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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  Superb reliability - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Very happy customer - August 14 - 1:55 am

  Bought my 94 Camry 2.2L in 2011 with 107,000 miles. Now has 157, 000 and have only replaced the starter and oil changes. Starter went out due to sitting in the garage for almost a year, due to circumstances, not mechanical issues. Honestly the best car Ive ever owned. The reliability of this car is ridiculously high. Last winter we got a ton of snow and she powered through everywhere we went with no issues. Even had to push my girlfriends SUV into our driveway with it. Cant go wrong with this car, my only complaints are: the the A/C hasnt worked since I bought it due to a leak. And the muffler rusted off, so its louder than normal but not excessive. Parts are easy to find and cheap to buy if you need them. Highly recommended Around 25-30 mpg,

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  3rd Gen 4Runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - August 13 - 11:43 pm

  IMHO... 4Runners are the best mid sized SUV on the road. My 3rd generation 4Runner has noticably more power and creature comforts. The only prob Ive noticed (hence my build quality descrepancy)is the door seals. Drivers and rear passenger molding does not fit right. Local dealer just shrugs and says I can get a new set of molding for more than Im willing to pay. Oh well... great truck.. just wish Id held out for 4X4.

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  An Amazing Buy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By nutcake - August 13 - 4:33 pm

  I love this car. The key less entry is great for shopping. It drives really smoothe. This is my third Camry, I had a 96, 98, and now a 2007. Very roomy.

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  First month - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By newlimited - August 13 - 12:20 pm

  I tested every full-size truck out there over the summer. I loved the Nissan Titan, but it was a little too loud had HUGE towing mirrors. I liked the F-150 (esp on Z-plan). In fact, I liked those 2 better than Tundra SR5, but once I drove the Limited, I had a clear choice. It had the smoothest ride of any truck (full size OR compact) and every feature I wanted with only feature I didnt want (a cassette player!). Some may prefer the feel of a big truck, but for me the refinement in the ride was a selling point. The Toyota quality is a bonus.

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  Gotta love Toyota - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Tom - August 13 - 6:16 am

  I love my New White Corolla S. I fell in love the second I walked in the dealership. Only problem is, dealership couldnt give me my keyless entry remote the day I bought it, so I have to wait. Which means the cars security system locks up the ignition and disables the car from starting when I open the door with only the key. The steering wheel also shakes, so I suppose it needs an alignment. However, it is Toyota, its beautiful and I love the car. It is very peppy for only a 4 cylinder and has great pickup.

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  A Really Good Car! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Laurie - August 13 - 1:30 am

  I have a manual XR & it easily gets 34 mpg city & 41 + on hwy. With the back seats down, it sure can haul a lot of stuff. I think this car is under-rated. Ive not had a lick of major trouble, just usual mtce & oil changes, etc.

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  Toyota is not reliable anymore!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Julie - August 12 - 11:03 pm

  Fantastic for the first 3 years. Fits a bunch of stuff, comfy to drive long distance, stylish, and great fuel economy. After 3 years our drivers side window totally broke, not related to the recall. Fixable, but only with a new door. We are living without working window. Then at 95,000 miles our engine blew a rod and needs to be totally replaced. WHAT!?!? Warranty only went to 60,000 miles and despite the fact that we maintained the car properly Toyota refuses to take responsibility for the bad build - acting like it is normal for cars to die this young. We expected to drive this for 250,000 miles based on reputation. Well, Toyota is bunk in our book. Honda here we come.

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  The Poor Mans Lexus - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By GregVas - August 12 - 9:36 pm

  From day one, the Camry has exceeded nearly all my expectations. The engine is strong providing brisk acceleration. The interior is top notch and the navigation system is very intuitive. The sound system is superb providing clear and crisp audio - even when played loudly. From the heated seats, to the push button start, to the MP3 capability and on screen selection capabilities this car is truly a joy. Im consistently amazed at how much response there is off the line from the V6. And, the response doesnt end there, at highway speeds when you punch the accelerator the engine downshifts and provides a surge of forward motivation.

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  From a Tahoe to a Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Mollie - August 12 - 2:00 pm

  Amazing car to drive. Love that I only have to fill the tank every two to three weeks.

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  The perfect car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - August 12 - 8:53 am

  I love this car. Ive gone 150K miles and its still brand new; original tires being the only problem so far. I paid it off last year so, normally, Id buy a new car. But Id only get another Prius, so why? My only worry is the battery. Its covered to 150K; but nobody seems to know how long it will last. So far Ive replace nothing! And the brakes are still great! I Love This Car!