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:

• 

  Fundamentally the Best - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By IJP - September 22 - 8:53 am

  We purchased it in the summer of 2005 and have taken it on cross country trip, over endless NYC potholes and off road. It is smooth, refined, has great visibility and extremely comfortable front row seating. The engine, the shifting and all other mechanical features appear flawless.

• 

  Oh! What a feeling - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By fatherdoug - September 21 - 1:36 am

  After much consternation and discussion, we decided to go to a rental/sale lot and look at vehicles. Afte looking at several models and manufacturers, we decided on the Toyota 4Runner. It has been more than we expected. The V-6 engine has more than enough power (it will definitely do 110 mph). The interior is well-appointed and comfortable. And the headlights, oh the headlights. I have trouble seeing at night, but not with the toyota projector beams. Even with only 5000 miles, the only drawback is the gas mileage. But even with all the power the V-6 has, the gas mileage isnt bad compared to other vehicles with bigger engines and less power.

• 

  Dont like instrument panel - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By okos12 - September 20 - 11:50 pm

  Instrument panel is dark. Cant see the clock in daylight. Same for the stereo. Storage for coins is open. Should have cover. When I plugged in GPS into power, could not use glass holder. I need the other glass holder for key. Hate that I can hardly see the clock. It has pale orange background and black numbers. Ugly plastic inside. Too manly. Really dont like the light color floor mats. Am using old ones from another car, because it would get dirty in no time Who would put creamy or light color floor mats in a car! The steering wheel is too small Mostly dont like all instrument panel is not illuminated enough. I kept turning the light in every position to see if clock can light up

• 

  Love my new FJ - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By fj cruiser owner - September 20 - 10:43 am

  I love my new FJ cruiser. It looks great and is fun to drive. Comfortable for long trips. Major blind spots, but nothing you cant get used to, no worse than in a pick up truck. Engine really scoots. Gas mileage isnt great, but acceptable for suv. Not a vehicle for everyone. I find there is more that I like about it, then there is that I do not like about it. Lots of great after market accessories available, but have to wait until warranty is up. Windshield collects bugs, but a layer or rain-ex helps keep them from sticking. I have no regrets purchasing this vehicle and look forward to driving it every day!!

• 

  Bulletproof - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By AaronDetroit - September 19 - 11:20 pm

  Ive had this car about 2.5 months now. Its a 2008 3dr. hatch, 5 spd. manual. Has air conditioning, but not many other options. Got it with about 31k miles, and only 1 owner before me. Paid $8950. To me thats a crazy good deal. Build quality is excellent. Reputation for reliability is basically bulletproof. Gas mileage is great, especially if you dont drive it hard. Drives, handles, shifts, and brakes very well for an economy car. Has an overall feeling of quality that is hard to find at this price range.

• 

  It May Be the End - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Patrina - September 18 - 4:23 am

  I bought it used at 177,000 for the original owner. It had been well maintained. It only needs regular oil changed and tune ups, the power in this car is great, and I have to say that its okay on gas. Ive been rear- ended twice with no need to go to a body shop. Now at 277,000 the transmission is going and I think I have to buy a new car, but this car has taken me everywhere I fancied with absolutely no problem.

• 

  On reliable car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Anonymous - September 18 - 12:22 am

  I got the car when it had 77k on it. Seven years later and 30k miles on it, it still is running. Other than the exterior (which rusted near the wheel arch, bottom of the car, and door frame) the car runs smooth. When I first got the car, it had an alternator problem two months later. Then the brake pads needed to be replaced at around 89k. Around 90k, the AC went out as it had a leak. Replaced it for $600 and the problem wasnt solved. Then the timing belt and water pump needed to be replaced. Gasket seal for the transmission pan at 98k, followed by an exhaust system replacement at 100k. Then finally the spark plugs had to be replaced even though it was replaced less than two years ago. Seems like the original spark plug that came with the car was superior than the one bought at Advanced Auto Part.

• 

  Front end brake problems - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By ahardrain1 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Have had both rotors replaced twice with less then 45k. Front end shake is a constant. Not to mention poor tread wear on third set of tires. There is a service bulletin on this issue and if you are experienceing this problem, get vocal.

• 

  Gas Hog - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Gail Delia - September 17 - 10:00 am

  For a 4 cylinder AWD and as light as this vehicle is it stinks on gas mileage. We get 17 miles/gal around town. Ugh. The CRV we had got 24 around town and it was a 6 cylinder AWD It doesnt hold its value. We leased it, we have 5,500 mile son it and to buy out the lease is still $23,000...more than a brand new one. Dont buy one.

• 

  Great certified used car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By NLS - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is comfortable to ride in and quiet. As a short driver I can reach pedals comfortably and have good visibility. Taller drivers are also comfortable. Lots of room in the back seat, and the trunk is roomy. Decent radio & cd player too. This car is pleasant to drive, I look forward to getting into it.