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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  Good... but I expected better - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eric - November 23 - 12:06 pm

  I went down in size for fuel economy from a full size Chevy to the Tacoma. For what was sacrificed in power, Im only getting on average 19 mpg. In hilly terrain or in windy conditions on the interstate its work to drive. Having to constantly downshift to make it up hills & then upshift at the top. Ive had to have the springs replaced twice as they become very noisy. Loud squeaking on any bumps or even when getting in/out of the truck. Not quite the quality level expected from Toyota.

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  Engineering marvel, comfort lacking. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Wellman - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I find this car to incorporate many features all cars should have - variable transmission, smart entry and start, hybrid technology. They need to work on some comfort items. Controls on the driver armrest are not illuminated, multi-function display is hard to read in bright light, blinds - especially when backing up.

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  Gotta LoveToyota - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Brownie - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive been a Toyota fan for years. Owned a 1990 Camry for 12 yrs. before I sold it to a friend and its still running great. Needless to say it wasnt hard to sell me on another Toyota. My husband is 65" so it was difficult finding a SUV that he was comfortable in. The 4 Runner fit the bill in every way. It rides like a car based SUV (even better)

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  Camry Disappointment - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Roger McKenzie - November 22 - 6:10 pm

  This is my 5th Camry. All others have been great cars. This one is one of the worst cars I have ever owned! Engine cut-off problems, transmission problems (replaced), bad front-end alignment, suspension rattles, loose sunroof components, fender-well liners loose, numerous interior & exterior trim pieces warped-loose-falling off, defective seat tracks----and the list goes on and on!!! Toyotas Arbitrator ruled against replacement. This car is certainly not representative of Toyotas claim for quality control!! The dealer service personnel try valiantly to fix things as they "pop- up" but they cant rebuild the car! It is so unreliable we are hesitant to take it on out of town trips.

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  the ultimate shuttle vehicle - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By mtn sport - November 22 - 10:00 am

  My first Toyota & certainly not the last. This truck is great, Ive pulled some fancy looking 4x4s out of some rough spots w/ no problem. Highly recommend the TRD package. Added a shell to the back for traveling.

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  Good and boring - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dale - November 22 - 4:00 am

  I have put close to 6K on the Prius in 3 months. Good interior room, great mileage, however, you cant set the cruise on hills and expect good mileage. I use the least expensive gasoline which has 10% ethanol. Mileage keeps getting better, consistently around 52. Gets better mileage on the road than in town. The good thing about the Prius is it makes my 99 Ford F150 feel like a rocket ship! If you are looking for an OK ride, good interior room, problem free driving with fantastic mileage, get the Prius. If you want a performance car...dont! No service problems as of yet. All in all, a good boring car.

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  Seems like a winner - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Foghorn - November 21 - 2:23 pm

  This is my first "non" full-sized truck, after 4 Dodges. What I gave up in power and torque, I feel I have made up for in fit and finish. This truck screams quality. Its airtight, the first vehicle I have owned with no rattles or squeaks. The V6 has more than enough get-up-and-go, it handles very well and has a tight turning radius. Brakes are a little spongy but strong. Seats are quite comfortable and supportive. I have not experienced the paint chipping (yet) others have complained about. Too new to gauge mileage. I bought this truck banking on the infamous Toyota quality and longevity and while its too early to tell, so far I am impressed.

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  Cool Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ashleymae - November 21 - 3:50 am

  I bought the car 9 months ago with 34,000 miles. It now has 68,900. So far I have just had to replace the front brake pads. It does have a couple of rattles in the dash that I cant find. I turn up the radio and that takes care of that. The paint job could use a little improvement no shine, dull. The sunroof has a wind whistle and I have to tap the close button and it closes all the way. No leaks so far. Stinky smell coming from the AC vents. A trip to the dealer for the AC refresher treatment cured that little problem. My Camry has the 4 banger and gets around 24/26 city and 28/34 highway. I have a lead foot so this is good. I also like the fact that it has a time chain instead of a belt.

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  Seat hurts - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By iceboss - November 19 - 6:40 pm

  The front seat hurts my back. Little lateral support and even with the lumbar support fully retracted, the seat protrudes into my lower back, making driving for more than a few minutes uncomfortable. The navigation system is unreliable. It cant compute the shortest or quickest distance. It cant find my house. It would have added an hour to a 9 hour trip I took had I believed it. It sometimes tells me to go three sides around a rectangular block instead of the direct line from point A to point B.

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  Prius is great car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Bill - November 18 - 9:16 pm

  Bought the car new (2.5 years ago). I have 47,000 miles without any trouble. Only complaint is an annoying rattle. Im getting around 47 MPG overall. 53 on longer freeway trips. I can get five people in it relatively comfortably (one or two kids) for what it is (day trips). Power is better than most four cylinder cars. It wont beat a corvette, it wasnt meant to. With the back seat folded down it holds a great deal. Toyota delivered what they promised. Id buy one again in a second (after I wear this one out first).