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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  Amazingly wonderful - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By nelhig - August 31 - 8:26 pm

  Ive wanted a Prius for years, but havent acted on it because of the unavailability (so it seems). Then I saw one at a local car lot. Since my daughter recently started driving, I jumped on it so I could give her my old Volvo. I didnt get a screamin deal, but it was the color I loved and low mileage for a used 2008 Prius. (Supposedly, the former owner was a big guy and didnt feel comfortable in it.) As for me, I love it! Its a blast to drive, sturdier than I thought, mileage is excellent (55-58 mpg around town), and comfortable. The front window is like a big screen t.v. I drive slower too which is a good thing for me. Ive not had buyers remorse at all. Im very pleased with this car.

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  Grandpa - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By grandpasmall - August 31 - 6:56 pm

  Could have better gas mileage but liveable. Only complaint is about the transmission. The computer could be updated or something done to prevent down shift in the mountains.

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  One step forward, half step back. - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Freshies - August 31 - 5:43 pm

  For reference, we owned a 07 Odyssey Touring, test drove the previous gen Sienna & road tripped ~1000mi in this 11. The new Sienna has a significantly improved drivetrain. The engine is strong & passing is easier than in the Odyssey. The steering is accurate though lifeless. And the brakes are better than the Hondas. In terms of driving, the new Sienna & the Odyssey are equal & both are far better than the last gen Sienna. Everything else, however, seems not as good. The plastics are about the cheapest Ive encountered outside a rental car. The road noise is far worse than the last gens. The 2nd row lazy-boy seats are a useless gimmick. The backup cameras display is microscopic.

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  21 and still going! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Rochelle - August 31 - 12:59 pm

  I bought my wagon at the age of 7, with 97,000 miles on it. It was the only reliable car Ive ever had. Sure it needed repairs, but it never left me in a lurch anywhere. And I never had to replace the same part twice, except for tires .Some of the parts I replaced recently were still OEM parts. Now it has 208,000 miles, and I would have kept her another ten years, but I totaled her last month. They stopped making the wagon in 1996, so here will never be another like her. But I still see them on the road. From the technology point of view, nothing was digital except the radio, and she came with a cassette player, but at that time, most of my music was still on cassette. The other controls are simple and easy to figure out.

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  21 and still going! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Rochelle - August 31 - 12:59 pm

  I bought my wagon at the age of 7, with 97,000 miles on it. It was the only reliable car Ive ever had. Sure it needed repairs, but it never left me in a lurch anywhere. And I never had to replace the same part twice, except for tires .Some of the parts I replaced recently were still OEM parts. Now it has 208,000 miles, and I would have kept her another ten years, but I totaled her last month. They stopped making the wagon in 1996, so here will never be another like her. But I still see them on the road. From the technology point of view, nothing was digital except the radio, and she came with a cassette player, but at that time, most of my music was still on cassette. The other controls are simple and easy to figure out.

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  21 and still going! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Rochelle - August 31 - 12:59 pm

  I bought my wagon at the age of 7, with 97,000 miles on it. It was the only reliable car Ive ever had. Sure it needed repairs, but it never left me in a lurch anywhere. And I never had to replace the same part twice, except for tires .Some of the parts I replaced recently were still OEM parts. Now it has 208,000 miles, and I would have kept her another ten years, but I totaled her last month. They stopped making the wagon in 1996, so here will never be another like her. But I still see them on the road. From the technology point of view, nothing was digital except the radio, and she came with a cassette player, but at that time, most of my music was still on cassette. The other controls are simple and easy to figure out.

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  Gone but not forgotten - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By pprodshd - August 31 - 9:26 am

  This is an epitaph as our "toy car" was recently totaled while parked on the street. At 93K miles, we had done oil changes and a $150 brake job. We enjoyed 2+ years with no payment or service needs. Was a great city car and always an adventure going 70 mph with a cross wind. It had 100% more charisma than any other sub compact from then or now. She will be missed. Probably moving into a civic. BORING

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  2002 Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Highlander02 - August 31 - 6:40 am

  This is my 3rd and last Toyota as the reliability has been just plain awful. Ive had constant interior rattles and now my instrument cluster is dead, as are two air to fuel sensors. Im only 2k out of warranty and the dealer along with Toyota said Too Bad, even though its always been dealer serviced. Having a $1200 repair at just over 3 years of age while being just 2k out of warranty is unacceptable. Who ever heard of an instrument cluster dying at just 3 years of age!

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  Love my Yota!! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Sandy Snide - August 30 - 10:58 pm

  I bought my Corolla CE new in 07/2006. 134,000+ miles on it and engine and AT still great! Other than regular maintenance, Ive only had to replace a wheel bearing, brake caliper, shoes and pads, and front rotors. Of course, here in Maine we have lots of frost heaves and potholes to break for so I guess that explains it. My baby goes great in snow with all season radials and Ive never gotten stuck anywhere except in my yard when we had 6 inches of crust. Love the roomy trunk! Recently, the clock works only intermittently and is driving me nuts, but I guess I can deal with that. I was nearly T-boned by a Jeep one day but floored it and got almost out of his way. He hit me on the back of the rear passenger side fender/bumper. I was surprised to see that the only damage to my car was a small piece broken out of the bumper. Gas mileage is great! Tires seem to wear fast even with regular rotation, but that may just be the tires. I honestly expect Ill get well over 300,000 miles out of this car, which I purchased for Toyotas reliability and longevity. I do wish the paint was better though - it chips very easily. All in all, its a great car and I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By TonyB - August 30 - 4:53 pm

  My 4runner is perfect for what I need and thats the key. For the people who dont like the towing (marginal) of the 4runner or that its too trucklike (its built on a truck frame!) make sure you buy the vehicle for what you will use it for. Mine is great in the mountains, hauling 4 people with ski equipment, camping gear, bikes, etc. Phenomenal in the snow and mud and mountain passes, but still refined on flat surfaces. Much quieter than my 2000 4runner. Good size without feeling boatlike. Bulletproof reliability and resale value. This vehicle certainly covers the utility in SUV,with great body styling. Again, I wouldnt suggest for towing or grocery grabbing.