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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  Pizza! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By alexx52093 - October 12 - 7:30 pm

  I work for a pizza shop in the suburbs of Philadelphia. My boss has 3 company cars for deliveries. Two Priuss and a 95 Camry. It goes over 25k HARD miles a year, blazing around the highways and curvy backroads rushing people their deliveries. It currently has 172k miles on it. Its driven by SO many different drivers each night, every night. Its been crashed, driven off the road down hills into fields... Its been through way more than an average car would. But every time you turn the key, it fires right up. Never has it left a pizza stranded! I always smile when my boss hands me the key to it when I come in for my shift. (I prefer it over the Priuss) ITS A REMARKABLE CAR!

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  Had them all, this is the best - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By mike - October 12 - 6:36 pm

  Fuel economy: we all would like 100 mpg but this is a truck and economy is better than any full size truck I have owned. Interior: I forego pretty for functional this truck is functional. Ride: if you never go off road or plan to push this truck to its load limits pass on the off road package. Love my truck: quality, fit, finish, win win win. If you need a truck this is it, if you dont but just want a truck do your home work and understand how the package youre paying for will effect the ride and handling, but this truck will have a trim level you will be happy with. Sorry but this truck blew away my beloved red ram!

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  Great Car ! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Arthur - October 12 - 5:43 pm

  A good, comfortable, safe, well performing vehicle. Lots of room, great sound system. Good creature comforts.

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  Good Van / Avoid Crooked Dealerships - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By j_ly - October 12 - 1:15 pm

  I bought my 2005 Sienna used from a private party in 2007 with 40,000 miles and I have over 130,000 miles on it today. I put new Michelin tires from Sams Club on at 90,000 miles (rotate every 10K) and they still have over half of their tread life. I changed spark plugs and plug wires as well as the timing belt at 110,000 miles. Thats it! I received a recall notice for the spare tire holder so had to bring to dealership. When I got my van back I was told I needed a new radiator ($800) and cabin air filter ($80). I brought the van back to my mechanic and he said the radiator was fine and took 2 minutes to change the cabin filter ($15). That was 15,000 miles ago!

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  BUY IT!!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ray - October 12 - 10:03 am

  This truck is the Best. The ride, cornering, seats, design, what else can I say. If you want one, BUT IT!!!

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  2010 prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By michael sanders - October 12 - 4:56 am

  More fun to drive than I expected. Lots of room inside and very comfortable. Acceptable performance and great gas mileage (50mpg). Back view is limited and the bell in reverse is a real pain.

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  Very Disappointed - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By corbinj123 - October 12 - 2:45 am

  We purchased the Sienna XLE a few weeks ago. We spent good money on a high end vehicle expecting great quality, unfortunately weve been very disappointed. All the back seats are squeaking and rattling. It started with the 3rd row seat, then the pilot chair seats. We brought it into the dealership to have it looked and they said Toyota was aware of the issues on some of the Siennas and that there was no fix. They said they are working a redesign! Why did they let this go out the door. Furthermore, when we asked the dealership to help us out and resolve the issue, they said its not their problem (there exact words). I will never buy a Toyota again!!

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  2003 Spyder rocks! - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By tullymountain - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We have a green spyder with tan leather, just got it and it is a blast! I cannot get the smile off my face whenever I drive it. The car turns like on rails, acclerates like a little rocket and gets great mileage to boot. Only complaint is getting in and out with top up...pretty tight squeeze but once inside incredibly comfortable. Some may find this strange but my wife and I both agree that the car drives considerable better than the 2001 SLK convertable we used to have! Highly recommended.

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  235 hp, are you serious? - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By trwool - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd LC and they have all been great but still only 235 hp and all of that weight??? i know, i know its a TRUCK but Toyota needs to update this motor and asap. i drive a lot of miles and will need to replace this soon. i have done all the looking as usual but the quality of this truck rules over the lack of power. maybe im asking too much.

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  1992 Camry V6 Wagon - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By tracyd - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used with just over 100K on it. Have done all the usual maintenance items, and had to rebuild the transmission at 145K (fluid pump leaked), but it is a very solid, reliable car that looks great to this day. Definitely wont be replacing any time soon.