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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  First Toyota Truck - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - January 15 - 11:36 am

  Traded a 2003 Chevy Silverado with many reliability issues, most resent head gasket leaking anti freeze. I had it with Chevy quality. The new Tundra is a great hauling machine. I am getting just -1 mpg difference than the 5.3L Chevy. Was concerned about the stiff ride mentioned by other reviews but not much of a problem to me! Very quiet interior for a solid truck. Ive owned Chevy, GMC, Ford and Dodge trucks, most were good machines but I am very impressed the Tundra.

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  Have to love them to want to own one. - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By bkd - January 15 - 11:13 am

  My grandfather owned an orig. FJ from 1965 until his death. It looked rough but ran well. Since he taught me to drive I have always wanted one. Never wanted to invest in a rust bucket. When the news ones came out it was a wish come true. You have to love them for yourself. It is not for kids or soccer moms. It is for dad and trip to the outdoors. If you love being outside in the mountains it is worth every penny. I grew up in Colorado and have dreamed of my get away and now it is here. It isnt practical but it is mine and it gets me out in style and reliability.

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  Mixed Feelings - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By camrydriver - January 15 - 11:06 am

  I bought this car with 80,000 miles and now it has 190,000. Started having problems about 2 years ago. Key wouldnt turn in ignition, $200 to fix. Now I have multiple oil leaks in the front & back of the engine. Radiator is cracked and timing belt needs to be replaced. Woodgrain is cracked and peeling. Rear door handle doesnt work from inside. Struts/shocks are bad. With all problems, its never broken down and has taken me many miles. Not sure if I need to spend the $$ to get it repaired as itll be more than its worth right now. Im torn b/c this is a good car. Moms is 1 year newer and never any of these problems.

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  2004 sienna 8 seat CE - tires?? - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By sun - January 15 - 9:50 am

  Pleased with the reliability of the van, variety of space configurations, but please, help with tire selection! Looking to purchase our 4th set of years. Recommendations?

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  MY TOY - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ladydi - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Love my sequoia, very roomy and comfy, added flowmaster gave a little more horsepower and a few more turning heads. Got mine without roofrack for a more longer sleeker look, no need for rack with all the storage space inside. FWD handles great in snow. Kids and hubby love it too. Love My Toy!

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  Glad to have my Spyder - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ksb-now40 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This car (like others have stated) is fun fun fun to drive. Corners very well, but the sequential shifts like a little ofd lady would. Thats ok with me. It is hard to describe all of the heads that turn (young and old alike) when they see my baby blue MR2. I feel fortunate that the couple of teenagers, who wanted my car, had parents that would not cosign for them. My biggest problem is time-sharing the second seat between my wife and two children.

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  Bought 1999 in 2003 - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By rileykins28 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1999 Limited 4WD in 2003. I went to the dealership looking to buy a new 4runner, and couldnt bring myself to pay $35,000 for the newer model after driving the 1999.I bought a certified used 4runner and purchased the extended 100,000 warranty. I only had one problem mechanically with this vehicle and it was totally covered under the extended warranty. Since purchasing and seeing all the new 4runners, I wanted to trade just for the new body style, but cant get the comfortable feeling like I have in the 1999. Overall I love this vehicle, but will try another dealership next time.

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  My Tundra is GREAT! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By whoisthere48 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Have owned and loved Toyotas since 85. This was my first big Toyota pickup. It rides cushy but handles great and is quiet at higher (Colorado) speeds which run 75-90 most times. Reliability is perfect - hard to get better than that. Bought it used with 19K miles. Drove it 50K miles so far with just oil changes (synthetic oil) and 1 brake job - no repairs needed. Have to sell it cause I now need a salesman car not a construction guy truck. Resale value is great. Getting 18.5K now after paying 21K 2 years ago. Try that with a Chevy or Ford or Dodge. Snow and ice no problem w/4WD. In short, I love this truck!

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  Best car Ive owned (knock on wood!) - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim Nipe - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Well...Ive only had this car for 2000 miles, but its an extremely fun car to drive. Premium sound system was poor. I replaced it with four Infinity speakers and an Excelon Kenwood deck because I couldnt get the top of the line system Toyota offered. After about 1000 miles, the engine loosened up and now runs super smooth. Averaging about 28 mph.

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  The Best Vehicle Ive Owned!!! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By jckgian - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota RAV4 is the best and most fun vehicle I have owned and I have been driving for over 30 years. It a sturdy truck and it drives like a car.I think this car, not only rides well, but it also is a good looking vehicle. I also had a wonderful experience, with everyone at the dealership.