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:

• 

  2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport is best car I ever owned - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Bigjonlsmo - November 24 - 7:01 pm

  Five years and its still a winner. Good ride and handling. Outstanding acceleration and braking. Came with run-flat tires and I replaced them at 50,000 miles. Never had any problems or dealer issues. Would buy again except V6 is not available any longer. Only complaints are lower-than-expected gas mileage and too-small fuel tank.

• 

  09 tacoma - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By ron191 - November 24 - 3:28 pm

  I have had my 09 Tacoma for almost 2 years. I will soon be ordering radio number 4 due to defects. The first two radios were plagued by volume control knobs that became unresponsive. My current radio went completely haywire with all the buttons doing the exact opposite of what they are suppose to do. Numerous squeaks and rattles in the dash and headliner have become extremely annoying. Gas mileage is not that great for a 4 cyl. In the summer, I average about 20mpg, in the winter, I average about 18 mpg. My clutch also creaks loudly, more so in the summer. I do like some of the standard features with this truck (vsc, numerous airbags, etc.

• 

  My new Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gary Kos - November 24 - 1:53 pm

  Love the truck! Had an 84 Extracab (just got rid of it last year - talk about durability!) Wish I would have waited to buy - brand new model and, with low supply, dealer wouldnt deal. But it was just what I wanted, even in Speedway Blue! The upsizing is good. Engine is great. Would like better gas mileage but hope it will increase as it breaks in - only 2K miles.

• 

  Better than Avalon or Lexus - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Bob in Carolina - November 24 - 11:40 am

  Even at 60,000 it still runs and looks great-no wear at all on leather interior. Get about 29 miles per gallon mixed city and highway. The V^ delivers what I want, when I want it without delays. When I think about trading, I get in it and end up asking myself "are you crazy?" I have looked at 2007 Lexus, Camry XLE and Avalon, but not any better in reality. Also, not nearly as well designed inside, especialy the dash and consoles. Super low cost to maintain-change oil & filter and go for the most part. Paint is in excellent condition. Seats are exceptionally comfortable and rides like a dream.

• 

  No regrets here.... - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By No regrets here - November 24 - 10:13 am

  Bought my car from new from a credit union, so I didnt even have to go and put up with the dealer. Paid below invoice, definitely recommend that route. Car is absolutely fabulous!!

• 

  Fun - Sporty - And all the comforts - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Gas Sipper - November 24 - 3:43 am

  Prior to buying this car we had 2 SUVs that we probably put 12 -15k per year on each, averaging 13 mpg. We bought this car to be a shared resource to offload mileage from both cars. THe goal: fun, sporty and comfortably seat our family (accomplished on all). We all love the car. Sitting in the back with 2 kids, I find it to be comfortable. THe car has plenty of zip. For us, the only bad thing is, we are a family of 6. So when we all need to ride (20% of the time), we need to hop back into the SUV.

• 

  Good Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - November 24 - 3:36 am

  I bought this car based on years of good reliability and gas mileage. Its been a good car in the short time Ive owned it.

• 

  Solid - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By T White - November 24 - 3:00 am

  Purchased my truck new in March 1996 and put 41,000 miles on it within the first 8 months (driving between Charleston WV and Washington DC every weekend)... Truck now has 155K miles on it and still runs as good as ever... Only minor problems to date: Broken leaf spring, replaced starter, replace oxygen sensor, replace gearbox lubricant. Wouldnt own any other brand of truck... Next up would be a Tundra, but not till this little gem wears out, maybe 2027!!!

• 

  Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Charles Moninger - November 23 - 9:26 pm

  Ive been driving mine for almost 3 years now and I absolutely love it. Plenty of interior room, excellent reliability, good mileage, nice design -- whats not to love?

• 

  Not what I expected - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By x-tremecomuter! - November 23 - 6:10 pm

  At 6500 miles, weve had a rear trim weather strip/seal fall off. Gas mpg not what sticker called for (31 city/38 hwy) although not bad, were getting about 34 on the hwy and 27 in the city. Transmission shifts good, although it switches between gears a lot on the hwy, usually downshifting going up hills and mountains. This is probably due to a low torque/horsepower engine.