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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  Rattling dashboard - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Karen - April 27 - 7:03 pm

  I bought my 2008 rav4 4x4 base model in February 2008. It was the best vehicle I ever owned until it hit 850 miles and thats when I could hear a loud constant rattling coming from the dashboard, more specifically the center console. The vehicle was brought back to the dealership 4 times and was never permanently fixed. The master technician, who was great to deal with even replaced my vents in the center dash with a new RAV4 on the sales lot. At times it sounded like a popcorn machine! Finally, a field technical expert from Toy inspected the vehicle and determined that it was A NORMAL OPERATING CHARACTERISTIC! Very disappointed, 1st and last Toyota Ill ever own.

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  Wish I had another one - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By lovethem - April 27 - 4:55 pm

  I bought mine in 1996, 1 year old with 25,000 miles on it. I was told it was probably a salesmans car but when I did the research found out it was a rental car. I panicked because I know how rentals are treated. After a year the fender, bumper and hood started changing colors, I could see it had been in at least one accident. But, it was the most dependable car I ever had, even though it had been a rental. Totally trouble free. At 197,000 the gas line started to rot and the engine started to leak out from a dried out seal. Being unemployed and lookinfg for a job, wife said I needed something more dependable so she leased me one. Im grateful for that but I wish I had kept the 95.

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  this is my third toyota car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mouse2005 - April 27 - 11:23 am

  I buy a car for best value and reliablity. In May 2005, I bought the SE V6 to experience same value and reliabilty as my 95 camry 04 forerunner. As mentioned by other reviewers I experienced a pause/hesitation when the car shifted from 1st to 2nd gear while pressing the gas pedal harder I was trying to feel a strong acceleration . I have 300 miles now and am no longer experience the hesitation/pause during gear shifts. I thought this may be caused by safety design linked to the braking system. I read on other review that this is a drive by wire technology, so it may be controling something to make the car safer to passenger and driver. I still have to break in my car.

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  Very happy with this purchase! - 2015 Toyota Highlander
  By DIVEN E HILL II - April 27 - 7:47 am

  So glad I jumped into a Highlander instead of the Explorer or waiting for the 2016 Pilot. Versus the Explorer, it simply came down to reliability. I mean, how many Toyotas do you see broken down on the side of the road versus the Fords? And after just seeing the 2016 Pilot pictures, it solidified my feelings. I get many compliments on how much it looks like a Lexus and it is truly a joy to drive. Not too bulky in city driving/parking either. Having 2 kids (ages 9 and 6) theres plenty of room to spread out for them with the 3rd row. If i had to pick an issue, it bothers me that Toyota charges extra for Blizzard White. All considered, you cant go wrong with a 2015 Highlander.

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  Excellent vehicle. - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jason - April 27 - 12:43 am

  After months of automotive reviews and test drives, my wife and I finally decided on the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid and I have to say we are thrilled. This is a wonderfully designed and built machine. The ride is smooth and quiet and incredibly luxurious. My wife has a 2007 Lexus RX 350 and she kids me that she wants to trade vehicles because of the quality of the Camry Hybrid. The engine has plenty of "get up and go" and my fuel efficiency has been unbelievable. Toyota has made believers out of us. If you are seriously considering a hybrid, I would recommend this vehicle. Get yours before the IRS tax credit is reduced due to high volume of units sold. Enjoy!

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  Not So Good - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Joel Hall - April 26 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased our new 2009 Corolla to do some extensive traveling. We find the car excellent in the city, but on the highway it is terrible. The car is uncomfortable - seats, armrests, lumbar support, left foot positioning, blind spots. The worst problem is a vibration at highway speeds that the dealership says is normal. We are so disappointed in our new Corolla and are considering dealing it at only 3000 kilometers.

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  Great truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brett - April 26 - 10:20 pm

  Good truck for the money. Good on gas, lots of room interior and exterior for long bed. Nothing fancy, very quiet.

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  Great Truck - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By sigjuliussen - April 26 - 7:40 pm

  Love my truck, have had for 9,000 miles and I get 23 on highway and 18 in the city. Great off road. When towing a T@b trailer 1900 lbs need to down shift when going up Alaska mountains. If much heavier trailer I would suggest the V6. Pulls the T@b up mountains 65mph.

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  RELIABLE!!! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Donal McCollum - April 26 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this car new in 1994. So far I have spent less than $1200 on repairs (New alternator and replace part of exhaust sys.) Total mileage:150000. All of these mile in Canada, many of them crossing the Rockies in the winter (10 times). The car has never given me the slightest problem apart from the 2 fixes mentioned. Amazing reliability. I regularly drive 800 miles in one day and I never have felt any discomfort. Fit and finish are excellent for the price. The front end and the rear end have both been in smash-ups, but no alignment was required. Excellent gas mileage and many drivers think it is a 4 cyl. Tires and brakes last for ever. I change the oil religiously every 3000 miles

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  Little Red Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By ColSpieth - April 26 - 2:53 pm

  This has been a very good truck for me. I plan to keep it to 100,000 miles if possible or 2010 which ever comes first. No repair problems except for tires.