbl cab 4x4 with a TRD suspension package although axle wrap is a real problem. Axle wrap is caused by soft leaf springs distorting while braking and or accelerating causing the drive line to bind, thump and bump. It has been to the dealer twice without long term correction. A crack service tech from Toyota is supposed to work on the axle wrap problem when he is in town. It is my hope that this problem can and will be resolved soon. I have never had a Toyota or any other car with this type of problem.

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  Family Guy - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By The New Father - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Pass a highlander on the road and it caught my attention! Showed one to the wife and she said she hated the look. We started to look at jeeps (Grand Cherokee). After talking with the Jeep Dealer, I convinced the wife to test drive the highlander anyway. To make a long story short, we purchase the highlander. The one we purchased we reserved before it it was delivered to the dealer. This was after the Jeep dealer had done a dealer trade for the exact jeep that we requested.

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  Love the car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By JB13 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I researched many cars for months before I went and bought my Corolla and I am glad I did. Although I have no power window and had power locks installed after market. The car is great to drive. I just wish they made this car in a V6 then I would consider getting another one next year when I trade this one in.