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:

• 

  Tried em all- none compare to the Sienna - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Cassie - December 28 - 7:50 am

  We purchased an 01 brand new. I have loved it from day one. It has never given me a problem. We have done nothing to it but the normal oil changes, transmission fluid changes and brakes. Outstanding vehicle. In the market for a new one and not happy with the expensive option packages for 05. Spent all day yesterday test driving all the competition- conclusion: yes some are much cheaper but theres no comparison in looks, comfort, drive to the toyota. Back to the toyota dealership we went and made a deal. Im getting another toyota sienna.

• 

  Just Keeps on Runnin - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Larry - December 28 - 2:43 am

  I purchased my 4-Runner new and still have it today. I have not had any major problem with it. I had a water pump replaced at 238,000. I take it to the Toyota dealer for regular service only when needed. As of this writing, the vehicle has 259,312 miles. I will be leaving in it next month for Arizona from the Midwest. My only suggestion is, that if you take care of it, it will take care of you.

• 

  TRANSMISSION DISASTER/FLAWED - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By janda225 - December 28 - 1:58 am

  The car appeared be be a great vehicle initially. I began to have problems with the transmission early on, but the dealership advised nothing was wrong. Now that I have 120,000 mile on it and out of warranty, they recommend a new transmission. The durability on the flawed designed transmission makes the vehicle a liability at this point. Ive read several reviews with the same story. Toyota should have recalled this transmission. That is probably why they changed designs for future models. At this point, I would not recommend anyone to purchase this model vehicle or any other Toyota. It is not a reliable vehicle as they use to advertise. Its garbage. Now I have to spend $4400 on a new trans

• 

  generally overrated - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Anthony - December 28 - 1:53 am

  I have now owned my 06 Tacoma Pre-runner for just over a year. Yes, the V6 has plenty of power for the truck but other than that not much going for the tacoma. The auto-transmission is not matched to the power curve of the V6 at all. I get lots of unneeded and mis-shifts while drive, cruise control actually makes this worse. Quality is typical toyota, nothing great but is nothing to be excited about. The interior is completely anti-comfort from the terrible seats to the away (typical o all Japanese cars) slopping dash. This creates a feeling of a large interior. The doors are paper thin and road noise is deafening. The radio is sub par when compared to anything. A "DO NOT BUY"!!

• 

  01 4runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By jeff chung - December 27 - 3:50 pm

  Its a great SUV. Feels like it could last forever. Interior has worn well.

• 

  A big NO to Toyota again - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Phyllis - December 27 - 12:50 pm

  The car is ok apart from the check engine light that keeps coming on. Had the ECM reprogrammed but so far nothing has changed. I wonder if Toyota still stands by their product if they cant take the responsibility of acknowledging their mistakes. I will never buy a Toyota car again.

• 

  2004 Prius - excellent - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Norman - December 27 - 5:16 am

  It is fun to drive and economical with plenty of space. It seems to get better mileage after a period of warm-up especially during cold or wet conditions so for short hops with long parking times, mileage suffers during the winter.

• 

  My Celica - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Jentibe - December 27 - 2:00 am

  My only problems have been cosmetic internally. Other than that, this is the most reliable, fun-to-drive car that Ive owned!

• 

  The Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By cubby - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Good one the road and highway. Feels like a truck but gives you the SUV feel.

• 

  love it!! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ssp - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my highlander and I am loving it. Drives so smooth, like a sedan, and the AWD is a lifesaver living in New England. Great in the snow, and the gas mileage isnt bad since I bought the 4 cylinder. For all of you wondering how the 4 cylinder does with AWD, its plenty for me! Its not a speed demon but has plenty of power, Im really happy with it.