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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  Love that Tacoma! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tracker - September 13 - 10:23 pm

  The car is very well built, fun to drive and easy to maintain. I like the bed material (carbon fiber?) that is stronger than steel, but rust proof. I like the oil filter mounted on top of the engine, which is easy to change. It is so easy, I am changing my own oil for the first time in my life. My MPG is over 20MPG, reaching 24 on some highway trips, but I do drive with minimal gas consumption in mind. I like the rear seat fold-downs for carrying capacity. The interior is car-like, not truck-like. The ride is a bit stiff, but it is a truck! You need a bed cover, a bed pad so stuff doesnt slide, and a ramp, and you are set to go! No problems after 9K miles. So far, so good!

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  Driver door wind noise driving me nuts - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By gjungle1 - September 13 - 9:16 pm

  I have been a Toyota man for the past 22 yrs, so are my kids, my 2010 corolla sport has excessive wind noise coming from both front doors, 2 dealers looked at it, was told its a characteristic of car? To live with it. Sorry I owned a 1998 rav 4 soft top with no wind noise, my 88 corolla no wind noise for life of car. 500,000 km, and my daughter yaris no wind noise. Live with it? Quality really have gone down hill, I hate driving a Toyota!

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  Toyota 4Runner SR5 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mmerc - September 13 - 8:40 pm

  Wouldnt you know it, finally can afford a 4Runner and not crazy about new body style. Love mid-90s 4Runners and all previous. This one is cool, but almost ostentatious-looking. Also the gas mileage is really pretty bad; so far just driving in town, hope its better on a road trip. Great Toyota quality seems intact. Rear-seat passengers complained about "too much heat" in back seat in winter, dont know -- a little bulky to turn & park. Also uneasy about "push button" 4WD: prefer old lever style in an emergency which is when you would want it. Still love it overall.

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  Corolla Rolls On and On - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris - September 13 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in 1997 and have used it primarily for work trips which are now 66 miles one way. The Corolla has 264,000 miles on it and has never broken down and has received normal maintenance. No engine problems whatsoever though it uses one quart of oil every 2,000 miles, similar to another reviewers experience. Only recurring problem is the exhaust manifold has been replaced twice. Minnesota salt? The car is roomy enough but the comfort level becomes quite average after a while. Still - very economical at 38 mpg in the summer, 30 mpg in the winter (highway)

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  Best 2007 Car Value - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Camry LE - September 13 - 5:30 pm

  Extremely comfortable with 3 separate power driver seat adjustments. Well designed cargo space with convenient cup holders and lots of storage. Good sound system. Handles well at all normal driving speeds. Roomy both front and rear seats.

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  best car out there and very stylish - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By becky - September 13 - 3:23 pm

  this car is amazing.. i fell in love with it before it became popular.. i had to order the se when i never even saw what it looked like in person since no dealership had the se in stock and they only make 10% of the ses.. i recommend this car to anyone.. the se is especially good for younger drivers, since it has ground effects, sunroof, and a nice sound system and nice color dials

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  Overall... decent! - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toe Knee - September 13 - 3:10 pm

  This truck is amazing. I got the TRD Off Road package and it rides like a champ. With the upgraded Bilstein shocks and better tires than SR5 model, the truck rides amazingly. Although Ive only owned the truck for a very short time, Im sure Ill be owning this very truck for many, many years to come.

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  It Rocks !!! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By shank - September 13 - 2:50 pm

  Been almost 3 years not... but I can just say, that this car has lived up to my expectations. No major issues at all. Just a few trips to the shop for the top. Interiors are great, excellent space in the rear.

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  Great little car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Chopper - September 13 - 5:30 am

  With gas prices close to $4 per gallon, I had to step down from my Yukon XL and wanted the most economical car I could find without going hybrid. I didnt know what an Echo was, but in my research, this car continued to show up with top ratings and top MPG. I have had the car several months and several thousand miles and the reviews were right. Gas mileage 36-38 combined driving, with interstate driving at 70 mph. I am very pleased with the car and would consider another. Better performance than a 2000 Ford Focus I also own. It is amazing what that 1.5 L engine can do with this car. I plan to keep this one for a long time.

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  Great Car No Matter What Your Size! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By 1217trees - September 12 - 11:33 pm

  I have owned my Matrix for 2 years now. I love it. I am 52" and fit very comfortably and my son who is 66" has plenty of leg room and head clearance! This vehicle is so reliable and fun to drive. Love this car!