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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  Cant beat a Tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By photoman - March 30 - 11:56 pm

  This is my third Tacoma. Just do the regular maintenance and theyll run forever. Durable, reliable and fun to drive.

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  Great vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Todd F - March 30 - 1:33 pm

  I bought this vehicle used and it looks and runs like its brand new. Averaging 29 mpg on the highway using the air- conditioning. Around town with no air, I have achieved 34 mpg. Drove from D.C. to Philly the other night, no air, averaged 32 mpg at 70 mph. Replaced my Ford Expedition that used to average 13 mpg, and I love this car! Next I am going to replace by Ford Edge with a Prius.

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  Still loving it - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Candy Ammons - March 30 - 10:23 am

  Lived in California and drove more stop and go traffic mileage was 37 to 38 in town 40 on highway. Live in Idaho now and mileage is 40 to 41 in town and highway. Runs great, have 16000 miles on it. Have had no problems at all. Runs perfect, quiet and comfortable. Had difficult in the snow/ice in Idaho and will by studded tires for it next winter.

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  Reliable commute car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Bo - March 29 - 9:13 pm

  I have put 160K on it,in general its been reliable, no major problems. Its cheap to maintain and will run for long time. I have long commute and like to stay in fast lane all the time, enginee start burning oil when its about 120k, not very bad but the rear is "smoked", its very obvious on a white bumper. Also replaced the front struct at about 130k mile, I took it on to dirt road couple times on camping trips with few hundred pond load. Front hood paint has many large chips due to long hours on the road, steering wheel top portion wore out due to the sweat and sunshine, front windshield replaced due to cracks. Overall I recomand it to commuter who dont push it too hard

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  Sold the Jeep - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dynamo - March 29 - 9:06 pm

  I have owned jeeps since 1976 and loved them until the FJ came along. It is a climbing animal, l have taken it on a number on four wheel runs just outside of Phoenix that I had run in my jeep and the FJ preformed perfectly.

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  Bullet Proof - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By taco ma - March 29 - 8:26 pm

  Remember the old advertisement when the Tacoma gets hit by a meteor, then drives out of the crater?? Its a bit of an exaggeration, but not much... I just went over 200,000 miles and it is still going strong. Only problem ever was a starter. Puts all Chevys or Fords to shame.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By hounddoc - March 29 - 5:47 pm

  I bought my Toyota about a year ago with the original tires. Mine seem fine, so Im not sure about previous reviews, besides who buys a full size pick-up for gas milage? The Tundra fits the bill in every sense. Great family truck, hauls and tows very nicely and looks great on the road with an aggressive front. Buy this now, you wont regret it!

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  Interesting Auto - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By bh - March 29 - 5:06 pm

  Purchased one weeks ago, option pkg 5, 2 mi on odo when bought. Live in MA - mileage running between 42-45 mixed backroad/highway (highway @ avg of 68mph). Rear camera helps, but limited at night in low light, and will still need mirrors. Rear seating comfort ok for short trips (2 hours) - front seats more comfortable, but also concerned re: comfort on long trips - dont think they will be good. Interior build seems tight, very quiet ride. Tracks well on roads at both about town, and highway. Easy to park. JBL sound system has nice sound. Keyless system is a nice feature. Came from a Maxima - miss the pickup and comfort features, but love the MPGs.

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  Unreliable, poor quality - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By jamesimcb - March 29 - 5:03 pm

  I raved about this car when i first got it. But after a transmission failure at 130,000 kms I am very disappointed. Fuel economy has gone down ever since. many rattles in the car. failed caliper. toyota cost over 800 dollars. The premium you pay for a toyota is no longer worth it. Buy north american and save some money as Toyotas quality has gone down hill!

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  Perfect for us! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Bill - March 29 - 3:20 pm

  As we are only a family of three, unless you count the dogs we tried to fit into a new RAV4. At 63"+ it just wasnt happening so we decided to step up a level and are we ever glad we did. As soon as I stepped in and sat down I knew it was just a matter of convincing my wife. That didnt take long either because I let her drive it first. In the short period of time we have had it we have shuttled up to 7 people around, surprisingly comfortably and they have all commented about both the ride and the quiet. I suffer from back problems and the drivers seat seems to sense that, allowing multiple adjustments and the relaxation of variable heat. What a wonderful addition to the family! Try it!