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:

• 

  Ecomonical and reliable - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By toyota fan - November 30 - 10:30 am

  If you want reliability and economy, you choose the right car. If you want a luxury car with bell and whistles - forget it. I love this car for the gas mileage and reliability. I get anywhere from 33 to 36 miles a gallon 50/50 city and hwy driving - mostly no air conditioner. The car is noisy with hwy driving. I recommend getting the power package for the four door sedan (I have manual doors). It can be a hassle unlocking and locking all the doors when you have passengers. I use this car for work, so I needed a reliable car with good gas mileage. The seats are OK, not very comfortable, but good enough. The engine is peppy, but going up steep upgrades is a little difficult.

• 

  Sienna LE AWD - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Kreg - November 30 - 2:23 am

  The Toyota is head and shoulders better than previous Venture and Caravan minivans. It rides better and is much quieter. The AWD works great and combined with the ABS and stability control it is nearly impossible to lose control or even spin a tire. There is plenty of room for 7 passengers and the rear seats fold easily into the floor giving a flat cargo area. While the Sienna comes in only one size, it is equal to the Grand or extended models from the competion. The only negatives are the run flat tires that wear very fast & are very expensive and poor gas mileage (17 MPG average).

• 

  Fell Apart Fast - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By benisj - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car until mile 103,999. Recently started while driving. If stalls, wont restart for 15-60 min. No check engine light. Several mechanics, no one can fix problem. Tried cleaning EGR system and throttle body, going to try replacing distributor next. This is a common occurrence (google search: 94 camry engine dies quits stalls). Everyone explains exact same symptoms. I still love the car, disappointed at how fast it fell apart (went from random to daily in under one month). Now afraid to drive it. If buying a used one, have a dealer check EGR system, distributor, and ignition coil!

• 

  Tacoma is highly recommended! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By toytaco - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Tacoma brand new in August of 2000 and have loved it ever since. There have been a couple of minor mechanical issues, but the dealership has taken care of them completely. My 5 speed V6 offers low to mid 20s in mileage when compared to about the same mileage with the 2.7L four cylinder which is a real dog! I see people on here complaining about interior quality and such, but what do you really expect in a truck? You could spend almost twice as much on a Ford, Dodge or Chevy, but when it comes down to resale value and overall quality, they cant even compare.

• 

  Honest Review - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By DVanWechel - November 29 - 2:50 pm

  I now have 7000 miles on the car. It is a very solid drive. Great fit and finish and does exactly what it advertises - spectacular gas mileage with all the conveniences of a regular compact car. Likes thus far: 1. Roomier than its Honda Civic competitor (Im 66" and can drive it comfortably) 2. Did I mention the mileage? I consistently get 50+ mpgs 3. Good hands-free link, stereo, gauges, readouts 4. Styling is much improved over previous years model Complaints thus far: 1. A few minor rattles in the dash (but only over rough roads) 2. Useless sun visors when used to the side 3. Annoying reverse beeper 4. Inaccurate mileage counter (its often off by 4 miles to the gallon).

• 

  Still the Front Runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Malkee - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The 4Runner epitomizes the definition of SUV without sacrificing the comforts of a luxury vehicle. This is my 2nd 4Runner and my 5th Toyota. You cant ever go wrong with Toyota, their quality, reliability, resale, and overall prices are untouchable.

• 

  Tremendous Family Car - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By RM - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Drives like a high end sedan, fabulous build quality, excellent ergonomics, powerful and spacious, but more road feel than other similar sized vehicles.

• 

  Toyota XLE V6 - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Harry K - November 28 - 10:00 am

  My Toyota has been one dependable car. It has never left me stranded, though I have done oil changes and maintenance, incl. belt changes, regularly. I feel its quality from the factory is obvious in its feel and confidence the car engenders. It has treated my family well.

• 

  Extrimly Fun - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By sashach - November 28 - 12:07 am

  We bought 2009 Camry Se about 8 months ago in Autumn and i have to say in the beginning it was a little iffy. The first thing we noticed is rattles in the dash panel, which Toyota told us would cost 900$ to fix. (p.s. i fixed most of the rattles for 10$ by applying a thin strip of spongy material under the dashboard clock). Another thing that was little strange is the whining noise coming from the engine on low rpms, but after asking around i was told its the way engine works and no problems after 10 k km. Other than that it is a gorgeous car, this is my first vehicle and its my baby. One thing to note is if buying, ask if the car has wind kit and nv008-07 upgrade.

• 

  Handy Inexpensive Reliability - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By marko9 - November 27 - 6:16 am

  With 120,000 miles on a truck picked up used with 60,000, it has been a hard- working reliable partner on a mess of major remodel projects over several years. Most reliable vehicle I have had in 32 years, and the one I have worked the hardest (I had to replace one spring due to heavy loads).