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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  Very competent at everything - 2014 Toyota Prius
  By tcmat - September 19 - 6:18 am

  Not hard to see why they call this car "iconic" - it performs very well in every category. Its a geeks car in every good sense; the techy dash keeps you informed of your efficiency, and encourages you to drive intelligently; the 50mpg average is easily attainable. Plenty of room front and rear; Im 6ft-3in, and can set drivers seat for me, and still be comfortable in the driver-side back. Comfortable ride, good pickup on twisty hills, and good cargo capacity with seats folded (seats up, still a good grocery hauler). Not a flashy sporty car, but does the job its built to do, and does it in solid Toyota style.

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  Sad its Dying - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By shanny720 - September 18 - 10:06 am

  My grandma talked me into buying a used 2000 Camry LE from a sporty car that I had been eying. It was the best decision made. It had 40,000 at purchase (2004) and how has 162,000. It has been reliable driving through MN snowstorms and flash floods. In fact, Ive made it through snow where bigger vehicles had gotten stuck, and "puddles" where bigger vehicles had flooded. Few problems. The only reason why its dying now is because I didnt change the oil every 3,000 miles. VERY important to keep up on the oil changes with this car!! I was hoping to keep it around for another few years. Make sure to also use Toyota parts.

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  topless fun - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By bultman2 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car you will ever own. You will need another car to haul your stuff, but this car makes a nice weekend driving fun. Took the car up the mountain graded and curves and it handles very good. Hope Toyota keeps the numbers very low on building. This will keep the resale value very high for this car. If you need storage this is not the car for you.

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  1996 tacoma - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By esnfoster - September 18 - 2:00 am

  ive had no problems with this truck i do my oil change every 3000 miles and have put no repairs in it it has 195,786 miles on it

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  Surprise - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Fabio - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Interior make you feel you are in a much more expensive car. Very quiet interior and powertrain. Had VW Passat before no comparison. Solara is a dream as far as low noise is concern. Handling is good. Acceleration is great. Had vibration on the steering when applying brakes, fixed by dealer next day by recalibrating rotors.

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  Most basic truck - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By dexyuen - September 17 - 9:34 am

  Maybe my truck is just having its time and I probably would have rated higher if I had it earlier but Its been Ok truck I bought it with 237,000 miles and I have 320,000 on it since Ive owned it I replaced the radiator, dropped a K&N filter in replaced the transmission gasket (I have an auto), the electrical, tires, ball joints, bearings, front calipers, CV boots, alternator, this all happened within 3 months of owning it so @ about 250,000 I replaced all this and lasted to 320,000 I hope it just last now I did most of the work myself so it was some what worth it. I love parking this thing in the city though when Im working out there.

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  not worth the money - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ghanchakkar - September 16 - 11:40 pm

  Excellent Engine. Excellent exterior design. I feel it was most beautiful car in year 2007-08. Horrible quality of interior. Everything falls apart just by little pull particularly console, curtain bag cover, gear box cover. windshield holding frame makes rubs with windshield glass whenever sudden temperature increase. Smart Key System does not work in various areas of Chicago downtown. I must use physical key to lock unlock car (not sure why).

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  Very Good Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Sean - September 15 - 10:53 pm

  I have put about 11000 miles on this since March 08. The engine, ride, handling, and capability are all excellent. It tows without any issues at all. I have only had two warranty issues so far, the radio and interior support pillar trim. It seems that when the dash gets HOT from the sun the trim sometimes moves out of place and warps. The transmission seems to have a mind of its own, it shifts how and when it wants to, it does not seem to be learning. Sometimes it is smooth and I can hardly feel it shift and other times it will slam the truck in gear. I am having it road tested on the next service and the transmission computer may have to be reset (according to the dealer).

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  Its good... but - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By HansJuergen - September 15 - 9:20 pm

  Purchased in August 06, and have driven it about 5000 miles. Although the engine is powerful, there is a bit of steering instability when accelerating hard. Also, the suspension is a bit bouncy. I also drive a Mini Cooper with very stiff suspension, and I guess I prefer the stiffer ride to the RAV4s. I agree that the standard stereo is disappointing, as are the cupholders. We get pretty good mileage (average 23mpg), but we tend to drive conservatively. It is tempting to step into the gas pedal now and then, but I am sure that this results in significantly less mileage, as others have reported. Also, when you do step into it, the downshift is rather abrupt and startling.

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  Toy Hauler Special - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike - September 14 - 9:20 pm

  Traded in my Tundra for the FJ in May 2006 in Raleigh, NC. FJ is loaded, from super sound system to trailer hitch. I pull my 18 Toy Hauler, loaded with a Triumph Rocket Mcyl and luggage, with no problem. Trailer dealership installed trailer brakes for $300.00. On the road at 65MPH I get 9.3 MPG. Normal mileage is 17/23, depending on road travelled. Lack of lumbar support was solved with a $10.00 back support from AAA. Installed Toyota window guards for looks, but for those who drive with windows open its worth the money. The FJ is an attention getter, I have the Voodoo Blue. With the iPod outlet, the music never stops. I love my Toyota FJ Cruiser.