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 truck, but obviously a truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Carnut - March 28 - 6:46 pm

  Had the truck for a year, and no major problems to report. Drives through 2ft of snow like its nothing, tows like theres nothing there. I was disappointed by the gas mileage - around 15 MPG around town, without a load. Ride is terrible with the TRD package, but its in line with my expectations for a truck. It also has a very clunky manual transmission. Has had numerous annoying interior rattles, which I did not expect on a Toyota. It also feels quite tippy and has a lot of "bump steer" even on slow corners. All annoyances aside, its a great truck. I like the simple, uncluttered styling, inside and out. It is very "trucky," but it feels solid and should last forever.

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  The best - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Larry - March 28 - 4:00 pm

  I will never buy another type or make of vehicle. I love my Prius

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  Problem with visibility at night on dim - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By enchilada27 - March 28 - 11:38 am

  I just got my 2012 Camry and am loving it except for one thing. I think this is a design, plus safety issue. When I drive at night on dim, the design of the headlight cover is cutting off part of the extension of light. A definite black line come across the top of the beam thereby cutting off half of the extension of light. I cannot see very into the distance. It is like a black hood has come down on the light. In order to see where the road turns, I have to switch the brights which causes a safety issue. I have to choose whether to see where Im going or whether to blind oncoming drivers. The light cover needs to be replaced with one allowing the whole beam of light to refract out.

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  Huge disappointment - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ejet - March 28 - 9:09 am

  We bought this SUV new in 2002. We bought it because we have a 1998 Carolla thats been a very reliable car. But not the Highlander. At just under 200,000 k the old leaky head gasket then the stripped head bolt got us. Last year we thought we would keep the Toyota for a few more years so we put money into the few body chips. Bought new tires, winter and summer and put in a new windshield in the spring. Now we had an engine that was toast. Our local Toyota dealer found us a used motor from another Toyota and installed it. They say it only has 70,000 k but who knows. So we spent $7600.00 so far.

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  2013 Toyota Venza XLE V6 AWD - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By ronn - March 28 - 2:04 am

  Traded my 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited for the Venza AWD...I love it ! I call it a baby Highlander ! The Golden Umber Mica is a sharp, beautiful color that gets many comments ! The ride is smooth and very quiet. The engine purrs just like the Highlander, as the V6 is the same. The comfort and roomy interior is wonderful, and its a fun car to drive ! The fit and finish seems to have improved in the 2013 , as mine is wonderful looking. Test drive a Venza...you will love it !

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  TRY A pRIUS - YOULL BE SUPRISED - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By mss - March 27 - 11:25 pm

  The cargo area (especially with rear seats folded) is very roomy - I have moved a twin bed and sheets of particle board. The rear seat head and leg room is great for a vehicle this size. You will need to spring for fully synthetic oil changes (but not as often), new tires and headlamps - otherwise no maintenance costs and low fuel costs. Extremely reliable and economical. All around great value!

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  2002 Toyota RAV4 - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By MANISH PATEL - March 27 - 6:20 pm

  Excellent Reliable SUV

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  Happy Camper - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Wm Leider - March 27 - 5:50 pm

  I bought my 2008 Rav4 Jan 2010 and traded my 2006 Matrix. Wife and I wanted something a little bigger and easier to get in and out of. Im very pleased with both Toyotas and will buy another when I tire of this one.

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  Unimpressed - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By C.M - March 27 - 4:16 pm

  Bought car for toyota reliability. (Not real impressed). Nice looking car and good gas mileage. decent power for a 4 cylinder, but a dangerous hesitating transmission that toyota does not seem to want acknowledge or fix. Nice gauges but the blue lights around the radio are way too bright at night for me. I ended up trading for a Nissan Altima which I like much better so far as of 10,000 miles.

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  Just as I expected - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By achaux - March 27 - 3:30 pm

  So far Im extremely happy. Just wish they made the v8 with a manual transmission. That is my only complaint. Ride, mileage, initial quality all exceed my last truck.