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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  Rumble strip tranny - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By VaTundraOwner - February 27 - 12:40 pm

  Like everything about this truck except for one unfortunate issue. The six speed auto seems to randomly start vibrating as if going over a rumble strip. It feels like a torque converter issue. Picked up from dealer today after they evaluated it. They are going to replace the transmission which only has about 800 miles on it. What adds insult to injury is that they are replacing this with a rebuilt unit. I for one havent had real good luck with other rebuilt auto parts. Service said Toyota wouldnt let them order a new one. They had their crankshaft issue earlier this year now it appears the transmission may be an issue. This truck cost almost 50k!

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  2009 Camry XLE - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By marcusjlynn - February 27 - 9:13 am

  I love my Toyota Camry XLE. The V-6 engine gives you more than enough power on the road. Acceleration from start is adequate, but accelerating in the higher gears is awesome!

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  Just bought our new suv! What an improvement! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By aaron barnard - February 27 - 6:32 am

  Our first suv was a murano, and that was a nightmare. So many issues, including the head gasket blowing @ 90k!? Anyway, the Highland Performs better on every level. Looks great, feels great, we just love our new family vehicle.

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  10 Years 6000 miles - 1998 Toyota T100
  By ageorge - February 27 - 5:50 am

  So I bought this truck for going to dump and beach on cape cod. It had 98,000 miles . 2 owners All original body etc. I now have a whopping 105,000 miles on ten years later and park it in a garage all winter with a trickle charge. In ten years I have done regular oil changes, replaced two tires and one battery. Thats it. Thing always starts are goes in the spring. Paint looks great. It is solid and fun to drive. Im teaching my kids to drive standard on it so well see if the clutch holds out. I dont see any reason I wouldnt have this truck for another 10 years.

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  Best Value - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By bob - February 27 - 5:06 am

  This is the best value for the dollar of any car I have ever purchased.It is the first 4 wheel drive I have ever owned.It compares much better in every way to the old Army M151 I used to drive,and handles like a tall "car". This is more like a modern day station wagon!! Cargo handles in the rear even hold your plastic grocery bags..

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  Very happy with our highlander. - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By great white north - February 27 - 3:46 am

  Purchased our highlander in May09. Needed space for new baby & 2 retrievers. Looking for a vehicle to mostly highway but clearance for winter and some bush roads.Live in northern British Columbia with winter from Nov to April.Performed well in winter with Winter Michelins. (Standard Bridgestone tires are for summer use only, almost found out the hard way with a late season snowfall.) Stability control kicks in frequently in town but not on highway. Is a very comfortable car for long trips . Fuel economy could be better but it is a awd heavy vehicle.

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  Great Value, Reliable - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By a9zn - February 26 - 11:20 pm

  Got this car used in 2002 & have been putting 1k mi per month on it. Gets me from point A to B w/o any hassle. Easy on the gas & my wallet. Very economical to maintain it.

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  Great reliable car with over 200K miles - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By iluvdodgetrx - February 26 - 2:10 pm

  I have had this car about 9 months and I bought it for $700. I did some normal and much needed routine maintenance on it and it has never let me down. I have almost 211,000 miles on it and I expect many more

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  From New til Now - 1997 Toyota T100
  By 283fs - February 26 - 10:09 am

  Bought my T-100 new in Jan 97. Best truck I have ever owned, got 120,000 and have only replaced the starter, ($120.00) Only tuned up once and still runs like a dream. Dont know much about the Tundra, but if it is half the truck this is they have got a winner.

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  Still Like New - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By mrosen3030 - February 26 - 6:43 am

  We bought this car four years ago and it has been nothing but reliable for us. Starts easily even in bitter cold. We havent had to do anything other than routine maintenance to this car. Smooth ride. Roomy backseat - three kids can fit easily (two with carseats). Nice trunk space. Ride has gotten a bit noisier through the years, but is not unacceptable for a ten year old car. We have about 170K on this right now and will keep it for as long as it will go. Our Camry had 250k on it when we finally sold that (was still running and in great condition), so we have high hopes for the Avalon.