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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  Reliable but boring - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By CamryGuy - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, especially if youre not a mechanic. Truly a very reliable car w/great gas mileage. Major things to watch out for is soft suspension and brakes.

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  My First Toyota - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Viper Pilot - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the 4Runner in Dec 02 when they first hit the local market. Thought it was a little pricy, but felt it was a good value based on other Toyota owners recommendations.It was exactly the right sized vehicle for my needs.It has good overall power and preformance from the 4.7 liter V-8.It also has an excellent, solid road feel. Steering, brakes, and handling are very good for an SUV. The only complains I have are terrible gas mileage (12.5 to 14 mpg!)and a slight vibration felt in the steering column and pedals under light acceleration. Service manager cant explain or get interested in finding the vibration. Overall a very satisfying vehicle.

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  Reliable - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Contay - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota(2003 Corolla S) and the main reason I purchased it was due to Toyotas reliability. My last car was a 1994 Nissan Altima and after only 170000km I had two blown trannys. Heres hoping Toyota

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  I Love My Toyota - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe - December 8 - 12:06 am

  I bought my Toyota at 118,000 , and after replacing little things here and there, it still runs like new and looks good. It has seen mud and water door high and have not got it stuck yet. I will have this truck restored and give it to my son (maybe) I do love my truck..

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  Transmission is not good. - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Louis - December 7 - 11:10 am

  The transmission slips. Overall it is a good value car.

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  Great Ski and Tow Vehicle - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Seattle Native - December 7 - 4:20 am

  Bought this used with 36k miles. Have always wanted a 4Runner from when they were first introduced. Excellent reliability and decent mileage. Bought a 20 boat last summer and with the trailer it weighs about 4200 lbs. The 4Runner tows the boat just fine and handles like a champ! Highly recommended for everyone. Also handles great in the snow and rain.

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  Drivers seat should be a POWER SEAT - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Do not post - December 5 - 6:07 pm

  I read Consumer Reports for the value and reliability ratings before I purchased this car. I wish that the LE model had a more comfortable drivers seat. My next car will have a drivers seat with more cushion and adjustments available!

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  Toyota quality has dropped. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By PsychoRed - December 5 - 5:03 pm

  I loved the looks of this car more than any other in the price range of 25K to 30K. I previously owned a Toyota 4Runner which had incredible build quality and reliability. However, this Camry is terrible in both aspects. Poor transmission. Cheap plastic dash. Noises and rattles from everywhere. Not very sturdy build.

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  The Devil Is In the Details - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Savannah Cook - December 4 - 3:40 pm

  I had done so much research on the Prius that I was totally confident in my purchase. I have been so disappointed in some of the design features. The rear window is difficult to see out of because of a bar running horizontally across ... the dash dims when the headlights are turned on, making it difficult to see how fast you are going, and the dash is difficult to see in bright sunlight. The car salesman raved about the new seat fabric, but it is already stained. I would have preferred leather, but was talked out of it. Of course, the gas mileage cant be beat, but its a shame the other elements dont measure up.

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  traditional truck-like SUV - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Minh - December 4 - 2:16 pm

  The front discs on the brake system keeps on getting warped. Some engine parts are noisy for a brand new car.