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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  Do not buy! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By mathews1010 - January 27 - 11:43 am

  I buy my brand new 4runner sr5 2010 and it was big mistake. I hate the brakes! It is so slow and is built with cheap metal. Gas 19 Mpg, I hate my 4runner!

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  Great Car over all - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Jeff N - January 25 - 11:06 pm

  I Own 2 Toyota Camrys. 1994 Toyota Camry XLE V6 Sedan and a 1996 Toyota Camry SE V6 Coupe, and i am a Master Mechanic. I bought the 94 XLE in 1996 and I bought the SE in 99. Overall impression... I am Impressed with the This V6 Engine.. This is one of Toyotas Strongest Engines. The Transmission is okay since i never had a Issue yet. As of 2017 the 94 XLE has 63K Miles and The SE has 482K Miles on it. I get Amazing Fuel Economy with my 96 SE being almost half a Million Miles, but my 94 XLE Still being like New...is seems Typical for a V6 Fuel Consumption. The Interior is Horrible on both Designs, someone really just wanted simple not fancy. Seats are more comfortable in the XLE But SE feels stiff and basic. Suspension on both cars are Horrible! The XLE and SE Suspension had been Completely Replaced due to Bad Struts, Shocks, Ball Joint, CV Axles.. Ect both Cars Rocked like Boats and Rattled and made allot of Wheel Noise in past. I after fixing the suspension on both cars I went from 15 inch rims to 16 inch rims on XLE and 17 Inch rims on SE. They Should of Upgraded a more Stable Suspension system for more comfort and Stability i believe. I have Re-sealed the 96 SE motor at 224K . THE 94 XLE Valve Covers blew at 53K which got a new intake Manifold gasket, I have replaced the Piston Rings on the 94 Camry when replacing Gasket. I have Near Completely rebuilt 96SE with New piston and rods and resealed the whole motor Along with Reprogramming ECU and Replacing some sensors and Motor Mounts and middle grade to small stuff for tune up, Suspension new AC Condenser. Over all thoughts and impression of Toyota camry.... Its a Typical Car. Its how to Maintain you cars life. You have to have money aside ready for repairs, this is why most people end up junking their car because they feel its more money to repair than what cars worth Estimated Value...Or feeling like the car is becoming a money pit.... In the End.... Its always better to Keep Wrenching your Car.

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  The mighty Corolla - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By evrynite - January 25 - 7:02 pm

  Best car that I have ever owned.

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  no air in 3rd seat - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By plumrose - January 25 - 6:28 am

  No air conditioning in back row, Windows do not roll down or even vent

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  Just kept going!! - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By ikers - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Had it for 8 1/2 years until an accident ended its usefulness. Over 220,000 miles and the only things I had to change on it were the belts, tires, batteries and the alternator (twice). A very solid car.

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  I dont know - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By JS Lee - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car, wish get better gas mileage. I dont get the milesge as stated on adverticed window.

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  An excellent vehicle. - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By hondoman45 - January 24 - 6:26 pm

  This car replaced a 1993 Sable, so virtually any car would have been an improvement. For over 8 years this car has been without any problems. We just do regular maintenance (we do use synthetic oil and transmission fluid) and weve been rewarded with flawless reliability. It does have some clunking due to the strut mounts but not enough to bother us. It returns about 24 mpg in town and 31 mpg highway. It has a very quiet ride unless the road is extremely rough. It has 126k miles and on start up it does blow out blue smoke which quickly clears up. It might use a couple quarts over a years time just topping it off. I use Amsoil and change the oil and filter once a year. A great car!

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  Great little commuter car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Volocty - January 24 - 4:13 pm

  We love this car. It is everything we were looking for in a small commuter car. My wife calls it the Hummingbird, because it requires so little fuel to get around. We chose the "S" and Power package, which gives you all the features you need. My only complaint is that the Turn-signal indicator is too quiet. We choose the Manual 5-spd and have no regrets. Seats are firm, visibility is OK, center-mount dash layout takes a little while to get use to, but is very nice at night, since there is no light distraction directly in front of you. And we love the style and look of the "S" model.

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  Tacoma Tough Club - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Paul71 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 1996 Tacoma in 1999. First owner really drove the truck hard, but still it is in great mechanical shape. Ive continued to drive the truck hard and have never had any problems with it. I wholeheartedly recommend this vehicle to anyone in the compact pickup market. You cant beat Toyota quality.

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  Satisfied - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By langi - January 23 - 7:40 pm

  I had a Honda before. I bought the Toyota Rav 4 after a long review and test drive. I am satisfied with all aspects. Only change might be with the motor revving for a short period when starting the 4 cylinder engine. It takes getting accustomed to this. I would recommend the vehicle to anyone commuting or having to take short trips.