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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  Good, but need better mileage &visabilit - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By twr923 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Love Love Love the Highlander, but I have noticed when changing lanes, visability on the side is impaired, hate hate the mileage, seem to be putting more and more gas in it than my 1999 camry, can anything be done, otherwise, great vehicle, good family car

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  smooth riding! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Jody Musolino - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We found the perfect mid size car, at a great price, Camry LE! We looked at the Honda Accord, Mits. Galent, Mazda 6, Subaru Legacy and many others in the $20,000 - $25,000 price range. The Toyota Camry offered everything we wanted, and it drove the smoothest! After test driving other cars, nothing compared to the Camry. This car offers many features that are standards for an afforadable price.

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  Promises unfulfilled - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By jOHN Beavers - October 18 - 1:30 pm

  The hybrid performs well. The comfort for a 62" person leaves much to be desired. As a Toyota owner for many years, I was disappointed in the furnishings and the visibility afforded in my car. The left drivers post prevents a good look for expressway driving and Im constantly challenged in getting into the vehicle on the drivers side. Should have researched it more thoroughly. Gas mileage is 32 around town and maybe 38 on the road with good fuel management skills. Best buy from Toyota is probably the Prius.

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  Struts busted on 6k miles - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By teban - October 18 - 8:17 am

  I bought my highlander in october of 2013 as brand new. After driven 6kmiles, in May of 2014, R/R struts got busted, leaking and noise. I only have two kids, and never loaded it yet with more than 5 people yet until today. So why the hell the struts failed? On 6k miles? Really? Well, I dont know why. Its on the record, i got this car at oak lawn toyota of oak lawn illinois. Repairs were done in oak lawn toyota under warranty. Im giving it another chance coz I still do trust toyota, I guess I just got unlucky with that strut as a factory defect. It happens, but Im really bit worried. What if my warranty expires? Well i still do have two years? Crossing my fingers.......

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  Love my truck but... - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Adam_M_P - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Tacoma for almost 2 yrs. now and after 42,000 miles and a few anoyances I still love my truck. On occasion the driver side door pannel vrates at highway speeds. The worst problem I have is the engine knocks when accelerating or climbing a hill at high speeds. The dealerships only recomendation was to run higher octane fuel, so my Tacoma now requires mid- grade gas & still knocks on a rare occasion.

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  Smooth Ride - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Pop - October 17 - 5:30 am

  Durable and reliable, this truck rides like a nice sedan. Radio remote on steering wheel changes am, fm, cd, volume, stations. Nice large console. Lockable bed. Large size takes getting used to if you havent been driving a large truck. Mileage is not good but is typical of a large pickup.

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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By BillR - October 16 - 3:10 pm

  Great mileage, no defects noted. With gas prices going higher I am smug about driving a car that its on board computer says gets over 53 MPG.

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  Meets Expectations - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By inuchan - October 16 - 2:56 pm

  I bought this car 10 months ago and it still feels like a new car. Being a new car it is hard to say how reliable it is but it has not failed me yet. The gas is wonderful and lasts a long time though like any other car the A/C drains the gas very fast. I will say that this is not a sports car. Don’t expect to go 0-60 in 2 seconds. It is mainly for looks not speed. I use it just to take me to work and really nothing more. I highly recommend this car if you want a low price car and great gas mileage. Just wish the A/C was stronger.

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  Rattle, Squeak, Rattle, Squeak - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Nate1981 - October 15 - 10:43 am

  Wow, I have owned 3 Toyotas now and I cannot believe this one got past them. I bought this 03 Corolla in 05 with 40,000 miles on it. Only 5,000 miles after the sale the car began rattling in the dash. Then came the drivers door, and now the passenger door. This car rattles so bad it rivals my 1999 Oldsmobile that I traded in with 110,000 miles. Other than that the car is super great on gas. My best rating was 47 MPG on a trip to Wisconsin. I average 33 MPG city/highway (mostly highway). The car is super agile and can cut through traffic with ease. The brakes are very strong & the suspension is great! If only it had more power. Oh well, its great for an economy car!

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  Great Little Truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Deadgirl1 - October 14 - 7:40 pm

  I bought this truck in 2002 used w/ 36,000 miles. Its been a very reliable truck. I have but over 120,000 miles on it and Ive only had to replace the brakes, an O2 sensor, and the battery. Everything else has held up and it still runs great. I used to commute over 600 miles on weekends and the truck never gave me any problems. Great gas mileage for a pickup and does well in winter weather despite having no weight in the back. I would buy this truck again in an instant!