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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  Gadget fun - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By notsomuchgas - November 27 - 2:16 am

  A lot has been written about the fuel efficiency and the futuristic look of the car. But what took me by suprise was the fun of "trying to be fuel efficient" and the computer display (map and energy use). I was a foot to the floor sports car driver that loved the roar of the engine. I thought I was giving up that thrill; only to have it replaced with the video-game-like challenge of trying to achieve the highest MPG score. Strange but its turn practical in to an unexpected fun.

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  Great all around car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By 321zoom - November 26 - 11:51 pm

  Its a lot bigger than it seems on the outside! Put down the seats and you have a serious flat-bed hauler! We get 48MPG yr over yr average and we live in a cold climate (much heater). Its not a speed deamon but thats not why youre buying it. Weve owned it for 4yrs now and aside from the trunk being stuck when first driving it out of the showroom - no issue whatsoever! If only ALL cars had this (or even close) mileage - still amazes me why in this day and age these numbers are not standard!!! Well worth every penny and would buy again in a heartbeat!

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  Too many little problems - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By beststart - November 26 - 11:48 pm

  Bought a new standard 2011 Prius in 2011. was very happy with the dealer. Picked Prius cause 100% Japanese made. Gas milage is excellent, interior room is comfortable as known. The model that I bought; - Cant open the trunk from inside - Row down the windows will not wipe the fog away - Break pedal make squee sound when press - Radio display black out once in a while - The BIGGEST jok of all is the spoiler melted! Beware, dont park you car with plastic spoiler near a building that has reflection windows! Who knows??!! Was told by SF Region that this is not defect, I am hold half of the responsiblity. I wrote complaint to Toyota headquarter in Houston TX, will see what happen.

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  After 8 months Im still satisfied! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacoMan - November 26 - 2:46 pm

  I purchased my truck almost 9 months and 10,000 miles ago, and I must say that I am still very happy with it (unlike my last pick-up truck, a which was a 1999 Ford Ranger)! I have driven it between Florida and Upstate New York a number of times, and except for disappointing highway gas mileage (around 18-20 MPG), I generally have no complaints. I bought the truck without the towing package (a $600 dealer option), but I installed a top of the line trailer hitch and wiring for less than $200! I had no problem towing a 5000 lb. boat/trailer! I also didnt get the overpriced TRD option, but the truck is still great off-road!

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  Over 200K and still strong - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Drew - November 25 - 8:00 pm

  My sister bought the car new in 97 and gave it to me last year. Today the car has a little over 200k. Theres no problem with the car except for the front right suspension which makes noise on bumpy roads (mentioned in other reviews).

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  The Spartan of the economy cars. - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By stinkymcdugan - November 24 - 8:22 pm

  This is not a sports car, nor is it a luxury car. Its a compact car that happens to be fun to drive and efficent. If your buying this car to race it your buying the wrong car. If your expecting this to ride like a caddy, your likely to be disappointed. If your buying the car to commute to work, and pickup the groceries this is a great car. It is predictable, it manuevers well, it is easy on gas, and it isnt likely to break down. This car will doesnt depreciate as quickly as the rest of the competition. Its not as flashy as some of the others either. The corolla is a spartan car. It does the job well, my last corolla had 340K and still didnt miss a beat.

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  2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport is best car I ever owned - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Bigjonlsmo - November 24 - 7:01 pm

  Five years and its still a winner. Good ride and handling. Outstanding acceleration and braking. Came with run-flat tires and I replaced them at 50,000 miles. Never had any problems or dealer issues. Would buy again except V6 is not available any longer. Only complaints are lower-than-expected gas mileage and too-small fuel tank.

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  Good Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - November 24 - 3:36 am

  I bought this car based on years of good reliability and gas mileage. Its been a good car in the short time Ive owned it.

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  Solid - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By T White - November 24 - 3:00 am

  Purchased my truck new in March 1996 and put 41,000 miles on it within the first 8 months (driving between Charleston WV and Washington DC every weekend)... Truck now has 155K miles on it and still runs as good as ever... Only minor problems to date: Broken leaf spring, replaced starter, replace oxygen sensor, replace gearbox lubricant. Wouldnt own any other brand of truck... Next up would be a Tundra, but not till this little gem wears out, maybe 2027!!!

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  Not what I expected - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By x-tremecomuter! - November 23 - 6:10 pm

  At 6500 miles, weve had a rear trim weather strip/seal fall off. Gas mpg not what sticker called for (31 city/38 hwy) although not bad, were getting about 34 on the hwy and 27 in the city. Transmission shifts good, although it switches between gears a lot on the hwy, usually downshifting going up hills and mountains. This is probably due to a low torque/horsepower engine.