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 am so Proud of our Tacoma!!! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Donna Burgstrom - June 26 - 4:13 pm

  My husband has used our Tacoma for his handyman business for the past 3 years. He carries a FULL load of tools in the back daily under the shell AND tows a trailer filled with you name it (heavy weight) stuff on a daily basis. It just turned 178k miles and has never had ANY problems. He just put it through smog to get it registered and it went through with flying colors. It is just an awesome truck!!!!

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  A real value, and fun to boot - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Doug B - June 26 - 2:36 pm

  Finally picked up my new base 2006 RAV4, 4x4 with the 4 cylinder engine. Very happy with the gorgeous modern interior, nice exterior lines. The 4 cylinder is very strong. I traded in a 98 Ford Explorer with the 4 liter 6, and the RAV4 has nothing to be embarassed about. I took a lot of guff from the ladies at work about choosing a "cute" SUV, but I have to admit that its a very pretty car. Couldnt be happier. Ill supplement if possible after about a month.

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  Poorly Functioning Transmission - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacomashane - June 26 - 12:03 pm

  This truck has had transmission issues since the day I bought it. Toyota refuses to admit it is a problem, even though it is well documented on the internet. Transmission continually slips when accelerating after a turn or even going over a speed bump. There is a clunking/jumping effect around 30mph when letting off gas then getting back on the gas. Also have had an annoying buzzing sound from under my glove compartment and a rattling window control panel. Body dents very easily. Very worried that transmission will fail before my 36k warranty.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By nick - June 26 - 7:40 am

  I have had a large arrray of cars and trucks and this by far beats them all. I do a lot of off road driving and playing around in the mud, and I have yet to be able to get this thing stuck. When I took delivery of this truck I left the lot and headed on a 2000 mi road trip, most comfortable ride and great fuel economy. Does great at highway speeds and around town. I will never get rid of this truck, it will stay in the family for the rest of its life and guess what, it is a Toyota. Its going to be around for a while!

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  Great truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By 06tacomatrd - June 26 - 6:50 am

  I bought the V6 Automatic TRD Off-Road Tacoma used from a dealer and Ive had it for about 2 years. Ive put over 50,000 miles on it, drove it across the country 3 times full of my belongings, and have taken it off-road in sand and hills. Zero issues. The only thing Ive done to it is change the oil every 4k miles and bought new tires. Despite having over 110,000 miles on it now, I still get compliments on it regularly. The highway ride is smooth up to 90 mph, even with aggressive Bridgestone Dueler A/T tires. And off-road you would have to TRY to get stuck because this thing is a beast.

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  Fantastic Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By jayhawker1983 - June 26 - 2:08 am

  I have a 2005 Corolla CE that just turned over 170,000 miles. I have done nothing to it except routine maintenance. Runs just like it did when it was new. I plan on keeping it until the engine falls out of it.

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  Happy Camper - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By exrep - June 25 - 7:30 pm

  Traded my 2004 Prius with 68000 trouble free miles for the Camry Hybrid. To date, have 25000 trouble free miles and getting 42 mpg, mostly highway driving. More room than the Prius and more comfort. Both great cars.

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  Very Happy Highlander owner - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By dubrich - June 25 - 2:50 pm

  Traded in a 05 MB E320 after being fed up with avg annual maintenance of $1000. Drove it from SC to Dallas, TX and EVERYONE loved it, ESP. the kids. Very roomy for the 1st 2 rows. 4 Adults and 3 kids {ages 9,8,7} fit comfortably without the center seat on the 2nd row while driving around the city. 0% for 60 months also makes it even that much more enjoyable! 2nd Toyota purchased within 2 weeks of each other {due to 0%}. Also averaged 27, that is right, 27 MPG at an average speed of 70 MPH over a 6 hour stretch of flat interstate. Always dreamed of owning an E-class since middle school, but I DO NOT MISS IT! Love the HL.

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  Crappy Transmission - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Dezra - June 24 - 3:46 pm

  Car vibrates when driving up a slight incline at 40-43 MPH, keeping speed steady. Was told by non Toyota mechanic that it is the torque converter and Toyota themselves say "its a normal characteristic of this car". WHATEVER!!! Pretty scary huh? Could harm me while driving someday. It also shifts hard sometimes and revs up when I am not accelerating. Also, my cd player will play a song or so then stop completely and keep my cd, and wont give it back until the stereo cools down! Other than that, I love the car!

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  Fun and strong SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By pat - June 24 - 2:36 pm

  We have had the Highlander Hybrid since January and love it. While we all would like better mileage, especially at $2.50/gal., we are happy what with this vehicle delivers. If you pay attention, you can get over 32 mpg even on the highway. We typically get 29+ in the city during the summer. So far this winter I believe we are down to 26-27 avg. Its been cold. We are looking forward to many years of fun and transportation with this vehicle.