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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  Rav4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Lynn - September 18 - 11:50 am

  I really like the rav4 with the exception of the road noise. It is extremely loud. I would not recommend this vehicle for that reason. I will be getting rid of mine as soon as I can.

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  Jacks update - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jack Harris - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Just returned from a 4200 mile trip to TX and rtn to CA. Traveled Rte I-40, altitude 7334 plus, on problems. averaged 45 MPG for the trip driving 70 - 75 MPH.

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  The Camry - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Nick2000 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  One good Car thats all I can say. We bought the car certified in April of 2003. For 3 years old we got it for just under 13,000, and 36,000 miles. Not one problem after a year and a half. The car has the reliabilty part down to par, but now we have to get some excitment. The V6 was probably the fastest in its class for 2000. The suspension is a little bouncy, and the interior is a little ugly compared to the Celica. Toyota could have a better car then the passat all around. But deffinitly would buy another one. Best car I ever bought when it comes to down to the money. Awsome sound system and its not the JBL version.

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  long time toyota owner - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By altoona - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Over all it is ok for the money. Drive train is very noisy at slow speeds or when climbing hills. I have owned toyota trucks for many years and would not even consider any other type of maker. I would like to have had a clock somewhere on the dash.

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  wyo_taco - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By wyoming taco - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Good quality,only 20mpg,cruise control is a joke,no foot room for big boots, underpowered,hard to wear coat in truck.

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  My first Toyota - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By ruffy25 - September 17 - 6:24 pm

  At age 58 and having owned maybe 20 cars, this is my first Toyota and I do not regret it. I bought it on its reputation for reliability and life-span, and was pleasantly surprised at the comfort and performance. The 1.8L gives decent acceleration, I had a concern that because of my driving habits, which consist of a 1.5 mile trip to the store, shut off, re-start and come home totals 3 miles of driving about 4 times a week that eventually the battery would not re-charge from not enough driving. But after 5 months: no problem. I have of course taken longer trips, but what I described sometimes goes on for a month. Complaint: no trunk-open on remote entry.

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  LOW SPEED SHIFT PROBLEMS - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By JT - September 16 - 6:00 pm

  Bought current tacoma 14 November 2009. I immediately noticed a problem with the shifting at low speeds; up and down. The fuel mileage was poor; 14 to 16 compared to my old 2001. Visited this website and learned of the TSB for the 2009. There is now a TSB for the 2010. So far, the truck is running as I expect. I will have to wait on any improvement to the mileage although I expect it to improve. I am 62" and have no comfort issues, the telescopic steering wheel enables me to leave some legroom for the rear seat.

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  Beautiful Simplicity! - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By jacobw001 - September 15 - 5:59 am

  We have long been a Ford family however our last Fusion did not meet our expectations due to a lot of mechanical issues and poor fuel economy. After test drives of the Ford Focus, Mazda 3 and Mazda 6, the Corolla was by far my favorite and has been a great car, both in performance and build quality. So far weve averaged around 33 MPG in mostly city driving conditions which helps a lot with higher fuel prices! This car looks great both inside and out and is fun to drive as well. I look forward to giving this car to my son in about six years when he gets his license!

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  luvmytoyota - 1997 Toyota T100
  By VT truck - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Toyota has built a good truck. I have driven my truck across country twice with a full load, and I never had a problem. I have 76,000 on the truck now and I have only had to do the routine work to keep it running great. The driver seat can get a little uncomfortable on long drives.

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  Fun, functional and versitile! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Tpajou - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased and XR auto version in February 02 and received it in July 02. I love the car. Its fun to drive, very functional and versitile. Great fuel economy too. I only had problems with the rattling dash and CD player that plays only half my CDs, even after 3 replacements. It is an economy car and not a luxtury car, so its not very quite and the materials are actually much better and others in this cathegory, but not like the camry!