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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  Fine vehicle - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By bob brandis - March 13 - 9:13 am

  25,000... no problems, but did not have towing electrical harness as described in manual, had to purchase for 90 dollars and was difficult to install at fuse box. Towed 3,500 gross lb trailer loaded to max 800 miles no problems. Plenty of power, handles great and is comfortable. Compared to my 2002, greatly improved is a/c and handling/ride. Alarm is not too sensitive as in 2002. Size is nice midsize, has all I need and works well. A little wind noise, but overall is quiet. Its a keeper.

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  A good city commuter - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By fpm1 - March 12 - 7:48 am

  Our PC2 is our second Prius. Bought a 2002 Prius new. I like the 2002 more, even though the PC2s improved technology is nice. Our 2002 Prius feels more solid with more power. Its MPG improved to the mid-40s when Toyota replaced the hybrid battery at no cost. I bought the PC2 because I wanted a small hybrid to drive around Honolulu, not a full size Prius.

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  Gas Milage not so great - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Randy - March 10 - 1:06 am

  I have owned my toyota for about a month I traded in a 4x4 ford F150 with a huge V8 for this little nimble toyota corolla I was getting about 17 miles to the gallon in the truck I drive from Ohio to Alabama every other weekend and the Truck was killing me in gas. I bought the toyota corolla to help ease the pain of my pocket book in fuel cost. I have about 2500 miles on my toyota now and I am a bit disapointed in the fuel economy I have gotten only 33 miles to the gallon on the highway and as little as 24 miles to the gallon in the city very unhappy with that wondered if I should have just kept the big gas hog fo the difference in the milage I thought I would get. Overall I like the car.

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  Easy Ride and Practical - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Blal - March 9 - 11:46 pm

  This is my first new car ever, my previous car was a Nissan Maxima handed down from my mother. I really wanted something reliable and fuss free and I think I got exactly that with the Corrolla. The drive is pretty smooth and easy although pick-up on the highway is above average not as powerful as perhaps other cars in the same class. The interior is nice and plush and I like the extra detailing of the wood accents that come with the LE model. There are some minus points however, the buttons for the audio system are set too far away from the driver, especially if you have shorter arms, no controls on the steering wheel like Honda Civic.

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  Prius - Economical & Well Built - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By StevenR - March 9 - 1:53 pm

  I love my Prius. It gets great gas mileage (43-51 mpg). It is roomy and comfortable for me at 511" tall. I would recommend the Prius to anyone who wants to drive economically. Its even fairly comfortable with my wife and two children with me. My only complaint would be that it doesnt handle as well as some other smaller cars that Ive driven.

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  Excellent Value and Safe - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By MSmith - March 7 - 1:50 pm

  I bought a 2001 4-door, Auto. Trans. Toyota Echo twice. 2 weeks apart. The 1st Echo was destroyed by an idiot that smashed into me while he was trying to cross 4 lanes of traffic. The front end of my Echo was completely crumpled, both airbags deployed, and the car was completely totaled. I was so impressed by this cars ability to protect me and my boy (he was completely unharmed, and I only suffered seat belt abrasions), I imm. bought another one to replace it. It has been 4 years now, 96k miles, and I have had only two minor probs: the CD player got fried the 1st year for unknown reasons and the gear shift light doesnt always light up. Also: I avg. 36 mpg despite my jack-rabbit starts.

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  Great truck but... - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By cjcanu01 - March 7 - 5:13 am

  Awesome truck over all. The dashboard is quite noisy in the colder months due to plastic. The quality of the body material is terrible. You can literally leave a dent in the truck if you smack it w/ your hand...this is not "truck" quality. I worry that the truck will look several years older than it actually is in just 3 years due to the poor quality body panels and paint.

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  What Toyota Reliability?! - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Sara - March 7 - 1:13 am

  We bought our 2002 Toyota LE because of the reliability ratings. What a joke.Our van developed a brake squeal almost immediately after purchasing. Van pulls to the right or left at 60 mph. Engine has 66,000 miles and is sludged and needs $2000 in repairs. After researching we found out that the brakes, engine sludge and pulling are Toyota factory flaws and Toyota has numerous lawsuits pending against them. Wish we known before purchasing, we would have bought an Odyssey!

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  Tuff Yoda - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By MBW - March 6 - 9:33 am

  Wow, this has been the best vehicle i have ever owned. I feel it has a very attractive body style compared to other small trucks, and I can overtake every small truck I race (V-6). I have gone on multiple road trips across the US with no problems. This truck has NEVER left me stranded. I would certainly buy another one, however gas is getting a little expensive. Overall, a darn good buy!

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  Toyota at Its Best - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By manullang11 - March 5 - 12:35 am

  Parentals first bought this car (used) in 2002, then I started using it for college in 06, until this day. How Ive under appreciated this car for so many years. Not till I graduated and started working, that I thought to myself, what does the new car market have to offer that is worth paying $500 a month for payments, for me to pass on this reliable toyota to another owner. We also have an 04 Honda Accord and an 05 Corolla in the family. The cabin build quality and engine smoothness of the Camry is obviously a step up from the corolla. But I think Toyotas have an edge over Hondas in aging. Engine noise seems to be more isolated in the Camry and somehow it feels torquier than the Honda.