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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  Family Heirloom - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bobby Joe - January 13 - 8:43 am

  I love my truck! I bought it new when my son was 3 years old, he will get his drivers license in 2 months and will become the new proud owner. Everything is still in good condition with this truck, its a little scratched but no engine work whatsoever. I had some brake problems years ago, that is the extent of its repair history. Very reliable, highly recommended.

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  Great on gas mileage - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By rosi104062 - January 13 - 3:10 am

  When I researched this vehicle, I also reviewed the Civic, Fit, and Elantra. I liked the Civic, but its a little out of my price range. The Corolla turned out to be an excellent overall vehicle for the price. It seems to be a quiet car. The exterior design is nice. I was almost afraid to get this since I saw a lot of complaints about the ECS, but I dont notice anything bad about this. The leg room is as expected, and seems fine.

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  Could be better - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By its ok - January 13 - 2:50 am

  We bought our 1998 Toyota Camry LE with 100,000 miles; currently have 116,000. Have had a couple of sensors replaced, but is mostly reliable. Have never gotten more than 30 MPG. Everything is just average, nothing exciting, in fact it is very boring. Not much room up front, and the cupholders in the back are terrible. Seats are moderately comfy, but the legroom in back is great. Wish there were a button on the remote for the trunk, and the buttons are not labeled for lock/unlock.

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  Japanese Beauty - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Moises Martinez - January 12 - 10:03 pm

  Man This Car is awesome!!! Its a monster on the street and it takes out all of the Civics on the street.Thats why I love My Matrix XRS. Keep up the good work Toyota,you hit a homerun with this one.

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  Great Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By arpy - January 12 - 11:33 am

  I bought this car new and have put 190,000 trouble free miles on it. It does not even burn any oil between changes. I have done just the routine maintenance and replaced wear and tear items as needed. A few signs of age have cropped up lately, notably bad valve stem seals and front upper strut plates, but who can complain after nearly 200,000 miles? Get that kind of service from an American car? Doubt it.

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  AWESOME - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By KRISTIN - January 12 - 10:00 am

  SPORTY FUN TO DRIVE.

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  The best - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By LilBittyB07 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  While I have had this car it has been great. I havent had any problem with it and i have found myself doing a whole lot more traveling too.

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  Drive and Sleep Well With a 4Runner - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By TeeUp - January 12 - 10:00 am

  the best blend of roughness and riding comfort, the 4runner runs supreme within its class. it does not drive like a limousine, alright, but it sure is more comfortable than a lot of mid to entry level sedans. with proven reliability and value retention attached to every toyota, you can indeed drive and rest assured that you wont have to spend a fortune in costly repairs that normally hounds owners of competing SUVs.

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  Fantastic! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By SMOKEATR - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I switched from a Dodge to this rig and I LOVE IT...Its a phenominal truck all around.

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  SUV vs Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ex-Carwidow - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2003 4 Runner in for a 2004 Tacoma figuring it would give me more room for moving a long distance. It was a reliable vehicle (all Toyotas are) I was concerned it being a 4 cyl. but that truck moved and pulled a trailer like nothing. The ride was a ruff ride and the cab is very small. If you are over 56" you will be cramped. Miles to the gallon where not a good as expected. I missed the luxury and went back to a SUV, not Toyota, so I have my fingers crossed. Toyota does make a reliable vehicle!