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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  AMAZING - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By jennling - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best car anyone could ask for...its hot and beggs for attention!!!

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  Godd car, so far - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Priusdriver - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car with lots of room. Plenty of power. Im consistently getting 50mpg combined.

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  Big, Bold, and Beautiful!!!! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By firefighterresponder - April 17 - 10:00 am

  After a full month of intensive research, I found the following: Best Resale Value (Sequoia), Best Overall Reliability (Sequoia), Best Safety Features (Sequoia-I got the front and rear side cutain airbags with rollover protestion package). Yes the Sequoia costs a litle more in the beginning, but because of resale value and reliability it costs you less in the long run. Additonally, my dealer (Stokes Brown Toyota) provided me with a great deal and has excellent service after the sale (This is my second Toyota from them). Plus its built in Indiana, so you can feel good that you are buying a vehicle that provides jobs to Americans.

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  Remain Optimistic - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chiromedic - April 17 - 10:00 am

  1- The Vehicle is very nice; looks great, drives very nicely, and quiet for the most part. 2- I have had it for less than a month now, but do enjoy it tremendously. From weeks of research, I found out that you cant go wrong with a Toyota, only with the dealership.

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  I wish the dealer could fix this one - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By ceglinton - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Did a lot of research to find a reliable car. Our 1998 Camry was totalled and we wanted to stick with Toyota. We like the looks of the Corolla and the way it drove. We purchased on 8/3/04 and two days later the check engine light came on. Dealer said it was the gas cap. Light came on again and this time dealer said it was the o2 sensor. They replaced and light came on again the same day. Now dealer says it is the computer. Waiting for part to arrive from Japan because dealer says there is an upgrade in the computer we need. They have had the car for two weeks and they are telling me it will be another week.

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  My Jump to Toyota - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Paul Bagwell - April 17 - 5:00 am

  As a first time buyer of Totota Im very impressed with the purchase procedure from the dealership and the performance of my new Prius. From being on the waiting list to my phone call that it was my turn to make a decision I was treated with respect and honesty. One disappointment was that the Toyo Guard Protection was automatically included in the price. I dont feel for the price its worth it. My best fuel economy has been 55 mpg for a tankful of gas and the worst 42 mpg, an interstate trip @ 70-75 mph sustained, which I was delighted with.

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  This car saved my life!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Kathy - April 17 - 4:57 am

  I was the victim of a brutal hit and run today. My car survived!! The front end took a huge beating. I am alive!!! Thank you Toyota. My son still has his Mommy! I will buy Toyota again and again! Car is fixed $6k later. Still no maintenance problems. I just replaced my car battery after 12 years!!

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  Fifth 4 Runner Owned - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Nick - April 17 - 2:23 am

  Have owned five 4 runners to date including the original fiberglass cap model and all other generations. This one is the best yet. Drive is firm, acceleration and power fits my needs and the look of it in black with the 20 inch wheels is awesome. In a world of pregnant looking station wagons parading around as SUVs this is a refreshing change. Sound system and navigation system work beyond my expectations.

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  LE V6 168K UPDATE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mike Krahn - April 17 - 12:40 am

  Purchased car 12/27/06 besides having the oil line replaced when I hit 120K and then again most recently for the three recalls which was the floor mats, oil line, gas pedal the car is still running strong. First tune up, trans serviced was done at 120K. No problems with the transmission so far. Make sure when it comes time to replace tires they are V rated. Had unknown tire dealer sell me H rated tires which he claims would be just as good, but come to find out the V rated tires are stiffer than the H rated tires which in turn when hitting pot holes damages the steel wheels.

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  Great car for the last 10 years - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Josie - April 16 - 7:53 pm

  We bought the car new and drove it for a good 10 years. The only reason we decided to let it go is were now working on our second baby and unfortunately a 2 door car will no longer fit in with our expanded family. Considering for how long weve had it we were thankful to only have to deal with routine maintenance and a few minor problems (the O2 sensor had to be replaced, the passenger viser mirror broke off after 5 years, and occasionally the driver side window motor will stick if the weather is very humid.) But the engine has been impeccable, and I joked with my husband on several occasions we should just keep the car for another 14 years so it can be our childs first car when hes 16.