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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  SUV with a bed - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By bart25 - April 2 - 9:44 am

  The Tacoma has its limitations, but going to a Tacoma from a full size Ford F-250 will take something to get used to. I purchaced it cause I was sick and tired of getting 11 mpg with my Ford. When picking out a new Tacoma the test ride in the automatic was totally unacceptable the way the transmission would constantly shift up and down everytime I touched the gas pedal so I was ready to walk away but the salesman said he had a 6 speed manual shift 4 door, but I said NO! no manual for me, so he insulted me saying I couldnt drive a manual, but when I took the manual for a ride I LOVED it and took it home.

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  Worth the Money-Great Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By R ichard Knudsen - April 2 - 8:16 am

  I know I was reading about others reporting that they dont get the gas mileage on the sticker, but I can not think back to any car I ever had that matched the sticker milage per gallon. I am averaging about 50 mpg and that is mostly highway. I have taken a few long drives on back roads and have averaged about 55 mpg. If anyone wants to split hairs please do. But, I am very happy with that mileage. I also noticed if you are a "lead foot" forget about getting high mileage but from what I hear you can still expect 45 mpg. By the way the space in my prius is great and I had 4 people on a long trip and no problems. All I can say is look at the gas prices and decide if it is time yet?

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  Nice Truck, Bad Paint - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon - April 1 - 8:16 pm

  Great truck, poor exterior design with paint chipping problems. My truck has 1500 miles on it and the rear fender flares have no paint left on them. Toyota is repainting it, but who wants a brand new truck repainted already.

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  Happy it is in Demand! - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob Harvey - April 1 - 4:04 pm

  Have several offers for it above "Edmunds Values." Several are willing to pay $1,000 to $2000 above "blue book rated value"... Soon as I get a few projects done with its functionality, "Show me the MONEY!"

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  Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By lvrebel85 - April 1 - 12:03 am

  This car has been with me almost six years and its been a good run. This was my college car so it probably got quite a bit more abuse than most, especially in the Nevada desert with 115+ degree days. I love the reliability and with regular maintenance still runs like new at 140k. Its at the age where more problems pop up (bad cam/crank seals, timing belt, transmission, pwr window regulator, brakes brakes brakes) but I think any car would do the same. fuel econ worsens with the age of the car too. They dont make camrys like this anymore or else Id buy a 2010 - shame. My next purchase will be a 10 Ford Fusion; hopefully it will be as good to me as my camry.

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  Not as good as i thought? - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By junior - March 31 - 1:46 pm

  Had since 06 and been reliable except for the following. Had to have all brakes put on at 65k and Im easy with the brake pedal so not sure why Id need new brakes already but ole well. Horn stopped working after 45k miles. Needing tires now but thats a wear and tear item. They held up quite well knowing I have them still on and the car has 71k on it. Lights keep going out here and there. License plate light and one of the front hi beams keeps going out for some reason. The flashers dont work and havent since 48k miles. Not sure why? The dealer said it a electrical problem and my warranty wouldnt cover it. Other than that no major issues. Engine fine for now. Thank god!

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  Reliable commute car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Bo - March 29 - 9:13 pm

  I have put 160K on it,in general its been reliable, no major problems. Its cheap to maintain and will run for long time. I have long commute and like to stay in fast lane all the time, enginee start burning oil when its about 120k, not very bad but the rear is "smoked", its very obvious on a white bumper. Also replaced the front struct at about 130k mile, I took it on to dirt road couple times on camping trips with few hundred pond load. Front hood paint has many large chips due to long hours on the road, steering wheel top portion wore out due to the sweat and sunshine, front windshield replaced due to cracks. Overall I recomand it to commuter who dont push it too hard

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  Interesting Auto - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By bh - March 29 - 5:06 pm

  Purchased one weeks ago, option pkg 5, 2 mi on odo when bought. Live in MA - mileage running between 42-45 mixed backroad/highway (highway @ avg of 68mph). Rear camera helps, but limited at night in low light, and will still need mirrors. Rear seating comfort ok for short trips (2 hours) - front seats more comfortable, but also concerned re: comfort on long trips - dont think they will be good. Interior build seems tight, very quiet ride. Tracks well on roads at both about town, and highway. Easy to park. JBL sound system has nice sound. Keyless system is a nice feature. Came from a Maxima - miss the pickup and comfort features, but love the MPGs.

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  2015 RED HOT CAMRY ROCKS! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Brenda Adkins - March 29 - 6:00 am

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  Better Than Expected - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ben - March 28 - 6:30 am

  It was a toss up between ML 350 and the 4Runner. The MB has very poor reliability but the Toyota has no luxury options such as GPS. Sat on the fence for months until I came across a nearly new dealer demo I couldnt pass up. Very happy with it so far. Its like choosing between the hot, high maintenance person or the plain all around good person. One is much easier to live with.