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:

• 

  A Work Truck AND an Luxury Car - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve H - March 15 - 10:46 pm

  For the person who needs a Luxury Car but WANTS A TRUCK- I would suggest looking into the Tundra X-SP Package. The leather seats and carbon fiber accents throughout the dashboard and arm rests make this truck luxurious and sporty. The BBS wheels and 305/50R 20 Michellins give this truck the perfect look, stance, and a ride that rivals any luxury car I have ever ridden in. The backseat of the double cab is roomy enough for someone who is 62" to sit comfortably behind someone 62" in the drivers seat. And the truck handles like a DREAM! I have driven F150s, RAMs, and Titans and this truck out accelerates and handles all of them. I LOVE MY TRUCK!

• 

  04 Tundrea Double Cab SR5 4X4 - 214K Miles No Problem - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By grace_524 - March 15 - 9:15 pm

  I have a 2004 Tundra Double cab SR5 4X4. My truck has 214K miles on it and Ive had no problems except small power steering leak but I simply add some power steering fluid every month. Great Truck!!!

• 

  A brilliant vehicle - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By yoda1 - March 15 - 4:20 pm

  I bought it new and done 180000K. Only maintenance so far is replacing power steering pump and routine maintenance of brakes and timing belt twice as per schedule. We were so impressed with Sienna,we bought a second Sienna for my wife!

• 

  Civic vs Corolla & Prices - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Dubovy - March 15 - 12:03 am

  Im a Honda man but the new 03 Corolla swayed me. I went to a dealership that sells Honda and Toyota cars and compared them side by side and opted for the Corolla. I could have the 02Civic LX for $13,431 or the 03 Corolla LE with some useless stuff they force you to buy, for $14,309, both prices delivered. The Corolla is bigger, has tighter build, keyless entry, CD and now looks better for less than a $900 dollar difference. The Civic is great but be sure to look at the Corolla.

• 

  love this car - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Pam - March 14 - 11:56 pm

  I first tried this car brand-new. Hated the headlights back then, so I bought a Honda Civic. Big mistake. Bought this car used a few years ago. I love it. Drives well, perfect for me. Looks awesome. No problems whatsoever with it. I even bought extra warranty, now I know that was a waste of money. Just take care of it, change the oil, change the tires, and it will take care of you. I am soooo sad I will have to sell it, but I just had a baby and getting a car seat in/out is a bear.

• 

  Faithful little car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By catherine r - March 14 - 7:50 pm

  Mechanic says at 125,000 miles (mostly highway miles) itll go another 125,000. Its that well-made. Rust appeared only in 10th year of ownership and I had it removed. Now its like new.

• 

  Awesome SUV - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sean - March 14 - 12:23 pm

  Picked up my 4runner last week and absolutely love it. I owned a 99 4runner and always regretted getting rid of it. Ive owned many SUVs but nothing has compared to the 4runner. If you are tired of all the new "crossovers" (reworked minivans) and want a true SUV then the 4runner is for you. The new exterior is classic and the interior is highly functional and looks great in leather.

• 

  Pretty car but runs lousy.. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Driving me NUTZ - March 14 - 6:06 am

  I was so excited when I bought this car. My mom swears by her Toyota & I have always heard great things. This car has caused me nothing but worries. The transmission is horrible, it shifts/revs horribly at the wrong times, it putters when it hits 1 1/2 rpms while coasting unless you rev it or hit the breaks, if you try to start the car in really cold weather it makes a horrible grinding noise, the dash rattles ALL the time, when I try to accelerate getting on the freeway it doesnt move & scares me and when it does move it revs even after take your foot from the gas. I took the car in once for several of these issues & was told it was fixed & could not find other issue. Going back Monday!

• 

  Reliable - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Lindsay - March 13 - 10:50 pm

  This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever had. Still at 178,000 miles it has yet to break down on me once. Toyotas are AMAZING, and definitely worth every penny. I got in a wreck and it completely totalled the other SUV. I walked away without even a dent or scratch on my 4runner.

• 

  Can a Mercedes owner really like a Toyota - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By camry 300TD - March 13 - 12:40 pm

  Daily commute 100 miles times 23 years. It has take four used 79-83 Mercedes diesels to get me this far. (However saving one seems only prudent.) Bought the 01 used 36600 miles. Although the Camry doesnt give you the feel of the heavy Mercedes, its ride is acceptable. The Camry takes less maintenance so far than the over engineered Mercedes. The 4 cylinder does fine, very smooth.