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:

• 

  Outstanding Truck - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By docsweat - October 17 - 10:48 pm

  I just bought a used 06 4Runner Ltd. I love it. Smooth ride on pavement. Went off road and it did great-and I put it through terrain/trails that would break a crossover and strand many other SUVs. The pavement ride is far smoother than any serious 4x4 I have owned or driven, including a jeep CJ-5 Willys, Cherokees, pickups, Blazers and Broncos. The bells and whistles on the limited model make it a real joy and comfort for driver and passengers, especially if they are a family. Comfort on and off road is truly amazing. Toyota cured the two biggest gripes I had about my 98 4Runner-weak engine and too small gas tank. Also made cup holders that dont block the air vents.

• 

  crappy car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By tully2 - October 17 - 8:00 pm

  I would NEVER buy this car if I could do it again! I bought one of the first ones and it is a total LEMON and the dealership wont replace it. drawers and pannels fall off all the time, chrom has fallen off. The AC has broken 3 times and now the engine and transmission have a serious problem and the dealership wont fix it because it is 5,000 miles past the warrenty. I have taken good care of this car and done all the oil changes but it doesnt seem to matter. I expected more from toyota and I also expected a transmission and engine in ANY new car to last longer than 3 years!

• 

  Awesome Car! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By josh - October 17 - 9:46 am

  Obviously the best in its class. Its the happiest Ive ever been with a car purchase.

• 

  Very unhappy after 2 years. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Andy Morris - October 17 - 9:40 am

  When I bought this car, I was so happy to see Toyota improved the bland styling of the previous model years. I was hooked by its looks, but after driving it for the last two years, I am disappointed. I have had non-stop transmission problems, terrible sunroof noises, very uncharacteristic squeaks and rattles from everywhere in the dash, and unacceptable paint issues.

• 

  4 years running... - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike H. - October 17 - 9:16 am

  This is a 4 year review. This should give used sales a boost. First, the reliability is superior. At 40,000, no major problems except for regular scheduled maintenance. I mainly use the truck for traveling. I average approx. 16 mpg. The comfort exceeds any truck I have owned previously. Handles a heavy load well. Load the truck up with timber and still rides like an SUV. The transmission is exceptionally smooth. After 4 years, my Tundra has held up well. I would certainly buy one again.

• 

  Camry OK - not great - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mworld938 - October 16 - 11:26 pm

  I needed a comfortable commuter that I could also run around with the family in. This car fits the bill as my Civic was too small (was a great car though). Comfortable floaty ride. No transmission issues. 4cyl is slow! Interior looks OK but is built a little cheap. Exterior looks good. Mileage has met the EPA sticker and I just started. I am happy with the car but experience no passion. Still a Japanese Buick (and thats OK for me).

• 

  Very Nice Vehicle - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By indianadad - October 16 - 10:31 pm

  We bought this car 9 days ago and have managed to put about 500 miles on it with a long Spring Break weekend included. So far we are averaging about 23 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, so it is beating my gas mileage expectations for choosing the 4 cylinder. This is a pretty powerful 4 cylinder, so it performs very well - even with it packed with family and luggage. If you test drive one, you will be pleased. There is a little bit of noise at low gears, but the 6 speed makes it pretty quiet afterwards. This base model has everything I actually use on a car, so we are happy. The interior is very pleasant and the looks outside are very sharp, especially with all of the chrome. Good buy!

• 

  18 months later - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By SR - October 16 - 10:03 pm

  In first 18 months, this car has performed well, with excellent mileage, but I have been surprised to see a dramatic decline in the design and assembly quality that I found in my prior two Toyotas. The fuel economy is as good as other posters report (40-43 summer, 35-38 winter). Quality problems include incessant front dash rattles that the dealer cannot fix, no matter how many visits; cheap front and rear bumpers that crack as soon as you are touched by another car in a parking space; interior plastics and exterior paint that scratch at the drop of a hat.

• 

  Get a CAMRY - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By F.Irasos - October 16 - 7:23 pm

  I have been driving this car (SE V6) for the past 10 days and so far I love it. Everyone who sees it thinks it is a Lexus. The ride is smooth, comfortable, and fun. I got the leather sport package with JBL sound system and it is great. Why spend 5 - 10 K more for a Lexus when you get this awesome car for much less without sacrificing anything.

• 

  Simply unbelievable SUV! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By SPD1136 - October 16 - 6:36 pm

  This thing is the best vehicle I have ever had, hands down. I have had it for only a little over a month now and I still look for any excuse to drive it. I am amazed how tightly built this vehicle is. I had an 01 Explorer Eddie Bauer before this and there is no comparison. Extremely quiet, incredible power, great features. I am a Toyota owner for life now.