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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  its okay but ... - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By sparkyshan - July 18 - 10:00 am

  We originally purchased this for my wife. We have since bought her a new car and I inherited it. I am 62" and I have found that the seat does not go back far enough for me. I am too close to the steering wheel for comfort. For short rides, its okay, but anything over an hour and I am uncomfortable. Does get good mileage, which helps. To be honest, if I werent upside down on the amount owed vs value, I would sell it and get a Subaru Outback.

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  Reliable car for work - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By quin - July 18 - 5:26 am

  I bought this car in 2000 and has use for 154,000 miles till today. Had it maintenance with oil service ( 4 quarts of SAE 5W30 oil preferred for Toyota 1MZ-FE engine good for fuel economy and good starting in cold weather) with oil filter changed @ 4,ooo miles as recommended by the manufacture or penzoil synthetic oil $20(Kmart) @6,000 miles. Had my coolant flush at about @50,000 miles with 1 gallon of antifreeze coolant $18 at toyota dealer. Had my 1 gallon DextronII transmission fluid $10 done @50,000 miles. Front Brake pad ($40pad+ $40labor)change @40,000miles and Back brake pad change@ 70,000miles. Battery change @6years. Windshield wiper change @5years. Tires change@40,000miles.

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  What more could I ask for? - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By ebeaudoin - July 17 - 8:43 pm

  My mother-in-law bought this car as a dealer demonstrator back in 2001. My wife bought it from her in 2009 and Ive been driving it since 2010. This car is my daily commuter now with just over 120,000 miles on it. Its quiet, smooth ride, comfortable interior and spartan yet efficient control layout is just lovely. Sure, its no sports car, but theres something to be said about a car like this. The gas mileage is decent- Im averaging 24.4 MPG, with 31.9 MPG being my best tank of all-highway miles.

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  Happy With My Purchase - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By jswen1 - July 17 - 2:16 pm

  Ive had the RAV4 LE AWD model for 2 weeks. Am liking it very much so far. Rides nicely. Averaging 28 mph combined hwy and city, higher than I expected. Had 03 and 09 Honda CRVs prior to this. Both were dependable. Test drove the 15 CRV but ruled it out because of wind noise. The CRV vibration problem so many reviewers mention is also cause for concern, though I didnt experience it on the test drive. Also test drove the Suburu Forrester but found I liked the RAV4 the best of the 3 SUVs.

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  Love my Little Filly! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cher - July 17 - 8:00 am

  My Tacoma can go just about anywhere, in any kind of weather! :) Tacomas are the most eye-catching small pickup available, with an outstanding reliability record. I have hauled heavy loads of furniture and appliances with no problems. Makes for an outstanding second vehicle. Not very family oriented though...

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  Transmission problem - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By dvance - July 15 - 11:46 pm

  My 2003 5-speed only has just over 77,000 miles on it and the bearings in the transmission are going. I bought a Toyota specifically to have a long- lasting, good car. I called Toyota customer service and got the same story about not taking it to a dealership for routine maintenance so they couldnt help me if the car hadnt been properly maintained.

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  Superb Vehicle - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By tripgrip - July 15 - 2:36 pm

  I love this vehicle, it is fun to drive, very solid yet smooth ride. It sits up high so that you can see way up ahead the road. Gas mileage was surprising to me... I get and average of 21 mpg on the highway. Toyota is a very well built vehicle and they always have stood behind their product for me.

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  RAV4 w/problems - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By JonG - July 14 - 5:10 pm

  After 2700 miles of driving I have had 3 events of all the idiot lights coming on plus two complete breakdowns. Dealer analyzed (Oh for the days of do it yourself cars) and replaced a fuse. Our trip from Tennessee to Florida was a disaster. All idiot lights came on plus the battery light. Power steering died and car had to be towed to dealer who replaced battery. After 250 more miles, same thing happened and had to get towed to dealer again. This dealer was good and found alternator was defective. New type with clutch for trailer package upgrade. No one has the new alternator in stock so it has to come from Cal. I love the car, but wont tolerate any more breakdowns

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  My First Car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Firefightersgrl - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car and I have to say I was pleased with it. It ran well and always got me where I needed to go. A lot of room to and easy to maintain. The gas milage is great. I would drive at least 30 miles a day (thats a lot for a highschool senior) and I would only have to fill up every other week for $20. It was totalled when I was hit in the side, but it took a lot of impact and I came out completely safe.

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  4 Runner for Reliability - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tamela - July 14 - 2:00 am

  great for long trips, vehicle is heavy and holds to the road well. In town it is a little cumbersome to handle because of its size, I wish the interior was just a little larger. If you are looking for gas mileage the 4 runner would not be for you. Comfort is great and I will continue to own one for the reliability.