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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  So far, so good - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - April 28 - 6:46 am

  I bought this car based on its exceptional reliability. Hopefully, it will live up to that reputation over the next several years. The Corolla has an uncomfortable driving position, but handles well. Controls are logically placed and easy to see. Very smooth, shifting transmission.

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  Too hot my - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By darlene - April 27 - 7:40 pm

  Love the outside of this car. I would return this car tomorrow if I would not loose 34 thousand dollars. I have had it two weeks. The Glass windshield is 36 inches in width with no tint. The plastic black vinyl dash board is also 20 inches deep. Add all these up plus 95 degrees outside. Its like being in a barrel of burning oil. The dash board is ugly plastic it absorbs heat. Black. Horrible. I called the dealership once they have your cash forget it. Do not buy.

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  Wish I had another one - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By lovethem - April 27 - 4:55 pm

  I bought mine in 1996, 1 year old with 25,000 miles on it. I was told it was probably a salesmans car but when I did the research found out it was a rental car. I panicked because I know how rentals are treated. After a year the fender, bumper and hood started changing colors, I could see it had been in at least one accident. But, it was the most dependable car I ever had, even though it had been a rental. Totally trouble free. At 197,000 the gas line started to rot and the engine started to leak out from a dried out seal. Being unemployed and lookinfg for a job, wife said I needed something more dependable so she leased me one. Im grateful for that but I wish I had kept the 95.

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  Great truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brett - April 26 - 10:20 pm

  Good truck for the money. Good on gas, lots of room interior and exterior for long bed. Nothing fancy, very quiet.

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  RELIABLE!!! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Donal McCollum - April 26 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this car new in 1994. So far I have spent less than $1200 on repairs (New alternator and replace part of exhaust sys.) Total mileage:150000. All of these mile in Canada, many of them crossing the Rockies in the winter (10 times). The car has never given me the slightest problem apart from the 2 fixes mentioned. Amazing reliability. I regularly drive 800 miles in one day and I never have felt any discomfort. Fit and finish are excellent for the price. The front end and the rear end have both been in smash-ups, but no alignment was required. Excellent gas mileage and many drivers think it is a 4 cyl. Tires and brakes last for ever. I change the oil religiously every 3000 miles

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  1997 Tacoma Extended Cab 3.4L 2WD - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By T. Clemens - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Only negative trait is the large turning radius. It (the turning radius) was reported as a negative in Edmunds review, but I didnt think it would be too much of a problem. But it is. Not to the extent of not buying one, but one must be aware of the large turning radius when operating it. It affects parking capability, U-turn capability, and close confinement capability. A few more inches of clearance would be beneficial as well. I think these issues were addressed with the 98 Tacomas. So, a few (2-4) inches of clearance would be nice, but a smaller turning radius would be much, much better.

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  1999 toyota Sienns Transmission Failure - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By rkovar - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Overal we have bee happy with the XLE. With regular maintenance, it has given us much fewer problems than our previous Plymouth Voyager. However at 72,000 miles the transmission is going faulty. I have heard from a Canadian toyota dealer that the transmission has been an issue with the Sienna. One owner said that their dealer routinely changes the transmission fluid at 30,000 mile intervals. Toyota recommends 45,000. However, after searches on the internet it seems that engine failure due to oil sludge has been more of a common problem than the transmission. Personally, I dont think thats right for a $30,000. car that has been regularly maintained.

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  Corolla: Great Car - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By bluejaychico - April 24 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for reliable, this is the car for you. In 5 years, all I have ever had to do is change the oil. My Corolla has never given me a single concern. And the style never gets old. Great car in every aspect!

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  i like my rav - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By kaat51 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  i have always liked the style of the rav 4. even more so when the 2001s came out. i too agree that they need a little more power and a little less outside noise inside. the only problem i have had was kind of unusual in so far as my headlights would go out for no apparent reason and then come back on. they fixed a switch the first time but it continued to happen and they never could find out why or duplicate the incident. eventually it stopped totally for whatever reason and has not happened since. explanation???? beats me!! overall i like my rav and to me you cant beat the exterior styling,very sporty.

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  105K miles - Best car I ever bought - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By kamikani - April 24 - 6:23 am

  Ive owned this truck for a little over two years now, and over 100K miles. Aside from a Toyota Celica I had in college, this is the best car/truck I have ever owned. Great reliability, great power, great towing capacity. All Ive had done to it is change the oil & rotate the tires every 5K miles and recently, changed the front/rear differential oil. The ribber gaskets around the front doors do come off at the upper corner if you use automatic car washes. Thats my only complaint. Fuel mileage is what you would expect for a 5.7L with this much power and torque. I get about 18/Hwy and 16 City.