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:

• 

  On reliable car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Anonymous - September 18 - 12:22 am

  I got the car when it had 77k on it. Seven years later and 30k miles on it, it still is running. Other than the exterior (which rusted near the wheel arch, bottom of the car, and door frame) the car runs smooth. When I first got the car, it had an alternator problem two months later. Then the brake pads needed to be replaced at around 89k. Around 90k, the AC went out as it had a leak. Replaced it for $600 and the problem wasnt solved. Then the timing belt and water pump needed to be replaced. Gasket seal for the transmission pan at 98k, followed by an exhaust system replacement at 100k. Then finally the spark plugs had to be replaced even though it was replaced less than two years ago. Seems like the original spark plug that came with the car was superior than the one bought at Advanced Auto Part.

• 

  Great truck! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ted - September 17 - 11:56 am

  Only thing I would have to change is the paint. Drives like a charm, reliability and drivetrain performance is great. Overall really happy with the truck.

• 

  loving it - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By cowtipper - September 17 - 10:00 am

  this has been the best vehicle I have owned. Have been on three long trips and have enjoyed every minute of it

• 

  Front end brake problems - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By ahardrain1 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Have had both rotors replaced twice with less then 45k. Front end shake is a constant. Not to mention poor tread wear on third set of tires. There is a service bulletin on this issue and if you are experienceing this problem, get vocal.

• 

  Gas Hog - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Gail Delia - September 17 - 10:00 am

  For a 4 cylinder AWD and as light as this vehicle is it stinks on gas mileage. We get 17 miles/gal around town. Ugh. The CRV we had got 24 around town and it was a 6 cylinder AWD It doesnt hold its value. We leased it, we have 5,500 mile son it and to buy out the lease is still $23,000...more than a brand new one. Dont buy one.

• 

  Great certified used car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By NLS - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is comfortable to ride in and quiet. As a short driver I can reach pedals comfortably and have good visibility. Taller drivers are also comfortable. Lots of room in the back seat, and the trunk is roomy. Decent radio & cd player too. This car is pleasant to drive, I look forward to getting into it.

• 

  worth the purchase - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By beachcomber - September 17 - 10:00 am

  a great "city" car and its also good on the Sunday drive. This car wont break the bank. Ive got very nice compliments from friends and co- workers. Toyotas new design makes this a stylish break out for a younger driver. Its the type of vehicle that wont have you wondering "whats gonna happen now".

• 

  2004 V8 220K - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By sfl0294 - September 17 - 9:18 am

  In Aug. 2004 I decided to buy a brand new 4Runner Sport Edition V8. Thinking that I too would buy a new one after it started showing signs of use, its quite comical actually before owning a 4Runner I had got new cars about every 2-3 years, due to maintenance and worrying about breaking down. I travel for work throughout New England for work and still have yet to ever have an issue while driving. I take very good car of my cars and do a lot of preventative maintenance when not on the road but still this SUV has paid for itself at least three times over. I just ordered a new 2014 4runner today and will be giving my old one to my niece for the summer.

• 

  Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By dc - September 17 - 9:10 am

  Love nearly everything about the car. my only 2 complaints are the paint. It scratches sooooo easy, have the keyless entry and the door handle areas are all scratched badly, and I have short nails. As well as any place that is barely bumped, mirrors, door jams hood etc. and the interior doors the material cuts, dents easily too. Otherwise great car.

• 

  2005 Toyota Tundra Double Cab - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - September 17 - 2:40 am

  Toyota - The most relaiable truck, period. Toyota did a great job on the Tundra both inside & out. This is my third Toyota, and I have never had any problems with them mechanically or cosmetic. My only complaint on the Tundra is that it came with Dunlop tires from the factory, and they are terrible. I only have 9500 miles on the truck, and the tires are shot. I cant understand why Toyota would put crappy tires on this truck. The fuel mileage could use some improvement too. I get 15 hwy - should be around 20 hwy. If you are looking for a quality, dependable truck, the Tundra is the one!!