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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  Great Reliable Car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Piilani - May 3 - 2:36 pm

  I know that everyone should maintain their car. Well, I havent. My Toyota Corolla is at 145,000 miles and I have not once had it serviced. Very bad of me, but my Toyota has not failed me once. It is great on gas, and never breaks down. I have had some trouble with the doors and hood opening mechanisms, but after 7 years, SOMETHING should break down, right? I am a huge fan of Toyota. I have owned Volkswagon, Ford, and Dodge vehicles, all of which gave me problems. My next car will be a Toyota (if ever I need one!).

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  No Regrets - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By ronfromla - May 3 - 11:47 am

  Bought this car, a 2006 in 2011 with 38,470 miles. The dealer had put some junk tires on it, so I immediately replaced them with Goodyear Eagles. I have had no problems with car, None. Zip. Nada. I use Mobil1 and Mobil1 filter and go 75000 miles between changes, and bought a battery also, even though it was not giving me trouble it was original, 5 years old so I pre-emptive avoided any problems. Starts first time, every time, on just a couple turns of cranking, even in 0°F. I overpaid a bit, but oh well, still no regrets. Absolutely no peers ij reliability, and I disagree about not fun to drive. One time on a long trip I got 41mpg. Perfect blend of power and economy.

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  Almost perfect, but not quite - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Harve - May 3 - 10:00 am

  The 4runner has a lovely ride. Its not at all truckish. However, its no car. The 4runner is smooth and quiet on the road. It doesnt have quite the pep Id sometimes like, but its improving as the miles increase. The gas mileage is also a little disappointing, although we do manage to get an average of about 19 mpg around town. There is lots of room in the 4runner. We can have two kids car seats in the back and not have to have the front seats forward. The room behind the rear seats is enormous and we have never needed additional space. In the winter the 4WD capabilities and additional electronic additions such as ABS, VSC, etc. really helped and gave a sense of confidence.

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  Great Vehicle! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By four wheeler - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had great performance from my 4- Runner. Mechanically, the only things that have been done are maintenance items. It is very reliable. Even with 98k miles, I dont hesitate to take it cross country with just my kids. Because Toyota doesnt constantly switch the body styles around, mine still looks just like new -- not to mention that it still drives the same as when I picked it up with 7 miles on it!

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  Truck for Life - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Probe8 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this pickup since brand new and never have any problem with my 6 years of experience. Reliability was excellent through the years I owned it. On or Off the road, this will be the truck of my choice. Never thought of selling or trading it on my future years. Owning this vehicle for good cause is highly recommended.

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  SLUDGE - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By wilmore - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This van was not as good inside as my plymouth van. Its hard to get into the very back seats. My plymouth was roomier. Since Ive had sludge problems its been downhill from there.

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  The best looking/driving car on earth! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Christi - May 3 - 10:00 am

  My celica has the action package and its the most attractive vehicle on the road. I couldnt imagine driving anything else.

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  This is a HOT Car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By nosman517 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car from my father who loved the car so much he purchased a new 2002 solara so i could take the older one. I love the car...learned to drive on this car and now at 18, i love having it to myself. The look is great and the sunroof is definitely a must have. Only problems with the engine came after an accident and were not because of the cars reliabilty. I put a new 2001 solara angine in it and now i REALLY moves. Only other problem is that the ac went during one of NY heat waves in March and now i need to replace it. Overall...A GrEaT CaR!!

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  This is a great car! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Shirlee - May 3 - 10:00 am

  My 1996 1996 Toyota Collectors edition 4-dr Camry is the best car Ive ever owned (in 33 years). It is very roomy, dependable and fun to drive. In the Pacific NW we have alot of SUVs but my Camry drives through ice and snow like a champion.

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  everything is a "mandatory option" - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By chris tinnell - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car in general -- the wife loves it. But I had to pay for it. Toyotas and Gulf States Toyotas (the distributor) "mandatory options" have left a very bad taste in my mouth. I settled on the dealership with the best attitude (most refuse to deal) although they are still tough to deal with. I was forced to buy options I didnt want. You have to pay extra for wheels??, floor mats, etc. Then Gulf States Toyota forces you to buy a $1,200 mandatory "extra mile" option package (10 yr limited floor mat warranty, glass breakage, etching -- hardly a good value). Whats next a $3,000, 30 year sunvisor warranty?