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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  Great for town, bad for highway - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By yarisdriver - July 26 - 7:16 pm

  I have a conflicting experience with this car. We made 2 long trips in this one, one was 4000 miles/5 days long to a remote area in TX. If you live in a city, have 55 MPH speed limit–it is a great car. Roomy inside (I’m 6’4”–have plenty of space), nice MPG. If you have to operate it daily above 65 MPH–dont buy it. The car has a horrible problem with oversteering. It is not a defect, it is a design issue. Electric buster is too sensitive, so on a high speed forget about your cell phone–a small bump can be deadly. My wife got into an accident after trying to honk when doing 70 MPH: couldn’t hold the car with one hand, lost control and went into a ditch. The car is OK, but it tells a lot.

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  A great car to have - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By JR - July 26 - 5:50 pm

  Ive had my Corolla for almost 2 years now, and I must say, I enjoy driving this car. Power isnt the best, but its enough to do what you have to do. Ride quality is good. Highway driving is what I think the Corolla is bred for. Its quiet and gets you from point a to b without draining your pockets. I would suggest, if equipped, use the cruise control. It helps the car perform and keeps the speed maintained without hesitation. To get the best out of this, use 93 oct. fuel. Although it costs more, its really worth it.

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  1995 toyota camry LE 4cyl - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By rod - July 26 - 4:33 pm

  I bought my Toyota Camry in 2006 with 206,000 miles and now its got 278,000 miles and no problems yet, i just love driving it every day it still run like brand new. This is the best reliable car I have ever had, and with 3 hard snow winters this car handled very good, I love my Camry

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  Only Small on the Outside - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Sean Kecskes - July 26 - 3:36 am

  Ive had my Yaris for six months now and I still love it. I get over 40 mpg on the highway and mid to high 30s in the city. It doesnt accelerate fast but that isnt what I wanted. This car the best you can get without going hybrid. I got it on a lease but if it lives up to Toyota standards Ill probably buy it out at the end.

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  Great but a couple problems - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By tmaracle - July 26 - 3:20 am

  We like this truck. I am encountering some issues. I added the running boards with LEDs underneath that light up when the door is opened. The dealership is fixing them for the third time because the wires got corroded at the connection. It is not a water proof connector, bad design. I now also have a leaking oil pan. It appears to be the valve seal that is faulty because the hose and pan are oily. Hopefully the dealership will fix both issues under the extended warranty. So far they told me the light bulbs are not covered. LEDs are not light bulbs, they are diodes that rarely fail. This is an electrical issue. Is anyone else having problems. Albeit, these seem to be minor.

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  Good Automatic transmission - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Parthiban - July 26 - 2:53 am

  I like the performance of Automatic transmission. It accelerates pretty nice interior is pretty spacious. I like the sports cloth seats. I had 2005 Camry and this one is way better than 05 Camry.

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  Very Satisfied - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By JimCarol - July 25 - 10:56 am

  A great car to drive and it gets great mileage also. Would certainly buy one again. It has been a great experience.

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  Wish I Had My Old 4runner Back - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runnerdriver - July 25 - 3:48 am

  Ive owned 4runners since 86. Bought 11 model this yr. & this is the 1st time Ive regretted it. This car is bigger and more awkward than my 02 4runner. It feels giant but the interior feels more cramped. The HVAC controls are not good. It gets really hot inside & with the fan on hi I still feel suffocating. What is most annoying is that with each 4runner Ive owned since 86, the gas mpg is now much worse. It is basically the same car (but with more comforts and bells and whistles each year), what are you doing wrong that the MPG is getting worse??? For one, quit making them a few inches bigger each year. If I wanted bigger Id buy a Sequoia. Now Im shopping for an Explorer

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  my great friend in the highway! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By The traveler - July 24 - 8:20 pm

  I have this Yaris since 08/2007 and by fun and pleasure I have traveled the 48 states of USA but Alaska, so far, in this car. I am going to let you know something about this little vehicle: I cannot complain at all about it. I have made 6 trips in order to cover all the USA and, as far as mechanical problems is concerned, nothing has happened to it. It has at this point in time 75,000 mi on it, and I have not even had the need to change neither brakes or clutch. It runs perfect, so far. Since I got it (0 mi) I have been changing oil every 3000 miles, not 5000 ones like the dealerships advice. Hopefully, if you have one of these toys do not let the opportunity of enjoying it go. Just do it.

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  I saw it and I liked it - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By ricky55 - July 24 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased this Corolla after having my Camry for 10 years. I needed better gas mileage and lower car payments. I am also glad these cars last at least ten years. I was not disappointed. The car is actually more spunky to drive than my old Camry. This car can zip down the highway if I push it. It has more personal space than my old Camry.