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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  Good Purchase Decision - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By GEW - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Ok, I have a daughter, I travel a lot in my vehicle and occasionally transport items like (furniture, tools, sports equipment, etc.)...this vehicle is perfect for my lifestyle. If you like sitting up higher (than a standard car), having some decent acceleration (if youre merging), incredible braking capabilities, want to transport little ones around town, or have an active lifestyle...this vehicle is for you. THIS IS NOT FOR TOWING!

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  Love it! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By jessek1 - October 8 - 5:30 am

  I have wanted this car since high school (graduate of 03) and finally bought one in 2007. Had only 24k on it so practically new. I have lots of other drivers look my way. People always compliment that the style looks new, most people assume it is a new model car, not knowing production was stopped in 05. I will keep it until it rusts from under me!!! Despite the frigid Iowa weather last year, it started fairly easily before work. Needs more power, men especially will want to race me, only for me to act like I am receiving a phone call from someone right when it turns green. Tricky, tricky!

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  Ill give it an A - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By sequoia A grade - October 7 - 8:00 pm

  Bought new. Has been a great people hauler and very reliable. The only think I had to change was the VSC computer, expensive $1400 or so. Other than that it was routine maintenance. Original tires didnt last, replaced with Michelins and they look great after 30k miles. I am trading in now for something a bit smaller and got good value even though its a big SUV in the times when thats not cool anymore. Have averaged about 15-16 miles per gallon since we got it in mostly city driving so really cant complain. Someone will be getting a great truck.

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  Poor navigation system - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By W. H. Hall - October 7 - 3:53 pm

  The navigation system has not performed since the purchase. Two separate dealerships have tried to get it to operate, without success. In both cases the mechanics did not even understand how to operate it. The instructions are confusing and inadequate.

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  Nice ride, but not perfect - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By kate10167 - October 7 - 11:09 am

  We went back and forth for months between the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander. We finally chose the Highlander because of the smooth car like ride and spacious middle row. The visibility is quite good and I forget that Im driving a fairly large car because it seems quite nimble. With that said, there have been a couple of disappointments. I had to take it in within the first 100 miles for an alignment issue and more recently (now at 350 miles) Ive noticed that the drivers side door has a tinny, rattling noise when its closed. I really dislike waiting for 3 plus hours at a dealership to repair things that should have been assembled correctly at a factory.

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  Should not have to get special Warranty - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By otherland - October 6 - 4:30 am

  I drive the hell out of this truck. Not too many complaints. Does a funny thing at stops, acts like it wants to keep going even though I have my foot on the brake. Almost feels like someone bumps you from behind. Compass/temp gauge went out and the airbag sensor lights stayed on was covered by warranty do not think this should be happening to a new truck. Have not had time to find out how much the Compass/temp gauge is going to cost. But as a rule it runs a lot better than the other truck I owned

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  Corolla does it again - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By cuwee - October 5 - 2:10 pm

  I have owned my 2003 Corolla LE since it was brand new. It has been amazing car since day, today with 135k miles. I grew up with a 1992 Corolla that my mom owned and loved until the rust ate through it.

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  Fantastic and Indestructable - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris - October 5 - 6:16 am

  I ordered my LE 5-spd manual (loaded with goodies like leather, roof, etc.), and it has provided 58,000 trouble-free miles. This is the perfect car for someone who needs an A+ commuter car with no trouble. The interior materials are first-rate, and you would be hard pressed to find anything more comfortable or better-appointed at this price. The only issue I had a center console door that failed to close, which was replaced under warranty with no hassle. Fair warning, from a car enthusiast standpoint (like myself), this car is about as exciting to drive as a washing machine. You will want to have a "fun car" in addition to this one. Also, the steering feel is scarily horrific.

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  Almost Great but... - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By smosky - October 4 - 5:51 pm

  I decided to get a 4 door sedan to replace my Mustang convertible since I now have a couple of grandchildren and needed the ability to put car seats in the car and bukle them in. I test drove several new cars in making my decision by renting various cars on trips including Altimat, Maxima, and the Camry. I drove a Camry for 4 days in Nevada and went on a 180 mile trip to check it out. It was great! So fast forward to my purchase. Unlike the rental, I decided to go with a top of the line V6 XLE with leather interior. I really like the car except for one thing - the seats are torture! They are hard and the side bolsters are too high. Be careful before you buy this car!

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  2003 Echo 4Dr Sedan - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By CarFan - October 4 - 5:10 pm

  Dependable, economical & fun small car to drive - especially during times of high gas prices. This car is excellent for city driving and ok for shorter highway trips. Its light weight makes it easily swayed by passing trucks and not the best traction on snowy roads. It could use cruise control & arm rests.