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:

• 

  Too many quirks - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By markymarc - August 30 - 2:52 am

  I find it hard to believe how many people have blind loyalty to these trucks. There are countless issues with them if you just look them up on forums and blogs. I have most of the problems people complain about: Drive line vibrations, brake shutter, wheel shutter, loud dashboard creaks and rattles. The whole truck shakes like crazy when I try to accelerate hard from a dead stop. The engine is chirping like theres a belt problem. The valves clatter when the water temp is cold. I practically have to wait for the water temp to get to normal running level before it stops. I love the truck and I want to keep it forever, but I get the feeling it either wont hold up or Ill grow to resent it.

• 

  One Sweet Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bev42 - August 29 - 8:46 pm

  I waited from 6/28 to 10/29 for delivery and I received exactly the vehicle I wanted-pkg #6, a 2005 salsa red pearl loaded. I drove home from the dealership on the freeway at 60 - 65 mph and I got 47 mpg! Two weeks later, I filled the gas tank for approx $14! I had already driven my sons 2004 with pkg #8, so I wasnt surprised by the quiet motor, smooth ride, and good pick-up. I sat in the drive the next day with the engine turned on (not a sound) the car in park learning the mapping system and setting up the Bluetooth link with my Motorola V600 cell phone. (20 minutes) The mapping system later guided me directly to a hotel 190 mls away.

• 

  I love it! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Norb - August 29 - 7:50 pm

  Replaced one set of tires and brakes at 75000 miles, battery after 9 years. Had one check engine light (I didnt fasten the gas cap securely). Regular 3000 mile oil changes. One new headlight, license plate lights just this year. Dark green paint not a bit faded, fake wood trim on inside mottled/faded (only complaint). Best car Ive ever owned, dont hesitate to go on long trips.

• 

  I Love My 4Runner!!! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ashantimom - August 29 - 10:00 am

  My 4Runner has 193,000 miles. Ive never had any problems with it at all. In fact, more people buy 4Runners because of the quality and durability of mine than from teh commercials theyve seen. They cant believe Im knocking on 200,000 miles and still going strong. I bought it in 2001 with 120,000 and havent looked back. I cant believe how well these trucks hold their retail value either. My next vehicle will be another 4Runner.

• 

  4 Years with my Celica - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By jibs - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new back in early 2000 and it was a real head turner 4 years ago. I still get compliments on how nice my car is. The car has servered me well. I have had 0 problems with it (which is shocking for a first year model run). It gets great gas mileage, is fun to drive, it even handles well in the snow ... you just cant beat it for the price. I am finally getting ready to buy my 2nd car in a more expensive price range, the only thing that is holding me back is having to sell my Celica!

• 

  2004 Matrix XRS - Love it!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By jeffxrs - August 29 - 10:00 am

  1 Year of ownership. 12,500 miles. Great gas mileage. Only complaint is storage bin undewr shifter pops open frequently. Have not mentioned to dealer yet. Excellent dealer service so far. Car is my first Japanese after 2 Germans, 3 Americans.

• 

  Good Everyday Commute Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By OAZ - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the model with bench seats. It has a fold down center console with plenty of storage space, xtra cup holders. Overall, a great everday truck to commute to work. The V6 has plenty of power for merging/passing on Hwy. I havent towed anything yet. The truck is comfortable and all interior gadgets are easily accessible. A couple of concerns: Dont leave a phone charger connected to the outlet, I experienced hessitation when starting the engine. Poorly designed back doors, they should open like front doors, design makes it difficult to get in and out. Lastly, the brake rotors warping. My 2004 is fine, but other owners 2000-2003 have many complaints

• 

  Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jlb3 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our Honda CRV for a Highlander in June 2003. This car has just been wonderful. The ride is smooth, unlike that of the other SUVs we tried. Its very quiet, so quiet its hard to know if the car is on at times. A great choice if you take long trips. Best of all our auto insurance was surprisingly low, because of all the safety features. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone considering it. Im a commuter and everyone that rides with me comments on what a nice car it is and always asks what type is it!

• 

  better than a lexus - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By bmullis - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought in 2003 and it is a much better value than my wifes Lexus RX 300. It has more interior room, rides as nice and cost 6k less. We now take it on vacations because it is a better family vehicle.

• 

  The Shudder Monster - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Rocco - August 29 - 9:28 am

  Look it up. Most of these cars are defective with a torque converter shudder under light throttle, heck...Ive been through TWO torque converters and now a new transmission. Still shudders. I wish this was 90s Toyota when their cars were actually good. Nope, this is cost cutting Toyota. Transmission doesnt even have a dipstick. Trading! Two words.....Call Honda