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:

• 

  Great little workhorse! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Kelley King - January 5 - 9:15 pm

  I am on my 4th Corolla. My 99 was bought in 2009, and is still going strong at 240,000 miles. One of my lower ratings is because of all the plastic parts inside, but this is something I see with many cars, not just Toyotas. Ive had door handles snap off, as well as pieces of the moldings. Cupholders eventually snapped off too but I replaced. So Id like to see stronger parts, and if I had my way, no plastic at all....The most major repair I did was replacing the catalytic converter. The dealer wanted thousands to do this, but I found a local repair shop who did it for much less, back in 2010, and Ive had no problems since. Ive replaced brakes and struts, and of course buy new tires periodically. I do city driving so stop-and-go traffic, hence, the toll it takes on my brakes. Other things Ive replaced are things that simply give out with age. My main concern is the engine and transmission and those are rock solid. When my car is running, people often cant even hear that its running! Even at its old age, I get about 25 mpg. A couple of expensive repairs did occur. The power window stopped working on my driver side which entailed the purchase of a new motor for the door. Pricey. The other day, another door handle snapped off. Mechanic tried to put on new one, only to find the interior mechanism had to be replaced. Ive also done exhaust work but once done, no more problems. No issues with undercarriage like U-joints or anything like that. All my Corollas have gone over 200,000 miles and Im staying with this brand. Im buying my next one nearly-new and since I take excellent care of my cars, and am not rough at all with the interior, I dont expect issues with things ripping and breaking. I love these cars, and when 99s appear on used lots in my area, they are often scooped up within a few days, if the price is right and car is clean.

• 

  Thank you Shay Wilson - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Joshua Winters - January 5 - 4:26 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a reliable car with excellent gas mileage. We found it. My wife drives about 30,000 miles a year for her job. This car is perfect. It has lots of room and the back seats fold down for our hiking equipment. We love the great gas mileage.

• 

  Many Problems - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Mickalous - January 4 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this vehicle I had high expectations. Being rated number two and Toyota suposed to be the best screwed together car. Sorry to say the van has had lots of little problems. Doors that wont open. Removable seats that do not latch in securly. Poor paint quality. Lots of plastic pieces falling off or coming loose. High amount of maintenance required like tire rotation every 6000 miles. Plus service managers that treat you poorly. Took me 6 weeks to get a simple part.

• 

  Cladding, dash (odometer, TAC, etc.) - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ajivoin - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The design change is excellent except for the crappy cheap looking ugly pathetic cladding. The tri-circular silver dash (odometer, dash) is also a major style flaw. The gauges are smaller than the previous 4Runner edition and the orange back lighting is a joke. This is a 4Runner not a sports car. The shifter is also a sports car design, not necessary in a SUV.

• 

  Happy - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By vic wojnowski - January 3 - 6:07 am

  Tipical toyota, firm ride & steering, simple controls, solid feel, good storage . Navigation screen hard to see in bright light, transmission shifts out of lower gear to quickley. Gas milage for a truck is good. Size of veh. is perfect, not to big or small.

• 

  I like 2005 Camry SE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By jcai - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Just ride it for about a week. Tried 2004 SE, found its suspension to be too stiff and harsh. 2005 SE is tuned just right--Harder than LE but less harsh than SE 2004. Handling is just right, better than my Infiniti I30. 4-cyn performance is OK for local commute but weak for passing on freeway.

• 

  7 months in 2014 Venza LE FWD V6 - 2014 Toyota Venza
  By acework - January 1 - 7:16 am

  Nearly all of the Venzas I see on the road are AWD. I got an LE FWD V6 & think it handles great in the snow. The stability control helps when roads are slick. I love the power, it rockets off of the line & aids with overtaking on the hwy. Fuel economy is right around 20.5 mpg with mostly in town drives. This # is reflected in my math as well as the cars computer. This mileage comes with 87 & 91 octane, it dips to 18 mpg when I use 85 octane. I love this car & am really happy I got it. I test drove a Murano and found it rode too stiff (Jeepish), and a Ford Edge (which was nice but a bit stiff & felt smaller). The computer says my average speed is 25 mph, which has got to be a glitch.

• 

  quality - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By morrison - December 31 - 8:03 pm

  Went from a mini van to limited Highlander. I have watched and wanted one for while. Love the comfort and style. We got leather, and love it. Also like the stereo.

• 

  Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dolly - December 31 - 12:10 pm

  I enjoy this vehicle. It is very comfortable and roomy. It has a really nice stereo system and the air conditioning cools off the vehicle quickly. The heat is excellent also.

• 

  2009 Limited RAV 4, FWD - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike ---Idaho - December 31 - 8:56 am

  Traded in my wifes 2008 RAV4 for this 09 with the nav system. We had the Everglades Green on the 08 and my wife loves the Barcelona Red on this 09 Limited.