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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  Wouldve been good. Shouldve. - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By LostRealist - August 5 - 4:00 am

  Good car, but it does have problems. I dont know if we got a lemon, or if this is just the way this car is. We bought this car new, and since then have only put 45,000 miles on it. The engine is very noisy now, which cant be due to a bad driver. The family member that drives this is very gentle with it, making no use of the 200-some hp engine. Gas mileage is pretty poor for a Toyota, even if it is an SUV. Had to replace the blower fan and motor for the a/c 3 times already. Its starting to go out again. Original brakes are still on it and even though they dont need to be replaced anytime soon, they still emit a soft high-pitched sqeal.

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  Blown Head Gasket! Not a happy camper! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By rmshively - August 5 - 1:24 am

  Bought our very first 1995 4Runner v6 manual. I had always wanted one but had NO IDEA about the head gasket problems. I had a feeling not to buy it but I didnt and now I wish I hadnt. I mean I love this car but I wish it had more horse power, and with 150 hp its not nearly powerfull enough for a v6. Its extremely slow going up hills and it sucks down the gas at incredible rates. I really dont think this thing could pull anything and get up a hill properly. So last week it didnt pass smog and to our horror it was a blown head gasket. We bought it at 174,000 miles and its at 209,900 right now. Going to get another better, more powerful vehicle. The engine is shot now. Crappy engine!!

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  I love my Camry! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Momof2 - August 4 - 4:20 pm

  We bought this Camry one year old. It has 112,500 miles now. I plan to keep it at least a few more years because it is so reliable. Catalytic converter failed in 2009 in a different state but the Camry got us home! That is the only major repair. This year we drove it 13 hours one way on vacation and got 36 mpg with a full trunk, 2 adults & 2 kids!

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  Couldnt be much better - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Aaaaaron090 - August 4 - 3:00 pm

  This is an excellent truck for daily driving, and has plenty more to offer for the adventuresome folks in the crowd. I use my truck to travel across the nation, and around town. Ive only had to keep up with routine checkups, but no other notable problems... Highly Satisfied!

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  Couldnt be much better - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Aaaaaron090 - August 4 - 3:00 pm

  This is an excellent truck for daily driving, and has plenty more to offer for the adventuresome folks in the crowd. I use my truck to travel across the nation, and around town. Ive only had to keep up with routine checkups, but no other notable problems... Highly Satisfied!

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  bad a/c - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By daisy - August 4 - 2:06 pm

  This is my 2nd Camry. I have had major problems with A/C. The compressor, motor, and other components had to be replaced. Getting parts was a real hassle. Also, the intermittent wipers did not work when I bought it. I have had to replace tires at less than 30,000 miles which is rediculous. I dont know if I have a lemon or what.I am aprehensive about the A/C.

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  Darn good truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By islanderfan - August 4 - 12:50 pm

  Just got the truck 4 days ago, 250 miles on it. Breaking it in easy, but you can tell it has the power to do any job required. Rides like a car, quiet and smooth. Fits in the barn (9 garage door) but just fits. Looking forward to a long relationship with this truck.

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  Love my 05 Sienna XLE - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Lee - August 4 - 12:26 pm

  No problems at all. Totally rattle and squeak free. A little more wind and road noise than Id like, but my last car was a Lexus LS400. Ride is a little firmer than Id like too. Gas mileage is only 13, but its all very short in- city trips. No highway. It is a very fine minivan.

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  Corolla LE - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By tom1975 - August 4 - 11:16 am

  Great and reliable car. In 60,000 miles, all Ive done is change the oil!

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  This is a FUN TOY - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By R Lafitte - August 4 - 6:43 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. People are always telling me what a cute car I have. The top is very easy to get up and down. It is a great car.