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:

• 

  Fell Apart Fast - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By benisj - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car until mile 103,999. Recently started while driving. If stalls, wont restart for 15-60 min. No check engine light. Several mechanics, no one can fix problem. Tried cleaning EGR system and throttle body, going to try replacing distributor next. This is a common occurrence (google search: 94 camry engine dies quits stalls). Everyone explains exact same symptoms. I still love the car, disappointed at how fast it fell apart (went from random to daily in under one month). Now afraid to drive it. If buying a used one, have a dealer check EGR system, distributor, and ignition coil!

• 

  Tacoma is highly recommended! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By toytaco - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Tacoma brand new in August of 2000 and have loved it ever since. There have been a couple of minor mechanical issues, but the dealership has taken care of them completely. My 5 speed V6 offers low to mid 20s in mileage when compared to about the same mileage with the 2.7L four cylinder which is a real dog! I see people on here complaining about interior quality and such, but what do you really expect in a truck? You could spend almost twice as much on a Ford, Dodge or Chevy, but when it comes down to resale value and overall quality, they cant even compare.

• 

  I like it ! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Jerire - November 30 - 2:00 am

  The day I test drive that car I decided to buy it, because the matrix is somethign else in my opinion its very very smoot ride car specally for a long trip. Its fun to drive you never get tired of driving it.

• 

  Toyota Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By jriedene - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Awsome. The brakes lack a little definitioin but really not a big deal. Everything else is above expectations.

• 

  Getting the feel of 4Runner SR5 V8 4WR - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Kevan - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Riding 4Runner SR5 V8 4WR 2004, it is quiet and smooth ride. A lot of horse power. With the V8 and 57400 lb weight is far better then Lexus 470 and Landcuriser which they are the same horse power engine but 6700 lb heavier in term of weight. The design of V8 4WR full time and 57400 lb is never afraid of behind anybody else and in any weather condition.

• 

  Best car I ever drove - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ken W. - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Purchased it 2 months ago, lucky to find a dealer with AWD. After 2 major snowstorms I can say this car handles great in the bad weather. The traction control system and ABS make this car idiot proof. This may be one of the best vehicles ever in the snow and ice. Between the fuel economy, the enormous amount of space, the quit ride, and comfort this is perhaps one of the best cars ever made. If you canÂ’t bring yourself to buying a minivan, and the midsize SUVÂ’s with the 3rd row donÂ’t offer enough space or reliability, than buy this. ItÂ’s like a SUV only better.

• 

  Excellent, with some improvements - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By DukeWEMBA - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this vehicle last week, finally finding a dealer willing to negotiate by looking for smaller towns near us since the Toyota Dealers in Raleigh were brash and cocky when it came to pricing and trade-ins. They could definately take some needed lessons. The car is amazing.

• 

  Wish I had bought something else. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By JacobL - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Okay, wish I had looked around more before buying.

• 

  So Far 42MPG - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By yaakov653 - November 29 - 9:22 pm

  We just bought our 2012 Prius V-five a week ago. So far 3/4 of a gas tank remaining from the dealer, with about 200 miles on the odometer. Were averaging 42MPG. This car is training me how to maximize fuel economy. Toyota made a very smart move producing a Prius wagon. Plenty of room and rides much better than my 2005 Honda CRV trade in.

• 

  Great First Month - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By JacksonMI - November 29 - 7:56 pm

  This is my first SUV and first Toyota, but I am foreign car guy. Very happy with the performance and build quality. Engine is strong. Visibility excellent. Good in strong cross-current winds. Electronics are user-friendly. Love that hood scoop! Had leather seats put in and very happy with those over the cloth.