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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  Not So Enamored With Toyota - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Bob M. - January 31 - 7:03 pm

  After my wife had owned, and still owns, a Toyota, I bought a Certified Used Toyota (2001 XLE Camry V6) with 61,000 miles. Week after I had it the battery died. Since May 2007, I am going through my third caliper repair (2 on the left, one on the right)which has cost me over $1,000 to fix. Just had to replace timing belt. Seems I am constantly shelling out money to fix things. Seriously thinking about dumping this one. I might trade in on another Toyota, but my experience has not been great. I believe my caliper issue is a design flaw and that I shouldnt have to keep paying to fix

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  Great car; poor tire wear - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Martha - January 31 - 5:23 am

  Love the Toyota Prius, but the tire wear on the original tires is terrible. I will not have my car serviced at a dealer; Sullivan Tire told me that the rear end needed shimming fresh out of the factory. I confronted the dealer and they said "that may be the case, but Toyota will not do anything about it." The tires need replacing after 32000 miles. The car isnt 2 years old yet and already I have to spend $950.

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  Meets My Needs Very Well - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By CUL8ER - January 29 - 5:20 pm

  08 Limited 4WD W/Leather. I like this car a lot for what we needed it for which is daily commuting, safety, winter driving and vacation trips. We will pull a POP for camping (when Toyota/or after market design a tow bar). It replaced 02 Odyssey. I am averaging 20 MPG with mixed driving on 5 tanks, so this should improve.

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  great van - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By moonbeam - January 29 - 2:00 am

  great van to own-comfortable,luxury, value

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  my truck performance - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By joelsb67 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  off-road is excellent, but comfort is little bit poor,suspension to hard.

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  Best SUV Ive owned - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By davidm53 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Explorers (2), 4-Runner, Jeep, and GMC. The Highlander is by far the best one, based on the comfort and driveability. Toyota is right on by designing an SUV that drives like a car. When I get in my daughters Explorer, it feels like Im riding in a rough old buggy.

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  A Highlander in NYC - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Len K - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my Highlander. Its comfortable, convenient and reliable. The 6Cyl version has enough kick to get on to the BQE (or any other express way), but the 4 Cyl. needs more power. The ride is smooth even on unpaved roads and NYC beatup highways. Inconvenient elbow rests. They are too close to the drivers body and height is not adjustable. The cup holders without the center console can hold a 1 liter bottle, but the center console has small, inconvenient cup holders. The center console could be higher for more storage space and more functionality. The fog lamps switch (to the left of the steering wheel) is hard to see and use. I would reccomend it to anybody without any hesitation.

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  Toyota should be more thoughtful - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By B Young - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Have only leased it for a couple of weeks, but so far it is nice to drive. The push button on and locking system seems a little buggy, but maybe Im not used to it. I wish it got just a little better gas mileage, but it may get better. Right now its about 23.5 on the highway. I wish it had rubber mats available. Carpet it a mess in Michigan.It handles well and seems peppy.I hate the tire on the back looks like a an unwanted growth and make the rear door a bit awkward. Could use a few more little compartments for junk and better cup holders. The heated seats need a rheostat. They are too hot.

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  Spirited Ride - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Nunsa - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Toyota Tacoma for the RAV4. I live all the features, the interior leg room is great, Im 6 4" and I have plenty of room. The seats are great, real comfortable. Its real fun to drive. I like most of the features: Sun roof, aux. ports. I would by this vehicle again!

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  Should have never traded it. - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jabberwocky - January 28 - 4:30 am

  This was a great first truck. These things can really take some punishment and are a blast to drive. Mileage was OK, at about 23 mpg. It did a lot better than expected in the winter. Always started and ran great. Never got stuck on me in the snow despite being RWD (200 lbs of bedrock fixed that). Really good ground clearance for a truck this size. Great handling and brakes. Responsive 4 cylinder with respectable torque. Easy to maintain. I really regret trading it in for a Camry 3 years later. The cons... well... hardly any. The interior is a little cramped but thats about it. I was dumb for trading it in.