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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  the best 4 runner ever - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joe125487 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  great truck, no truck in its class even comes close

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  A great truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By JRBNH - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Im a car nut who needed a truck for home renovations, so I was a little hesitant of owning a truck. The more I drive this truck, the more I like it. The V6 is strong and smooth. Fuel economy is average; however, the tonneau cover has helped on highway trips (up to 24 mpg). Im very surprised at how comfortable it is-the seats fit me perfectly, the noise level is hushed, and the ride is very compliant. Heat and AC are both powerful. Parking and maneuvering is easy. Ive owned it so far for 6 months and 7500 miles with not a single rattle, squeak or problem.

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  My 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By SUV77 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I chose the 4Runner over the Explorer and the Pilot. The 4Runner had a smoother ride and felt to me that I was sitting higher and had more of a command of the road. The leather seats are much softer and more comfortable than the ones in the Pilot and Explorer. The 4Runner has lots of power, great options and is fun to drive. I wish it were American made- this is my first non-American made vehicle and that fact still bothers me a bit. But hands down, it was the best of everything I looked at and I looked and researched for months before making my decision.

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  Why would you ever buy a domestic SUV? - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ZipperHead - September 19 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great! Japanese engineering with American wants and needs built into it. Large enough to handle the average American family, yet it has the quality and reliability of an import. My 4Runner looks great and runs even better.

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  Best Used Car Ever - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By telayla - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I could not be more pleased with my purchase. It is very fun to drive, smooth and quiet. When I first drove it I couldnt believe the engine was running! It has great pick-up, tight handling, and very comfortable seats (front and rear). This is by far the best used car purchase I have ever made!

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  S.O.S!! Toyota Sinking - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dennis Vernon, CT - September 19 - 5:06 am

  The first few months were trouble free and couldnt have been more pleased. Winter arrived and the tires which are rated "All Season" felt like they were bald from the get go. Never buy Bridgestone. Tires wore after only 28,000 miles. The car felt as if the tranny was slipping in cold weather. You can hear it pop out of gear and then the RPMs drop to 800. The vehicle couldnt reproduce the problem at the dealership. Im starting to lose a quart of oil between changes. Stay far away from Toyota.

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  More Oil - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Frank R. - September 19 - 2:40 am

  Oil consumption is terrible with this car. It started with a quart of oil every 1200-1400 miles. Ive been adding oil between oil changes from day one. A quart and a half to 2 quarts between changes. Now with 120,000 miles it is a lot worse. Other than that I have no complaints. But, Toyota should fix this...Im thinking of calling my State Representatives about it, because when I had the oil consumption test done by the dealer a few years ago, they said a quart of oil every 1200 miles usage was ok. Sure. For them! But like I said, it is a lot worse since that test was done.

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  Solid Mid-size SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By houstonjeff - September 19 - 12:13 am

  Considered Highlander and Chevy Traverse. Felt Highlander would be better for the long run. Like Captains seats in 2nd row. Very quiet ride and comfortable. Rear camera is nice feature. Good value for price paid.

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  Personality and practicality - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By arentz07 - September 18 - 10:18 pm

  I decided it was time to update from my 2010 Camry LE to something more fun but still smart. This 2015 SE-trim Camry does exactly that for me. I like the exterior design a lot better than the previous car. Ive seen other SEs in my mirror, and it looks mean, not to mention Ive gotten compliments on the blacked-out, high-gloss grill. The wheels look great as well, I must say. Inside, theres leatherette and textured cloth that feels durable. Its not premium, but its comfortable enough (with enough cargo space, too) for a couple of long drives my fiancee and I have taken. Only complaints: sometimes power is lacking, interior pieces creak under stress.

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  Should have kept our 2004 Solara - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Don - September 18 - 11:30 am

  The transmission and cruise control is a joke. The transmission hesitates and stumbles. Often there is a delay in acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed. The cruise control will downshift on the slightest of inclines. The CC will downshift to 4th gear (3000 rpm) and often to 3rd gear (4800 rpm) rather abruptly. Without the CC the Camry will take the grades without shifting. Driving the Camry in traffic is a less than pleasant experience.