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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  Finally a Prius thats for normal people - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Not big on hybrid - March 10 - 2:20 am

  The 2010 Prius is a big upgrade over the 2009. The engine has more power and runs quieter. I thought the 2009 was okay, but this one was worth buying. The seats feel good, the dash is laid out nicely, and I love the amount of interior space. Fold the rear seats down and you can carry a ladder or a load from Costco. The dash and navigation tend to show finger prints. Not sure why the leather Prius units have the heated seats button so low. I cannot see spending the money on the AT package found on the Prius 5. Park assist seems cool, but works about half the time. I like the rims of the Prius 5, but if I would leave the AT package off it. Prius III or II works fine in my opinion.

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  1992 TOYOTA CAMRY; 4-CYLINDER - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Jon Doe - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I LIKE THIS CAR, BUT I HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH MAINTENANCE ISSUE. I HAD BOTH DRIVE AXLES REPLACED, BOTH OIL SEALS, A TIMING BELT, A WATER PUMP AND ALL OF THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE CAR IS TEN YEARS OLD AND DESPITE THESE THINGS, THE CAR HAS BEEN RELIABLE OVERALL.

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  1992 TOYOTA CAMRY; 4-CYLINDER - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By JON DOE - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I LIKE THIS CAR, BUT I HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH MAINTENANCE ISSUE. I HAD BOTH DRIVE AXLES REPLACED, BOTH OIL SEALS, A TIMING BELT, A WATER PUMP AND ALL OF THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE CAR IS TEN YEARS OLD AND DESPITE THESE THINGS, THE CAR HAS BEEN RELIABLE OVERALL.

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  Landcruiser lovers... - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Kris - March 10 - 2:00 am

  We love the landcruiser! This vehicle was made for families on the go looking for power, safety & luxurious comfort

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  Toyota 4-Runner Best SUV made - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By DGipson - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd 4-Runner. I currenty have a 1992 that is a great suv with 210000 miles thois 98 is perfect too

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  Reliability and Versatility - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Ed S - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Maybe I am lucky or maybe it is Toyota, but I have had no problems with my Sienna. Its been three years and counting, and its never been back to the dealer for any problems. I dont thrash my car, after all, it is a minivan, but on the other hand, I am probably not the most conscientious person about servicing the car. Like almost all minivans, it is great with people or cargo. To get the maximum cargo space does take a little effort.

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  excellent big SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By guo5598 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Much better than my 98 Mercedes ML320, use cheap gas. I got 17+ MPG. So much space. Smooth power train. Quite, and reliability is just excellent.

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  Solid Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By RT - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Truck. TRD package is worth the extra. Some minor rattles in the dash area.

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  Transmission issues - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Lynette Morris - March 10 - 2:00 am

  When Toyota redesigned this vechile they did a great job. I had a Camry and when it died I drove the 2002 Corolla and hated it, but fell in love with the 2003. Like everyone else there are alot of rattles and shakes in this car, but mainly I have had major transmission problems. I have an automatic and sometimes it will not shift up in gears. It revs at 3000 RPMs and I have to put it in reverse to correct it. Ive had it at Toyota 4 times and they said they can not find the problem until the Engine light comes on. I am literally afraid to drive it. Toyota designed a great car but their service has downgraded big time.

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  Good, reliable, no frills drive - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By nycjen - March 10 - 12:43 am

  If you dont feel the need to impress folks with the car you drive, this car is a cheap and reliable one to drive and way easier to find parking spaces in than trendy SUVs!