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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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Happy buyer - October 30 - 6:13 pm

  We are very happy with our decision to buy a Prius. It was an expensive jump up in cost for our limited budget, but it will be worth it. They have a great resale value and that helps a lot. The electric steering is reassuringly precise and solid; I love it that way. The car is tight and has a very solid feeling. Lots of room + lots of cargo potential. The rear seats are a breeze to flip down, even from the back end of the car. Its built on the Camry chassis!

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  Ho Hum - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - October 30 - 2:03 pm

  I wish I knew now, what I had no way of knowing when I bought this car. The V6 engine is very peppy, the car handles well, and is terrific on snow covered roads. I really like the way it looks and drives. However, I was not prepared to pay $1800 ($171 for parts)to replaced a water pump. My wife drives this car to work everyday, approximately 100 miles round trip. That comes out o 95% highway driving. If I had known the cost involved for this repair, I would have never bought the V6. At the time I bought it, it was the highest rated SUV according to Consumer Reports. Live and learn.

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  2 years and 20,000+ miles later - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Kevin - October 30 - 10:13 am

  Very smooth and comfortable traveling car. Toyota quality built into this car. Huge trunk. Great sounding stereo. This car makes me feel safe when driving, especially with optional 4-W ABS. Very good car for driving in snow and rain.

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  Hybrids are the BEST! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By awilley - October 30 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Prius is an amazing vehicle! The Energy & Consumption displays definitely make me feel more connected to my vehicles performance. I find myself doing everything I can to increase my average MPG. My average is about 500 miles per TANK (and with a compact-size tank, it doesnt cost much to re-fuel). Though its more expensive than other cars on the market, I feel this is the best investment Ive ever made! Its a wonderful car and I think everyone should own a hybrid!! Heres to cleaner air and less dependence on fossil fuels...

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  Great commuter - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By crisart - October 30 - 10:00 am

  This was a great purchase. Never worried at high altitude, in the snow, in the heat, it always ran beautifully. Routine maintenance and tires were all it needed.

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  Easy on the brakes - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By vetworker - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car, BUT, I had to replace the brakes TWICE and the tires once. The dealer said the brakes were not warranty items, except the brakes were replaced after only 6,000 miles! Something called a caliper kept sticking. The tires (crappy, soft Potenzas) had to be replaced after 15,000 miles. Expensive replacements.

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  I love my Rav!!!! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By kmark - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2001 Dodge Ram Ext. Cab Half-ton for my Rav4. I wanted an automobile that was different, fun, and econioical! I hit the jackpot with my Rav4. I average 30 miles to the gallon. I save over $100 per month in gas, from what I was paying with my Dodge. The Rav4 fits my family of four very comfortable, and the cargo space is very well designed. It is so much fun to drive!

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  Fabulous Automobile in All Respects - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By professorkevin - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned over 25 automobiles (and Im only 36 y.o.!), and my recently purchased 2003 Toyota Avalon XLS (bucket seats model; Lunar Mist Metallic/Stone Leather; fully loaded) is, by far, the best automobile Ive ever owned. My parents have owned their share of fine automobiles, including Lexus, and the level of refinement and quality with this automobile can easily be compared with the top-level Lexus LS Sedans. From the ultra smooth VVT-i V6 engine, to the superb ride, to the excellent fit and finish throughout, this car is fabulous in all respects and a great value.

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  Good truck, but with problems - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By riddler - October 30 - 10:00 am

  2002 Tacoma double cab is very practical and capable, but mine has been a disappointment. Ive had numerous problems with a rattling dashboard (10+ trips to the dealer and it still rattles). Also, I just had a fuel tank recall and had to get some sort of metal shielding installed. Water pump leaked and had to be replaced. Another large water leak into the cab from the engine cowl - this thing is in the shop yet again getting all the carpet and jute replaced. Its a great truck ... when its not in the shop. Based on my experiences over the past 1.5 years, I would not recommend this truck. Riddler

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  ANSWER MY QUESTIONS!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By mcfibbler - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Great truck but need questions answered! First Toyota and am loving it - love all the features but have some questions to see if other users having same problems. 1. I get shocked when I get out of the car... every time - how do I lose the static electricity? 2. The lumbar feels like it gives when I accelerate, like the plastic or whatever has cracked on the seat? 3. Double decker - sort of cool but can I take it out? has been more of a pain than useful b/c when I put stuff on there and accelerate, it usually falls off. 4. Back window seems to shake a lot (unstable) when driving with it partially down. 5. WHen changing gears car jumps.