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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  Oh What A Feeling - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dawn Kennedy - August 17 - 1:13 am

  I love my 4x4 Limited 4Runner. Its a V6 yes, but much more power than my minivan sienna had so Im happy enough. I have not been this much in love with a vehicle, ever. I still appreciate it and still love driving it after 6 months of ownership. The quality of this vehicle is very high, as well as the value retention. I still want to be driving this vehicle in 10 years and am sure it will still be going strong. The 4Runner V6 has great pickup, gets head-turning looks, and is just plain fun to drive. The Limited has the leather, heated seats, sun roof, dual air stations, the list goes on. My ONE complaint is that there are not enough cup holders in the front seat.

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  AVERAGE TOYOTA - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By DYLANDAWG - August 15 - 3:06 pm

  Overall solid quality sedan. Nice exterior lines in black. Interior is typicial Toyota bland. 4 cyl is adequate for uses. Fully loaded with 5 people is definitely noticable. Automatic transmission shifts well and is smooth. Paint finish is easily scratched. A few more applications of clear coat would have done wonders. Bought the car mainly on reputation and previous experience with Toyota truck line.

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  #1 hands down - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bmatte - August 15 - 9:04 am

  bought this car last year. had 64,000 mi on it. now has 72- not one issue yet, and im 28 w/ 5 speeding tickets.. so its needles to say that i run these things too the ground.. very impressed!!

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  I have no reason to complain - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By mopart600 - August 14 - 6:21 am

  I bought my 08 in November of 2007 brand new. Since then I have put 215000 miles on it. I have had it serviced at the dealership and kept up with all of the prescribed maintenance. Other than brakes, which are obviously a system designed to wear out, I have only had to replace one wheel bearing at 190000 miles. Other than that its just gas and oil. This car has been fantastic to me and since it is still in such good shape Im going to drive it until the wheels fall of...which may be a while at this rate.

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  Definition of reliability - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Lopan - August 13 - 4:00 pm

  Comfort in the Camry rates like a full size car. The performance of the 4 cyl. was so good, I argued with the saleman that the car had a 6 cyl. The Camry sets higher than other cars in its class making traffic driving easier and more relaxing. My disappointments in the Camry are the fuel economy and the handling. The Camry should get a little better gas mileage and the handling is a little sluggish and unbalanced. This can be corrected with the 16" wheels instead of the 15s. Fuel economy is checked EVERY fill up ranging from 23.8 to 27.9 MPG, falling short of the advertised MPG. Overall, I have been much happier with the Camry than I expected, after being a devoted Honda Accord owner.

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  2 Wheel drive Tacoma - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Magyarorsag - August 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the 5th Toyota Pickup Ive owned. Excellent vehicle for just about everything. Gas mileage is reasonable, reliability is outstanding...typical Toyota workmanship. Im considering purchasing my 6th Toyota pickup, with luck a Toyota Tacoma S-Runner. You cant go wrong with these Toyota trucks.

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  2007 RAV4 Base Model - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Chuck - August 12 - 4:30 am

  Almost everything is as advertised about the base model 4WD 2007 RAV4 except for the front seat comfort and the spare tire cover. The front seat comfort is really horrible. If you value the lumbar area of your back, you will not get the standard seats. Do what you have to do to get better seats. Also, the stock spare tire cover is going to be impossible to get back on correctly. There is not enough room to get your fingers and hand around the sides of the spare tire. Im looking for some kind of replacement cover. The manual says Im supposed to have a cover with a latch, but all I have is a cover that has stretchy material around it.

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  sorry I bought this truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By irishman not happy - August 12 - 2:23 am

  I bought this truck with high expectations after having my T-100 for 13 years and loving it. This truck has a lousy transmission. When turning corners at low speeds it can not seem to find a gear to go into. More torque would be nice because the engine sound like it never has enough power to do the job. Would have never bought this truck if I could have driven the 4.6 before the dealership found one for me and I was obligated to purchase it. I drove the 5.7 and thought it would have some of the raw power this engine has but not to be.

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  Gas and money savers delight - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lyle - August 12 - 2:20 am

  This is a great vehicle for people who want to have a solid commuter which does not cost them money. I do drive a lot on the highway and I also do drive the speed limits and accelerate at a modest rate, but any driver can achieve great fuel mileage on this car. After 5000 miles, Im averaging over 44 MPG. I use the air conditioner whenever its warm. The Yaris is made for economical driving and is not meant to substitute for a sporty car. For the price, you get a little more than you pay for if legendary Toyota reliability is present and Ill know that in a couple hundred thousand miles. I highly recommend this car for responsible people who keep a budget and are environmentally aware.

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  Just what I wanted, but... - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By judy - August 11 - 6:53 am

  I was so thrilled to purchase an Avalon Limited in October 2007. It was everything I wanted in a luxury car, except for the battery. In April 2008 when I went out to start it the battery was dead and the car had to be towed. Again in September 2008 the exact same thing happened, except this time rusty water was also dripping out of exhaust, which could not be explained. Even though the work was done under warranty, I am now nervous when I go out of town for fear it will not start. Other than this problem it is a great car. Wish I could feel at ease with it again.