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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  Intermittent buzzing sound - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Tophe - February 23 - 7:07 am

  Toyota refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem with intermittent buzzing sound. I complained to two dealerships but Toyota said it is as designed. COME ON!!!!

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  BACK to GM NEXT TIME - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By jovo - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Truck leans to one side,Bed misaligned with Cab, Toyota Factory Rep. claims it is "Normal Variation In Manufacturing Tolerances". I think they repaired the one they used in the "Rhino" comercial on TV or dropped it off the car transporter and then sold it to me. Transmisson cant decide which gear it wants to be in. Noisiest brakes I have ever had. Cheep cloth interior. Jittery ride, Noisy, Gas mileage much worse than stated on window sticker, Uncomfortable Captains chairs and driving position. Chippy paint, I only rated it a One because a ZERO was not a option. Not a real Truck. A poor excuse for a $30,000+ window sticker.

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  Toyota Quality, What an Urban Myth! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By sampsonlab - January 1 - 11:53 pm

  All four brake rotors warped at 22K. The windshield pops like a bowl of Rice Krispies in the winter. The flimsy chain that pulls the sunroof broke at 14 months. Dealer sent car to an upholstery shop to remove entire roof liner and all 8 pillar trims to repair. Power door lock broke. Main air bag computer fried and we had no airbags for a 900 mile planned trip. Seat belt latch hit door upholstery and door panel split open like a cheap piece of oil cloth. Cargo tie-down buttons fell out of side panels in rear. When replaced, they fit loose, hold no weight, and rattle. Rear window washer/wiper quit working. Paint finish does not hold wax. Leather seat split.