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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  Best half ton truck out there! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By kfilly - March 8 - 5:46 am

  I traded in my 04 Toyota Tundra Double Cab for a Limited 07 Tundra Double Cab which was a dealership demo. I like both versions. The newer model has a few quirks. The ride is definitely not as refined as previous generations of Tundras. The blue tooth phone system cannot dial anyone in my cell phone directory via voice dialing (otherwise it is excellent). I replaced a factory radio due to a funny noise. The new Tundra design has a lot more power. It is more fun to drive. I also have two shedding dogs, and I appreciate the fact the interior is easy to clean. Something other than the silver plastic interior finish would have been very nice.

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  Great Truck, 10 years till my next one! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff Miles - March 8 - 1:03 am

  I have to be honest that this is the best truck that I have ever owned. It does great on gas. I never have any problem with it. I use it for hauling, loading kayaks, mountain biking. And driving all over the country. In 5 years I have put 100,000 miles on it with no problem. I plan to put another 150,000 miles on it. I just keep the oil changed brakes and tires every two years and she runs like a champ. Great looking truck to. Next time though I think I am going to buy the v6. Better for towing my motorcycle!!

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  Watch out for rust - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Sarah - March 7 - 11:39 pm

  I owned this car for 2 1/2 years and put about 130K on it. It was a great little car but I had to get rid of it because the bottom completely rusted out. Engine was still in great shape after 200K miles. Peppy accelerating up hill- not like other small cars Ive owned (flooring it and creeping up the hill at 50 mph on the highway!) Definitely invest in some undercoating if you live up north like me.

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  Its not for everybody, but its for me!! - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By sodes - March 7 - 7:04 pm

  I purchase a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser in the spring of 2009 after suffering through another Chicago Winter with my Honda Accord. Two tires and rims at a cost of nearly $1000 after hitting a few potholes prompted my decision. Also, I needed a vehicle to pull my snowmobiles and our small lexus RX350 was just barely up for the task. Having put nearly 40K on the truck since I purchased it I can honestly say that there is nothing the city can throw at me that it cant take. This recent February the Blizzard of 2011 dropped nearly 20" of snow in 24 hours. With stock tires this truck blasted through drifts up to the hood, through rutted tracks upto the doors with ease, just keep on the gas..

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  Great Car - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Rich - March 7 - 12:23 pm

  Extremely reliable. Change the oil and maintain it well, and you will get 200,000 miles out of it. Very easy to drive, easy to use dashboard controls. Well engineered. This is the kind of car you keep in the family for 15 years or more. Great car for a college student.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris - March 7 - 9:06 am

  I bought this car new because I have always heard about Toyota dependability. Gas was never 30 mpg as advertised. I have had problems with the oil. Several times, the oil light would not be on but when I checked it or the oil was changed, nothing showed on the stick. I have had the engine checked several times but they did not detect any leak. Finally, someone determined the valve cover gasket was leaking. Now I have had the valve cover gasket changed several times to no avail--I put in oil almost every time I use it. Also inside handles on all 4 doors have broken off. I have owned some pretty old cars, but never had all the door handles break off. I would not buy it again.

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - March 7 - 9:00 am

  Great car that is very well thought out. It seems like Toyota thought about everything. But I am a b it disappointed in the fact that there have been two recalls.

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  Be sure this is what you want - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By demetrios999 - March 7 - 5:01 am

  Run the numbers before making your decision. 50 mpg is impressive, but the Prius costs several thousand dollars more than a comparably equipped gas-only vehicle (think Corolla). If you drive 15,000 miles per year, the difference in annual fuel costs between a car that gets 30mpg and a car that gets 50mpg is only $600/year @ $3/gallon, or $800/year at $4/gallon. You may never make up the cost difference. Power is acceptable (not great) when you punch "Power Mode", otherwise it is a road hazard. I always punch that button when driving from a stoplight or getting on the highway, and turn it off when I am up to speed.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By jdtds1 - March 7 - 4:26 am

  At first, I was hesitant to buy such a compact car since I have driven nothing but SUVs. I sold my 2003 Suburbam about a month ago because of gas prices but when my brother told me about the Corolla I paid attention. I was looking for economical car anyways and went to test drive it. I was hooked as soon as I drove it.It rides smoothly, it has power and it is fun to drive. The features I got for the price, automatic transmission, power mirrors, CD, outside temperture and AC all for the outrageous price of $11,998.00 is a heck of a deal.

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  A joy to drive - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Laura Siwicki - March 6 - 5:51 pm

  Wow, everytime I get in this vehicle to go anywhere I am blown away by the quiet, the comfort and the amazing ride. So happy with my decision.