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:

• 

  Cheap exterior and interior - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By shivani - November 21 - 12:50 am

  One of my friends recently backed out into my rear bumper of my corolla, and it wasnt a very light impact, but my whole bumper came off, while his car doesnt even have a scratch. My sister has a 06 corolla, people have hit her car so many times in so many places, but nothing as drastic as a whole part falling off has happened to her. It is very disappointing that such a small accident could do such damage, makes me wonder what would happen if I got hit on a street where people are actually driving 30 mph, instead of 2? Also, the mileage of the car is good, but not good for a Toyota, as I had expected it.

• 

  Heat issues in Michigan - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Dan D. - November 20 - 9:50 pm

  I bought my Prius just before the economy crashed. Dont drive it in the winter as it takes forever to warm up and wont keep ice or snow buildup off the windshield. Im concerned about comments on quitting for no reason and dead battery. I stored mine last winter and started it every couple of weeks with no problems. But didnt get it out until March. Mileage goes south when weather is cold. So I just drove my Pickup beginning in late Nov. until March. Also noted that tire wear is excessive. They must have used a cheap tire as OEM. Wouldnt buy another as insurance is high and needing a different vehicle for the seasons defeats economy of transportation. Its built well though.

• 

  Rock Solid and efficient - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Liquorman - November 20 - 2:13 am

  Had my car for almost 7 years now and I can say it has been great. Yeah, its not a BMW, but its a easy drive, fuel efficient and has good room for the size. I recently upgraded to a high end VW Passat wagon, and even though it is classier I miss my Toyotas efficiency (wife drives it now).

• 

  Love my 4-runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By LD - November 19 - 4:46 am

  I test drove the 4-runner and couldnt believe how smooth it was compared to other years I test drove it. I went through this winter with it. Handled really well. Although I would have wanted Michelin tires on this one and it has Goodrich. Not happy with them in the snow.

• 

  Not a bad car, very reliable - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By marcus - November 19 - 12:36 am

  After almost 4 years this has been a very reliable car, 48,000 miles so far. It is under powered, but I knew that when it was purchased. I have done nothing but change the oil every 3000 miles, engine wise. The brakes needed replaced at 20,000 miles, and are not that good. They have always felt soft. It does o.k in the snow, with just a couple inches. highway mileage 40 mpg, but city is lower than rated, I get around 27 MPG. Also it ate the factory set of tires pretty fast. The replacements are not doing bad though. It is nothing fancy but a good commuter car.

• 

  Dynamic Cruise is a bust - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jeff - November 18 - 9:37 pm

  I have a 2011 Chrysler 300 and I absolutely LOVE my adaptive (radar based) cruise control. It was a must when getting my wifes new SUV. But the laser version in this Toyota frequently refuses to engage, drops out randomly (driving into the sun) or simply continues to drive almost right into the back of the car ahead regardless of follow distance. Nothing like the "it just works and works GREAT" of my Chrysler. I also dont like the info-tainment logic. It is difficult to navigate and I dislike that the side detection is just a silent light in your mirror. On my Chrysler when I turn on the blinker, it audibly beeps at me if it detects. For the most part, the Sequoia is ok, but Im just constantly annoyed with how much worse it is on some things and it cost nearly double a 5 year older car...

• 

  Most reliable thing on the road! - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Armani - November 18 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this minivan in May 99 and got the XLE because of the power door feature which surprised me, but was not happy that the power door needs repairing so soon. So far I have 88k miles and have never encountered problems with the engine because of its perfect realiability. A previous minivan didnt make it up hills had so many problems but the Sienna goes up hills with authority.

• 

  Solid choice - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By hjg1 - November 18 - 12:10 pm

  I really enjoy the 4Runner and it has met all my expectations. I wanted a truck with the SUV body and that is exactly what it is. I was also aware that the vehicle is a bit underpowered and am I fine with that. We also own a 2010 Highlander Limited. The Highlander is more like a car to me now than a crossover SUV. Anyone who complains about not having an assisted tail gate clearly should be buy another vehicle, or needs to go to the gym.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By caribouowl - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought the LC new in 2000 after owning and being disappointed with the quality of Chevys for years. I did quite a bit of research and everything pointed to the LC for reliability and ruggedness. It has lived up to its reputation. Ive used it for long trips, hauling stuff, going off road in the national forest in northern Minnesota, driving in heavy snow, etc. It is reliable and, after 10 years, runs like new. Have gotten 60K on the Michelin tires.

• 

  Best affordable car ever - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By EP - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used from Thrifty Rental in 1996, it had about 25,000 miles. Fourteen years later it is above 160,000 miles but runs great. This is a no- hassle, no-worries car. Toyota needs to go back to the mid-90s when it made solid good-lucking cars. No problem with sudden acceleration because these older model use a mechanical accelerator, not a computer-controlled one. And I think the style still looks good.