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:

• 

  Stylish saver - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Kirk Camoriano - May 7 - 10:42 am

  I purchased a Toyota as a second car. Im very impressed with the fuel mileage that has been averaging 34-38 mpg. The car looks great, but is pretty unremarkable in performance, handling and overall fun (then again I did not expect much of a driving experience or performance out of a Corolla)

• 

  Love my Celica! - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Beth - May 7 - 3:40 am

  Since I bought my GT in 2001, it has never needed anything more than oil changes and tire rotations. Its sporty, but the hatchback makes it very practical, especially when you fold down the back seats for a large item. This is a great car and its a lot of fun to drive.

• 

  all but the brakes... - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By fordo - May 7 - 2:00 am

  for all that i like about the vehicle, like its quiet, smooth ride, towing capability and offroad capability, there are are few issues im bothered with. first, the brakes seem to "stick" when letting off the pedal after a complete stop. 2 dealers ive taken it to dont think its a problem, and 1 couldnt even detect it. very annoying. second, remove the running boards, they are too low and too narrow to be anything but an obstacle. finally, the body moldings seem to collect water--im concerned that this may cause premature corrosion. bottom line: if i get the brakes fixed the overall rating will be about 9.5, if not, its an 8, at best.

• 

  Performance - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By billu - May 7 - 2:00 am

  After comparing all trucks in this class the Toyota by far offers the most for your money. I own a 4-runner with a 3.0 and it has trouble with mountian roads. This Tacoma powers up the hills with no problem. Ride and handling is about the same as other trucks with an off road package.

• 

  Great Car But..... - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By john7 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is absolutely great and fun car to drive! Exterior is beautifully designed especially with the sports package... A trip from LA back to Bay Area was effortless. Nice Audio system... However, the car visted the dealership for more than three times in the first year. The rubber molding on the top of the car shrunk and flooded the car ceiling. The celling and side pillar had to be replaced as algae started growing in the car!!! Rear seatbelt for the right rear passenger always disappeared into the bottom of the car. Battery had to be replaced once. Lots of blindspots especially in left front and rear right. Lousy sunshade design.

• 

  Not comfortable for the larger driver - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By finartlvr - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The drivers seat is uncomfortable and the steering wheel sits too low, even in the up position. The seats were built for small/average drivers and do not fit an average/large driver comfortability There is trouble with the driver side window motor, so beware

• 

  Used 2000 SR5 Highlander/Sport - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By dds120 - May 6 - 4:16 pm

  I bought a used 2000 SR5 "Highlander" edition almost 2 years ago. This edition has a sport hood, larger wheels, leather seating. Best car Ive ever had. Routine maintenance is all that Ive needed, approaching 75K, should run for 100K more. Wanted a LR Disco badly, but thank goodness mt wife talked me out of it.

• 

  Dashboard rattles - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Scott - May 6 - 7:50 am

  Dashboard rattles after 100 miles! No screw on oil filter, cartridge type filter, needs synthetic oil - dealership quote about $70 every 5 thousand miles.

• 

  Ownership of a Toyota Tacoma - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Fred Analla - May 5 - 4:39 am

  I really enjoyed this truck, medical problems dictate that I find something else for my use. The truck has been very good and dependable, I havent had any problems other than having to install a battery. I very much enjoyed driving this vehicle and as an old an auto mechanic repairing many different vehicles this Toyota comes highly recomended.

• 

  Definitely not An Improvement over 2005 - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Miguel - May 4 - 7:43 am

  I have just traded my 2005 LE in for a lease on a 2010 LE. I made the decision primarily for financial reasons. My 2005 was going on 60K and was going to need front brakes and new tires. It had also been in a couple of accidents, had a few quirky rattles - but otherwise drove fine. I had 4 more years to pay $250/ mnth loan. The generous ceiling height and cabin size was certainly better on the 2005 than the 2010. I also find the seats on the new Camry to be alot less comfortable. The 2010 doesnt handle bumps at low speeds very well - but cruises like a cream puff on the highway. Im surprised this new generation Camry doesnt get better gas mileage than the 2005. Its a practical sedan.