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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  Convertible Bert - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kgulley - December 13 - 8:20 am

  I have grown to truly value this automobile in a really big way. Realistically, the only thing that I can say bad, is that the handling is typical of other Toyotas Ive driven, and I feel as though there is a certain amount of wind sheer and turbulence (if that is appropriate terminology) that I experience. Yet given the soft top, its understandable. Overall a great car, with no timing belt, unlike found in some other cars.

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  Worst Truck Ever Owned - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Kevin S - December 13 - 4:46 am

  Im 50 years old, professional with my own business, and Ive owned a truck from every full size truck manufacturer at one time or another. This truck is THE WORST, MOST UNRELIABLE truck I have ever owned. My last trouble truck was a Dodge, and I would give anything to get that truck back, as the troubles with that Dodge pale in comparison. Ive had the Toyota less than a year, and it is up for sale (I wanted to keep it at least 5 years). Issues so far: Brakes, transmission, torque converter, windshield leaks, constant "check engine" light, reverse lights quit working, transfer case leaks.

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  Fun, safe, freedom car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Pam - December 13 - 4:43 am

  Love my car. With only 9,000 miles on it, it went under an 18 wheeler at 70 mph. If it werent for the great handling ability and rear wheel drive, I wouldnt be here today. I was able to pull the car out at 70 mph, with the front passengers wheel torn off!! The performance and handling of the MR2 in a situation like ths is outstanding. Over $10,000 later, and 2 months, this car looks and runs better than new. Toyota should be proud of making such a safe and realiable MR2 Spider!! Thank you.

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  2005 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mamarie - December 13 - 2:56 am

  I love it. Its fun to drive. I love that it holds six CDs and 9 speakers. The navigation system is awesome and really helps me get around when I dont have time to look up directions. The energy and consumption screens are neat and show a lot of information. The trunk is accessible from the backseat, which is nice if were stopped an my kids need to get something. One, two, or all of the backseats can fold down at a time, which is also nice. The car is comfortable, looks good, is well-built, accommodating, and compact. Great for families, but not really big families.

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  Toyota does it again - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chris - December 13 - 2:56 am

  My new CrewMax Limited rocks! The ride is smooth, the power is great and all Ive heard is positive comments from all of my friends on the appearance!! My previous truck was a 93 Toyota King Cab V6, which I just sold last night, with 210,000 miles and it still ran like a charm. I also own an 01 Toyota Sienna and have had nothing but luck with it. Toyota consistently builds a wonderful product and if price is your concern, you make up for that in quality, reliability and resale value. Thanks Toyota, you did it again!

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  Built to last! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By TonyVee - December 12 - 11:40 pm

  This vehicle has the perfect mix of comfort and muscle. Its a vehicle that is just as comfortable at a formal occasion as it is off road. But by far its number one best feature is Dependability! Love this SUV!

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  Just an average car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By ebisayako - December 12 - 10:30 pm

  Upon buying this car I was so impressed with the quality of the material, the fit and finish especially the quietness of the ride. Until this last few months when the doors start to rattle and the mpg is not great enough as a hybrid, average 30 mpg.

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  05 Toyota Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By happy r/c - December 12 - 8:10 pm

  After my horror reliability experience with a 04 Nissan Quest minivan, I replaced it with a 05 Toyota Sienna. Its not trouble free but at least the fixes get fixed the first time UNLIKE Nissan. MINOR ISSUES: - crack in drivers side mirror - broken flip-out drawer below stereo - side-moulding came off due to a bad 2-sided tape MAJOR ISSUES: - Drivers door recalled due to bad weld - 4 yrs/65k miles, rack and pinion steering broke(my cost $1400) - 4 yrs/65k miles, the sliding doors hinge sagged (dealer wanted $1100 for just parts but I bought the $100 part and independent bodyshop replaced it for less) - interior light drains battery when doors left open so we keep lights off

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  140,000 miles and still going strong! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By mgirardelli - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 93 Camry SE V6 seven years ago and it is still as great as the day I bought it! Tons of power, blows away other comparable V6 vehicles. So far I have 140,000 on this car and I have no intention of selling it anytime soon. The only major issue I have had is that the transmission had to be rebuilt at 130,000. I should point out that I have been harder than usual on this car.

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  coffintruck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By gts996 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  This is the best truck for a retired guy Ive ever seen. If I still worked Id want an 8 bed but now its just right. If things continue like they have so far Ill probably keep it until I die and they can bury me in it.