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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  Regrets - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By genevah - December 4 - 6:53 am

  Traded in my 2011 Camry and that was a big mistake! Sales pitch was I would get much better mileage, Not! Just barely getting 25 combined and driving it the same as the 2011 which was getting 33 combined. Hate it because of that. Hope to trade it soon.

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  Yay - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By plmille2 - December 4 - 6:50 am

  I bought the Yaris to replace my 1999 Honda Civic and I can honestly say I could not be happier. The gas mileage is slightly better, but the overall comfort is amazing. The first day I drove it to work everyone commented on how small it was, then wanted to buy one for themselves when they sat in it. It is SO roomy inside, more roomy than my Civic, and drives very smooth. The body seems solid on the interstate and it hugs the roadway. I was surprised to find how high it sits. There have been many times when I am sitting at a red light and a crossover or SUV pulls up next to me and I am eye level with the driver, and Im only 54". It makes me feel much safer.

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  A good value - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By lagonzal - December 3 - 10:36 pm

  Wife bought new in 1999. The a/c failed at 97k and was expensive to repair. Car has over 122k miles now and still going strong. No major issues. The paint is peeling on the rear spoiler and is faded on the rear bumper. The rest of the car has so many dings and scratches a new coat of paint would be nice. But, then again, it is almost eight years old. Factory CD player skips a lot but the radio still sounds good. Driver door cloth is peeling in one spot. Overall, a very good car, and best of all its paid off and we hope to keep it a few more years.

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  2002 sequoia sr5 - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By helmut - December 3 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle, tough to see whats behind you when reversing, eats up the highway and off-road nicely, great for large families

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  known to last - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Fatima Khourshid - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I has purchased a suzuki verona at first and not even 200 miles and it died on me the battery died because it was malfunctioning. The best thing i did was swith to a toyota camry smooth and know to be reliable car. I see me still driving it 10 yrs from now!

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  Its OK - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By 2 hour/day commute - December 3 - 12:06 am

  I commute 2 hours per day. The car does well in snow, especially considering how light weight it is. The only reason I am considering trading it is that with 50,000 miles, I can still get payoff for a trade in. You cant say that about many cars these days.

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  2007 Avalon XLS - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By BL - December 1 - 3:30 am

  This is my 2nd Avalon (first was a 98 XLS) and have been disappointed in quality. AC hose clogged at 35k miles, soaked & ruined the carpeting; oil line broke (28k miles) and I lost all engine oil on the road. Added oil to limp into the dealership. Engine noise (ticking exhaust) makes it sound like an old Chevy. Paint quality is average. I want my 98 Avalon back!

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  Has been in the family since 2001 - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By sohmdg - December 1 - 2:32 am

  First off, this car is a steal. The amount a person saves in gas, maintenance and upkeep for this car is through the roof. Anyone who is on a budget will be pleased to know that the Camry saves ALOT of money in the long run. Parts, labor are relatively cheap compared to other cars. So, I recently got my license a few months back and this is the car I got. It has been with us since I was 3, so since 2001 and I am really happy to drive it. There has been only one major repair done, the sunroof, but other than that the car has lasted like a tank through rain, snow, cold, heat. I get about 28-30mpg which is great for a 14 year old car. It is also comfortable and easy to drive. Would recommend.

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  Not Bad - Not Great - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By bob250 - December 1 - 1:43 am

  I purchased the 2010 Corolla S after driving an 07 Civic for a couple of years. While it is not a bad car, I do wish I had bought another Civic. I am not getting as good of gas mileage plus all the recalls etc. The steering is a problem for me especially on windy days.

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  Mixed Emotions - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Juffowup - November 30 - 10:20 am

  Bought with 20k miles now have 155k. I would buy a Toyota again. Probably not a 4runner just because of the gas mileage 15/18. My water pump went out twice before 100k, dealer said it was a common failure. MAFS went out around 140k. Around 120k the radiator failed internally forcing coolant into the transmission (rare failure), $4500 for new tranny and radiator. Power antenna went out, common failure. Starter contacts wore and needed to be replaced. Coolant line to rear heater broke. Even though it sounds bad, I still like my 4runner. Most failure can be resolved by do it yourselfers with a little research.