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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  Aint Nothing Like A Truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Back to the Future - March 18 - 2:40 am

  I finally decided on the buying another Toyota after owning number of other cars in between, including a Honda Pilot and Volvo XC70. Wanted the cargo carrying capacity of a truck, but not something monstrous in size. But it seems like all trucks have gone on steroids over the years; the 09 Tacoma is bigger than the 00 Tundra I owned. Didnt get a 4X4 to save on purchase and fuel costs. Usual good fit and finish from Toyota; feels solid. Although compared to the Honda Pilot, not as well engineered: small things like the center console storage compartment that opens from the driver side instead of from the front that would allow better access to front- passengers; not as clever on storage.

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  Impressed by Toyota - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By dh - March 17 - 1:06 pm

  Decent space for family of 6. Nice interior, comfortable seats. Exc sound sys (prem.). So-so heat in MN winter. Good AC. Gets 26 mpg carrying a full load on hwy. The only problem is that the drivers mirror has become balky. NO other problems. Best reliability of anything weve owned. Nothing rattles or squeaks. I bought it primarily for the power. I was stunned at how quick the Sienna moved when I test drove it. More understeer than I like but thats FWD for you, replacement tires helped a lot. Im buying more Toyotas!

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  Too Much $ for a Toyota - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Usman - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Dont get me wrong, toyota makes a hell of a car but I believe paying $60,000 for 235 HP is not too great of an idea. I would reccomend buying a Land Rover Range Rover because you get more power and comfort in approximately the same price range, and best of all BMW makes it. Whatever you do, dont buy a Lexus LX 470 because it is the same as the land cruiser, except the keyless entry system opens the rear hatch automatically for $10,000 extra!

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  Too much bass - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By SK - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, so so gas mileage. has been pretty good on tire mileage and brake wear. Whats up with the bass in the stereo? Been back to Toyota 3 times only to have the regional rep tell us the amp was replaced (was it the right one...dealer wont prove it) and this is normal... cant even listen to some radio stations its so bad...sounds OK with the motor off.

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  Junior Lexus - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By gchao - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Drives/looks like the Lexus ES300 but thousands less.Got a great deal b/c of credit union discounts.This is my first Toyota and I must say the build quality is great.Very much an eye turner.A little lacking in the power department but does the trick getting on the highway.Engine noise is negligible and smoothe.Little road noise except for stock tires transmitting over irregular surfaces. Logical controls are all within arms reach and easy view.Steerings pretty light and has the big car feel when it comes to handling.Toyota!Fix those spongy brakes! High,Cavernous trunk fits near everything.

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  Reliability in unbelievable - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Kim - March 16 - 10:53 pm

  I have had my 4 runner for quite sometime now and have paid it off now. Out of all cars I have owned, including a BMW M3, reliability is outstanding on this vehicle. It has never, ever broken down on me. I put synthetic oil in it, and it purrs. I love my 4 Runner. A good choice for women who know nothing about vehicles, it never breaks down.

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  My Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By David - March 16 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased my Toyota XLE V6, five speed automatic January, 2005 and have been very satisfied with the car. The car is very responsive and the fuel mileage has averaged twenty four MPG around town and thirty one MPG on the highway. Toyota should improve the quality of the AM-FM/CD Receivers and speakers in the car. I have the JBL without the Nav package. The radio has very poor reception and the speakers arent very good in reproducing a quality sound. The radio and the automatic heater digital readout are a very dim green color and are hard to see in the bright sunlight. Please change to Blue color. Overall I will certainly buy another Toyota again.

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  oo laa laa - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By robert phaneuf - March 16 - 1:16 pm

  great car

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  Life is funny... Great car, great mileage - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Stephen Boyd - March 12 - 9:26 pm

  When I was young, it was all about trying to break the land speed record. Now that Im 40ish, its all about squeezing the most out of a gallon of gas. This car has a lot more gitty-up than youd expect. In terms of MPG, which is why we buy these cars, my overall is averaging about 46 MPG, BUT, I understand that this figure is supposed to go up as the car is broken in. I have noticed that my last 3 tanks have resulted in higher MPG with each new fill up. In terms of the extras, well, its unbelievable. Oh, and I just applied for the California sticker that will allow me to drive in the carpool lane without a passenger.

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  Nice, dependable car! - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By lia_lee - March 12 - 11:10 am

  I just recently bought my 09 toyota prius yesterday, and I would have to say its a beauty! I do love it, although I dont think it was worth the amount I got it for. The driver door lock does not seem to work while using the FOB. By this, I have to lock the driver door before getting out of the car to ensure that all the doors are locked. For me to get in, I have unlock the car using the FOB, get in the passenger side to unlock the drivers door for me or the driver to get in. I did some research and it seems like Im not the only with the problem. I guess it has something to do with the electric lock solenoid inside the door. I probably was too excited to check and make sure of these things.