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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  96 truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By More than Satisfied - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new , and now have 102,000 miles on it. It has never failed me. I got 83,000 on orig Firestone "Wilderness" tires. Changed battery at 95,000, and front pads/rotors turned at 97,000. Still has orig exhaust system, and everything else, starter, alternator, etc. I change oil every 4,000 miles with filter. Changed plugs at 60,000. With the 2.4, 5M, I can still get 29-30mpg on the highway, and 27-28 in combined driving. It is still a tight truck, I have never had front end alligned or any suspension work done, orig shocks. Yes, it was a little more expensive than others, but its never been in the shop, either.

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  After 25000 miles in 14 months - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By nz4runner - October 28 - 9:51 pm

  Cannot go wrong with this. After driving a Accord, MAXIMA, BMW, i can say that Toyota offers best of both worlds (value and comfort). Never had a problem with my my 4runner. Getting 20 mpg in mixed driving. Handles bumps and potholes like it can cream them. Rides on softer side and thus gets tremendus off road abilities. Went through 2 feet of water on a flooded street and did not feel a thing. It accelerates slowler than other crossovers but once on the move it can fly like a jet.

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  Great car, poor mileage - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By tc - October 28 - 2:03 am

  Poor mileage, 26211 m / 981 g = 26.72 mpg. Awkward steering wheel, seat, foot pedal geometry. Steering wheel too far forward when seat adjusted properly for leg length, youd have to sit in one to understand, its more than just seat position. Fun to drive, reliable, great fit and finish. 07/08 government mileage ratings should reflect more realistic MPG. Very comfortable, lots of room, adequate power. Really poor factory Goodyear Integrity tires only lasted 25K, new Michelin Pilot replacements much better in snow, rain, cornering & MPG.

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  Good family car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By family dude - October 27 - 5:56 pm

  For the price, you cant beat the ride. Taken the car to its limit (about 120, really) and it was as if I was going 70. The handling isnt sporty, but its still precise and very predictable. I dont find that it floats (like a new Buick I recently drove), maybe just too isolated from the road. LE came with horrible Continental tires, which screamed around any turn. Got Michelins and the Camry cornered far better. Had some issues just recently with repairs. At over 95,000 miles, all the engine mounts had to be replaced. Big dollars. But recently had the tires balanced and rotated as well the alignment redone. Car rides great again. A great used car if thats what you are looking for.

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  My 03 4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Corey - October 27 - 11:40 am

  I bought my 2003 4runner in 2005, its one of the best cars Ive every bought. The ride is very comfortable and smooth theirs a lot of room in the front seat same with the back seat, its very roomy. I bought the car with about 50,000 miles on it and now theirs 130,000 miles on it. Im very happy with the gas millage, I get about 18.6 mpg. The only problems Ive had was with the back window, it went down very slowly but has started working fine now, and the driver window makes a cracking noise when i put it down, also the left and right headlights have gone out three times on me since Ive had it, but other then that the car runs perfectly! I hope to have this car another 130,000 miles!

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  05 tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By imabuddha - October 27 - 9:46 am

  Ive only owned this truck for a month but so far its been flawless! Handles very well for a truck, smooth Camry-like ride, quite flat in the corners.

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  2006 Camry XLE - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By TCAM - October 26 - 11:26 am

  Purchased 2006 XLE with options GU and HD. Car rides smooth and excellent handling . Placement of audio controls on steering good idea bad location ( should be at 3 oclock or 9 oclock) not 5 and 7.

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  Livin the Dream - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Brian B. - October 26 - 9:43 am

  Made the switch from driving a 2006 6-cyl. RAV4 Ltd to my new Prius 3 wks ago. My first hybrid experience has gone pretty well so far. Purchased the technology pkg with my vehicle, but have come to believe that the added features are not worth the extra cost. Took a little while to adjust to digital speedometer location, but I love the futuristic design of the upfront cabin area. Leather seats are comfortable, with height adjustment on drivers seat appreciated. DVD nav system has led me astray occasionally. Ride with 17" tires is reasonable, but youll get jostled inside on rougher roads. Interior noise can become extensive depending on the road surface. Audio system is avg, at best.

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  Get An Avalon Instead Of A Camry! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - October 26 - 2:10 am

  To start, I have three cars and all are Toyotas. I have 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS, a 2006 Toyota Avalon limited and a 2007 Toyota Camry LE. I do not recommend a Camry at all because it has too many flaws. Styling is bland, the engine isnt strong at all, and the car doesnt deliver good comfort while driving it. Furthermore, the steering feel is awful and so is the handling. My Avalons are far bigger yet, they have better handling and driving cars than this Camry. The seats arent comfortable either. I dont like driving this car at all because it drives awfully. Instead of purchasing a 4cyl Camry or even a 6cyl model, I truly recommend an Avalon XL which is a far better car all around.

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  The good and the bad... - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By JayReddy - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall the car is great. I bought it with expectation for Toyotas quality. After have 6 other Toyota. The power train is flawless. My only issue is that I have to remind myself this is a truck Im driving. The ride is rough. The kids complained the back bounced around alot. This could be a problem with long family trips.