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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  2005 Camry XLE V6 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By BigJon - April 10 - 3:36 pm

  Overall this is a great car. Its comfortable to drive and gets good mpg for a V6. Transmission downshifts somewhat harsh at lower speeds. No repairs in over 2 years. Wish I could have waited for a 2006.

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  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - 2013 vs. 2010 - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By piousprius - April 10 - 3:29 pm

  Recently upgraded from 2010 to 2013. Its the same car with a couple small new features. Everything I liked about 2010 model is still here, as is everything I hated. Overall, Prius is a decent car, but its only worth the price tag if you will drive it A LOT.

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  Gas saving appliance.... - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By manu77 - April 8 - 11:33 am

  When the salesman first showed me the Prius Four with solar and moon roof, and all sorts of gadgetry, I was overwhelmed by all the fantastic features coupled with the great mpg that the Prius is renowned for and, plus its reliability, which it has proven to be a reliable car. But, and this is a big but....they have failed to address driving ergonomics. While this model four has power seats with lumbar support, I figured out about two months and 3000 miles later on the car that the driving position of the driver is quite awkward and this could not be addressed by changing my seat position. If you are planning to buy a Prius, I suggest you carefully observe your seating and steering first.

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  RAV is a dependable car! - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Lainie - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Got my 97 RAV used in 99. Ive only had to replace brakes in 2001 and from there, just regular maintenance. I rarely seem to see them for sale used, so I think there are several happy customers out there...

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  Amazing Car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Echo - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Echo new in 1999. I have been driving it now for 11 years and I never had to turn the key twice. Im at 140K now and other than the oxygen sensors triggering the check engine light, this car has been amazing. I want to keep driving it to see how many miles I can get on it. My last good car was a 1989 Toyota extended cab which I loved.

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  Fuel Economy is same as regular highland - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By smg - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Very disappointed in the hybrid aspect of this car. Have reached the 5000 mile mark where the dealer said it would take that long for the car to get used to my driving, whatever that means. Anyway, I am still averaging 18 MPG on city streets and only get above 20 when I go on the highway, which is only about 1/week. Its definitely NOT worth the difference in cost, go for the regular!

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  One of my best cars ever! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By buffgirl23 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Camry new which replaced my 1989 Camry. Reliable? You bet! Only routine maintenance performed (oil change, new tires, etc.) Still runs like a dream; smooth acceleration, quick pick-up. I intend on running this vehicle into the ground!

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  A Great truck to own, wish I could buy another. - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By wolfnium - April 6 - 2:35 am

  I bought my truck new in 1999. I ran 2 crank cases of 10w-30 Castrol regular motor oil. After that, I have used 10w-30 Castrol synthetic motor oil ever since. I change oil about every 5000 miles. I have had to replace the electronics to repair a left turn signal issue that cost about $500.00. I have had to replace the power steering pump, twice as the first one was a rebuild and under warranty. I have had to replace the battery once and also the catalytic convert (about $1000.00). I still have the original clutch and have replaced the front brakes and rotors one time. My truck now has 456,5000+ miles on it. I would drive it to across the US with no worries. It has been a great truck.

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  Excellent Small Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - April 5 - 9:10 am

  This has been an excellent small truck to own. No issues to date. Looks better than most of the new cars in work parking lot. Has surprised friends and neighbors (who own larger trucks) IRT how much it can haul. Getting about 20 mpg.

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  Odd things - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By HelpingU - April 5 - 6:00 am

  So far the car is super nice riding, fun to drive and quiet???? but there is a rattle in my dash, a vibration in my front end like the other guy described and I smell the Hot catalytic sulphur smell BAD!!! The gas mileage is so poor, but as Americans I guess we sacrifice comfort and looks for the little things that Honda has mastered.. Such as decent mileage, power off the line, not at 5000rpm etc.