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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  Toyota Reliability - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Camryrose - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Originally traded my T100 to get this car. I was saving to get Camry Solara. This car has been so reliable and economical I couldnt justify selling it after only having it one year. The only maintenance this vehicle has required was the 60,000 mile maintenance, oil changes and a new set of tires.

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  Unsurpassed Quality - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By coda1970 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Well optioned 4x4, L package, power door locks/windows/moonroof. Looks very sporty, recieved several compliments. I bought it for the wife, I wasnt fond of cute-utes. Fell in love with it after first 100 miles. Unbelievably stable, even in 35 mile cross winds.

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  Good - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Meccaman - October 25 - 2:00 am

  great car

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  What do I fix - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By toyotajeff - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck when I was looking for a 4x4 and ended up being happy even though it is a 2wd. Other than general maintenance I have yet to repair anything ( in fact most mechanics Ive talked to have yet to make repairs on this model). I love my taco and I never had any problems with the interior but I think they had an access of clocks cause they used the same one in my 87 4runner.

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  Brakes - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ilene - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Love the car except for the brakes. This is my first hybrid car. When I have to panic-stop in this car, I apply what I think is normal pressure and the car screeches and grabs the road too violently. It really scares me. Does anyone else have this problem?

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  So close, yet so far - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By nyinpb - October 25 - 2:00 am

  First, the huge tires create lots of noise and are very expensive to replace. Second, the c pillar is just to thick and long/angled and blocks views. I really feel that if they had put on normal tires and lowered the car an inch, I would get much better highway mileage, the car would be less noisy, and the cost for new tires would not be a shock. Otherwise, it is a very pleasant near-luxury wagon. I could have used another set of latch in 2nd row.

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  Swagger Wagon Rocks! - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By GatorKeithB - October 25 - 2:00 am

  We avoided the minivan like none other. But after going to the auto show we narrowed it down to either the Buick Enclave or the Sienna SE. This was as we wanted a car with three rows so as to be able to get back to the kids as well as take the grandparents. We test drove the Sienna SE Swagger Wagon the day after the show, and ending up buying the day after. This is the first minivan that actually turned my head due to styling, and you just cant beat Toyo reliability vs unknown GM reliability (imo). So far, only having it for a week, we are really enjoying it. I love the styling in and out, rides great on the 19" low profile tires, and has tight steering and feel.

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  I love my Prius, too! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By PrAl10 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2010 Prius (my first Toyota) to replace my 2003 Altima (with 280,000 miles!). I am impressed with how brilliant its design philosophy is, and, of course, the amazing fuel economy (53 m.p.g. actual average over the first 10,000 miles). I love driving it, I feel more relaxed and no longer "sweat" traffic jams and red lights as much as before. Compared to the Altima I am saving ~$40/week at the current fuel prices. I think I will always buy hybrid cars from now on!

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  Great Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Steve - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my second Toyota Corolla. After reading prior reviews, I am convinced some people are opposing dealers or amateur drivers who cannot drive this fantastic car. The steering is great! Went 2 miles on the interstate with my hands off the wheel, the Corolla stayed in a perfect line until the next curve. People were probably texting, then blaming the car for their poor steering.I think the interior is great, no lint on the seats. The interior is no different then other cars in its class as far as materials! Step on the gas and the car goes! I passed muscle cars on the highway! Gas mileage around 35 mpg so far. Know the car, before you buy it! Love the S model.

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  Excellent! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By MangoMan - October 24 - 11:46 pm

  Im quite happy with the Yaris. Excellent design with lots of room for adult passengers and a huge trunk. I avg 31 mpg in-town commuting. Overall, I m very pleased with the car but the interior needs some re-design. Toyota forgot to put somewhere to hold change! No ashtray, no console tray or pocket. Come on, guys. My only other complaint is the car is overly susceptible to crosswind. Maybe some suspension or tire/wheel change could improve that. To me those are the only deficits in an otherwise well planned and executed entry level automobile.