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:

• 

  Ill always buy Toyota. - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Americayay - January 9 - 7:30 pm

  I get amazing gas mileage for a truck. I adore this truck. Its cute and incredibly reliable. The only problems I have ever had have been normal car maintenance problems (battery, tires, brakes, etc.) I also threw it out of alignment jumping train tracks at 16. Other than that, Im pretty sure its powered by a 40 watt lightbulb. Absolutely zero get up and go. ZERO. Clocked it at 0 - 60 in 27 seconds. I am NOT exaggerating. The cab is very cramped. I did not know my husband when I chose the truck and didnt realize I would one day marry a 6 4" 300 pound guy. Its awful and painful to sleep in this truck. Storage space is zero. Overall, this is a wonderful truck. Particularly as a 2nd car.

• 

  Hockey dad - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By james - January 9 - 11:13 am

  Good reliable, well made compact car that gets very good fuel economy. A couple of things that bother me having taken so many long trips: the seats are not very good and I use a cushion to make things more comfortable. The brakes are average at best and you have to plan your stops. The car is really not that quiet on the highway but it is an economy car. The engine works well but the last year is making a droning sound that we thought was coming from the front end or tires. I changed the tires and had the front end checked, but not luck. The body is starting to show signs of rust on the hood of all places. You clearly need winter tires for traction in the snow because the car is so light.

• 

  Love it! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By vorgps - January 8 - 10:13 pm

  Bought this used with 76,000 and it has been a terrific vehicle to own. Now has 110,000 and only minor easily correctable problems. Had to replace radio antenna, inside rear window switch, had a really weird quirk with the brakes when we first bought it. The front drivers side (and possibly the rear drivers side) were grabbing and locking up causing the vehicle to pull rough to the left. Checked out by 2 toyota mechanics. Stumped them. Replaced both front pads and it was the same for about 1 week then it just stopped pulling and hasnt done it since. Latest is the rear window brackets, all rusted out. Have not had any problems with head gasket blowing as others have.

• 

  Solid but Uninspired - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Jeff - January 7 - 12:16 am

  Wanted a lower trim model but was boxed into the XLE to get AWD (they have an LE AWD but good luck finding one). Got the van for mostly short haul driving and occasional longer trips with the dogs. After a year, getting about 19 MPG average (mostly city) but get 23 MPG on highway trips. Ride is just fine for what it is, and it handles better than most of the other vans. NAV system is beyond awful, but I just use my Garmin instead. Will likely never use the DVD player. Backup camera is a nice feature. Runflat tires on the AWD havent given long term issues yet, but paying $260 for a flat will grow old real quick.

• 

  liked at first--but - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By madcatter - January 6 - 6:26 pm

  I like the truck, gas mileage isnt what I would like, but it is a truck. The only problem I have right now is after 1k miles--the bumper is rusting. Lotsa small specs. Waiting on dealer to call me back about it. Stock tires are junk. Other than that it rides well for a truck, good power I didnt expect the bumper to rust. If ya have a chrome bumper keep a eye on it.

• 

  Good Family Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By swaeri - January 6 - 11:43 am

  The Highlander is a good family car without having to drive a mini van. 3rd row seat comes in handy with young children. I prefer this body style to the new one. I bought the hybrid hoping for decent gas mileage. I have been very disappointed in this regard. I might get 20 mpg on a good week. It does have a lot of power. No mechanical issues to date. I would recommend the car if you like the styling. The JBL sound system isnt that great. I would get an after market stereo.

• 

  2003 4Runner SR5 2WD V-8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By sbncolr - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle over a 2003 Pilot, which was hard to find in the right color and cost $2,600 more. My drive out price w/ lighted running boards, the appearance pack., and auto-dimming rear view mirror was $28.1K. The car came with a bad tire (Michellin CrossTerrain), which was promptly replaced by the dealership, but no defects so far. For dollar for dollar, this is one of the best value vehicles in the category. Glad that I got the V-8 over V-6, as the difference in fuel economy is minimal, but the bigger engine is so quite, smooth, and powerful.

• 

  tacoma 2wheeler - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By calijackel - January 6 - 10:00 am

  i really like my new truck but it is a little crowded and the interior design is pretty plan. those two flawed features i don mind too much but wut really bugs me the most is the fact that i cant have a manual transmition in my 2 wheeler. but its still pretty fun to drive.

• 

  My opinion - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By jb08078 - January 6 - 6:50 am

  All around fun SUV. Clock and radio readouts hard to see. Transmission shifts very different than I am used to, my other car is a benz. Body style is blahh. Radio with CD is above average.

• 

  Runs till it Rusts! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco Owner - January 5 - 8:26 am

  I have owned my 1997 Taco since 1998 and now have 200,000 miles on it. very reliable 2.7 4 cylinder. Only a few problems like starter and clutch fan. Now for the bad. Frame rust! I am looking at costly frame repairs, but I am sure that the truck will last another 100,000 miles once I get this done.