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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  I love the way it looks outside... - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Pamela - April 25 - 10:00 am

  but i think the seats are kind of cheesy. its pretty fun to drive, but i wish i had gone with an automatic. i get sick of shifting in traffic.

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  Great family vehicle - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave from MA - April 25 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a AWD 6cyl about 2 weeks ago and we love it. It is a pleasure to drive compared to our old RAV4. It has plenty of room, silky smooth engine and tranny. After test driving the Highlander and 4Runner back to back, we went with the Highlander for the better ride. Since Honda dealers are not dealing with the Pilot, we figured we could with the Highlander. We got it for below invoice after a $1000 rebate from Toyota.

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  rattles drive me crazy - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By pepper45322 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I have been a loyal Toyota buyer since 1982. I traded in my 1999 Solara for this vehicle. This car is a disappointment because of the rattles, squeeks, creeks coming from the headliner and front dash. I took it to the dealer 3 times and on the third time they told me the car is in "normal" range for noise. I guess Toyota has lowered their standards to American made vehicles for rattles. There are serious inerior quality issues with camrys. I have not experienced the surging/jerking at 50 mph when releasing gas pedal with this car but did with my Solara, which is why I dumped it.

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  Reliable - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Farmer Sue - April 24 - 6:10 pm

  I bought this car new and have just over 175,000 miles on it. The only items I have replaced are the front struts, brakes, tires, and other routine maintenance items. Very reliable.

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  I expected more from Toyota - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By TNC - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded in an 03 Pilot w 100K on it which was bulletproof. Bought Top of the line Platinum and three weeks later wife backed into a pile of rocks in a parking lot island--turns out the sonar is off until you turn it on. Our fault but major design flaw. Now with 4K miles had major vibration at highway speed found to be failing universal joint and bad drive shaft. All under warranty of course but Toyota reputation is overrated. I consider this unacceptable for a $60K vehicle. Cant get bench 2nd row in Platinum and room behind 3rd row is limited due to wasted space between rows 1&2. Bought for towing capability. If you dont need to tow buy a Pilot. Otherwise nice car.

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  Best buy ever! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By ToyotaLover - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Toyota 4runner in 2000 and it runs the same as it did when i got it. I feel so safe in that car.Only problem that it as is that is is a gas guzzler. I dont like the hassle with putting it in four wheel drive. This car is like a tank i got rear ended once and i had a little dent and the car that hit it was totaled! The second time nothing happened and the car that it me had a huge hole in it from the trailer hitch. I have the SR5 with the sports package and i have 110,000 miles and this car is the best car i have ever had!!

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  2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 2WD - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jason hearn - April 21 - 11:30 am

  I did a lot of research before buying my FJ. I knew I loved the way it looked. The ride is comfortable and quiet and i feel safe inside its seemingly large cabin. Brakes are a little sensitive making the front end dive slightly. After a while you get used to them though. If you know how to use your mirrors when driving then you wont have an issue with the blind spots people keep talking about. Just put down your phone and youll be okay.

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  Great car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota and Nissan - April 21 - 10:16 am

  Great car. I bought it when it had 168000 miles on it and ran great. I did get new spark plugs, short ram intake and a strut bar, to improve the performance a little. The car never broke down, i had no problems with it. Now it has 192000 miles. It does have a 18gallon gas tank which i found to be a bit too big. but its okay. Now i drive a 350z Overall upgrade from the 99 camry. but the camry did very well the last 2 years.

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  Sold on Toyota - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Sold on Toyota - April 21 - 2:10 am

  We bought the first year of the current generation of Corollas, which isnt always a good idea. It is our first Toyota, and it wont be our last. In just under four years, we have had NO problems with the Corolla, except replacing the tires after just 20,000 miles. It holds four family members (two teenagers, not children) and all our luggage on our non-camping vacations. Unlike one of the other reviewers, our paint looks great. We may never buy anything but a Toyota again.

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  FUEL ECONOMY NOT WHAT THEY SAY - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By STEVE FLOYD - April 21 - 12:30 am

  I live in Iowa and only get around 26 miles per gallon -- 50% highway during the winter. i got around 35 miles per gallon in the summer. not happy with fuel economy since i am giving up safety for fuel economy