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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  145,000 & still going strong!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Chadwicked - February 2 - 3:16 pm

  I got the car in late 2003 brand new. If you keep up with oil changes and tire rotations youll be able to drive it forever. Its got well over 100,000 miles on it and Ive never had a problem with it unless you refer to a headlight bulb and battery I had to change almost 5 years later, other than that, no complaints.

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  Personal experience - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sun - February 2 - 9:20 am

  Now my Camry is about 2 years old. Dealer has to replace my strut because of oil leak. Also, I was told battery need to be replaced soon. Tire is about to worn out at 27k. I like this car and do maintenance regularly. I was driving 91 Camry for long time and its quality deeply impressed me. I couldnt believe new Camry work like this. I feel disappointed.

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  The Lexus of Minivans - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By jbryson1 - February 2 - 8:43 am

  Weve owned Town and Country Minivans and an Honda Odsy. This Toyota is the most luxurious by far, very quiet and smooth riding. Fuel economy is not great, 16 mpg average over 22,000 miles. Visibility is very good, storage is awesome. Laser cruise control is really nice, rear camera is tops. Thoughtful interior touches are everywhere and, the quality of materials is as good as it gets.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By TravW - February 2 - 2:56 am

  Overall the car was one of the best investments I have ever made. The fuel economy was excellent and the small design is misleading. The interior is very roomy. Wonderful car.

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  Fun Little Commuter Car - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Robert - February 2 - 12:26 am

  I bought the car used to commute 40 miles a day. I loved the sporty looks on the exterior and the inside is a little cramped but good for one or two passengers. It is lousy as far as backseat space is concerned but it wasnt built to be a family car. The cockpit is nicely laid out. I had to have the transmission worked on after about 100k miles but I would write that off to normal wear and tear. Overall Id give it high marks and it is a lot of fun to drive.

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  One hot/fun/sexy/reliable car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MIKEY - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth/quiet ride. Responsive engine. I feel like Im driving a Lexus. Great build quality. Lots of midrange punch. Very happy.

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  2000 Toyota Camry CE - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Barcou - January 31 - 10:00 am

  By far the best highway driving car Ive been in. Very good build quality -- no squeaks or rattles. Car feels as tight with 45,000 miles as it did when new. Smooth, smooth, smooth.

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  Matrix is a true quality Toyota - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Dave Swaney - January 31 - 2:26 am

  I have 45K on my Matrix, and I have done nothing but change the oil and repair curb collision damage. Nothing rattles, nothing wheezes. Im going to have to take it in at 50K just out of discipline. What a car.

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  Long term owner - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By tcle2001 - January 31 - 12:17 am

  I purchased a used LE in 2001 with 17k miles. I now have 170k miles on the odometer. The cost of ownership for this vehicle has been good despite my car suffering from many of the woes documented by others. The major concern is the engine. Despite by the book maintenance my engine expired at 146k miles. Premature piston ring wear leads to piston slap and eventually a broken wrist pin. I also have the continuous CEL. A note to other owners, if your fuel economy deteriorates, change the mass air flow sensor. It is a cheap and easy fix. I also had the broken door handle and the sagging headliner. At the end of the day it is cheap tranportation.

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  4x4 - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By tmtoyota4x4 - January 28 - 8:23 am

  I bought this 4runner with 140650 miles on it and it is strong as new. It could need a little power and get up and go but other than that its ok, plenty of room for me and my friends to pile up in and take it 4wheelin down the beach or muddin. I average about 14/19 (city/highway).