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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  Stylish and sluggish - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By BC - March 17 - 8:26 am

  This is my fourth Camry... best looking, poorest performing. Sluggish, like a person trying to run in water. Shifts often and hard; especially on an incline and on cruise control. Hesitates when accelerating after slowing down, especially coming out of a turn.

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  towing my boat - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By zig - March 17 - 12:56 am

  towed my 17ft Boston whaler 350 miles and got an impressive 20mpg considering i used to get about 12mpg with my truck-the highlander towed the boat with no problems at all plus a lot more comfortable

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  Car seat is very badly designed - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Samir - March 17 - 12:50 am

  Car seat for 2009 Camry base model are designed very badly. Because of this I am starting to develop back pain. I will not recommend anyone to buy this car unless Toyota changes its seat model and makes it back friendly.

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  corolla S - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Aravind Ravi - March 16 - 1:23 pm

  it is a fun and affordable family car, it even has a sporty feel and look with the S model and great gas mileage.

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  Never again will I buy a RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By mommao - March 16 - 12:55 pm

  I bought a Toyota because of the reputation of reliability. This was my first brand new car, I took care of it especially because I wanted to hand it down to my daughter (just like the commercial right?). Unfotunately, Im not even done paying it off and it needs a new engine. Soon after I bought it I realized I had made a mistake, but it was little things that bothered me, I felt I didnt get much for the price I paid, and it wasnt all that great on gas. Now with the engine going, I am extremely unhappy with my purchase and most likely will never buy another Toyota.

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  Ill never sell - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Luke - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This truck is one of the best trucks Ive ever owned! Starts every time and all I do is change the oil and tires. The over all cost to get around is less that any other truck I know of. 13 years and still running like a champ! I bet Ill get 300,000 miles on this one easy. Thank you Toyota!

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  Most Reliable Vehicle Ive Ever Owned! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By edmundsreviewer - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I picked this truck up early 2006, and it has been a pleasure to drive. I just had to perform my first non- routine maintenance on the truck (front brake job)@ 80K. These brakes lasted 20K longer than any other vehicle Ive owned. I use this car for everything including , commuting, hauling, towing, and driving the beaches of the OBX. The truck still drives like the day I got her, without any squeaks or rattles. Im getting the itch to buy a new car (lexus ES350 or Corvette), but my Tacoma is not going anywhere. The car is too reliable and versatile to ever think of letting it go. I have no doubt this car will go over 200K with little more than oil changes.

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  Great truck! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By George - March 16 - 10:00 am

  The 4 cyl does all I need it to do and more. Its been up and down the mountains, through tough places, hauls loads, pulls moderate trailers and just keeps going without problems. The first truck Ive owned that gets better MPG than the window sticker. Rarely less than 20 and rarely more than 23 MPG.

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  Best Truck Ever - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By axtran - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I love the 2011 Tacoma. I went for the biggest 2WD I could get! The 4.0L V6 actually gets better mileage than my old car did (a 4 cyl at that!). The car is very nice for a truck, rides smoothly and the features and creature comforts are wonderful. This Tacoma is pretty large though, almost feels like youre driving a Tundra. Ride isnt bad through California traffic and on California highways.

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  Most Reliable Car ever Made!! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By dblock1283 - March 16 - 6:16 am

  This 1999 corolla is absolutely amazing. More reliable than any Honda Ive owned. 200,000 miles, Ive put on 40k of them in 2 years and only have done oil changes. The car is way more comfortable than civic or integra of same year, ride is smooth and power is sufficient.