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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  Big problems cropping up - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By grillman - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Camry new in 1996 and its been pretty solid until this year. It developed a major transmisssion leak and rear main engine seal leak at 85000 miles. This is a very expensive repair as the entire front subframe had to be removed to fix the leaks. Now the steering rack is leaking and this is another $500 repair. So much for Toyota QUALITY and RELIABILTY. No vehicle with this mileage should have these problems. I tried to get Toyota to pick up some of the cost for these repairs and they basically blew me off. This is my last Toyota.

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  Better -Second time around.... - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By star2359 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Enjoyed my Diamond White 1999 Avalon for the past four years. Never had to excersize Toyota Warranty, not even once in 26000 miles. Always trouble- free, quiet, smooth and great mileage. So, last week I traded, for a new 2003 Avalon Lunar Mist. I bought the "Luxury Package" which gives me all the goodies I want, without paying for the XLS. My new 03 feels even better.

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  Awesome - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeffster - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Love the TRD/ I am off road / dirt roads more than anything and this truck rides like a dream - the suspension is getting loose - but hey - toyota should pay me to test the TRD suspension!

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  Oh what a feeling, Toyota! - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Horse country - June 1 - 9:13 pm

  We have truly enjoyed the short time we’ve driven the hybrid. Hard to get used to the lack of engine noise when at idle. Surprising performance when needed and the ride is as good or better than any sedan. Even though it is a five year lease, you can not use the tax advantage. An IRS limitation, not Toyota.

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  Base 4x4 VG but needs basic amenities - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By TBloch - June 1 - 1:06 pm

  This is my 3rd Tacoma. The truck is nice and tight, no rattles or squeaks. Much bigger than my 96, which I dont like, but it rides and handles well. The bench seat is more comfortable than the one in my 96. The 2.7 engine is peppy. Wish I had opted for an automatic, but those are probably hard to find in a reg cab 4x4.

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  THE BEST - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By MILLIE - June 1 - 4:16 am

  YOU CANNOT FEEL THIS CAR. IT RIDES VERY SMOOTH. IT IS THE BEST. THE AC CRANKS TO THE POINT THAT I HAVE TO SHUT IT OFF. ON FUEL ECONOMY IT IS GREAT. I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT.

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  Great car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Suzane W - June 1 - 2:27 am

  Gas mileage is down about 10 mpg in the winter, but overall it is a great car. Does great in the snow, roomy inside and comfortable.

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  Great Buy - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By whaltiwanger - June 1 - 1:20 am

  Excellent buy! The Limited model is a bit pricey, but is an excellent choice. We love our purchase so far, and the gas mileage has been impressive. We have gotten better than said on the first tank! All of the bells and whistles are really convenient, such as the Smart Key, Bluetooth phone, and auto front and rear A/C. It has good power and is fun to drive. I would highly recommend anyone in the market for a SUV to check out a Toyota, just not only for the comfort, safety, and dependability of the Toyota brand!

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  awesome! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By lluc - June 1 - 12:43 am

  The best auto ive owned.

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  Toyota #4 - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Wenatchee Bill - May 31 - 2:56 pm

  83 Supra, 91 Previa, 01 Sienna and now the Venza. All purchased new and all (less the Venza) driven at least 135,000 miles. The Venza is primarily for my wife. She loves it, cares for it meticulously, and allows me to drive it once a week or so. She feels the Silver color is thin, ie: anything that touches the body leaves a mark. The road noise (4000 miles) is worse than our Sienna. Probably related to 20 inch wheels w/lo profile tires. This is probably our last new car purchase. I hope when the Venza is 8 or 9 years old and has 100,000+ miles that we will have enjoyed as we have our previous Toyotas.