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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  Nice!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By shamgotti - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I replaced a 1989 corolla with this 2003 corolla. I am very happy with this purchase. I test drove the 02 civic and the focus. The focus has great handling, but reliability and future resale value are very important to me, thats why the corolla won my dollars.

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  Very Pleased - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By drosian - August 28 - 9:33 am

  I was being lured to the 09 Tundra due to my towing needs I have a 5000lb travel trailer. The dealership recommended I get the Tundra but I am not a fan of the tundra in short it reminds of a sports car. I want a truck that is sporty and functional the Tacoma fits this desire. I have towed my trailer with the Tacoma and it has no problem power wise. I would say you can feel the weight behind you but the Tacoma has plenty of power to handle it. The only complaint I could offer is the daytime illumination of the radio and compass isnt adequate you cant see the display if its sunny. Other than that I have had the tire light come on and upon checking tire pressure they are fine.

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  poor pannel fit - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By lizard533 - August 28 - 8:34 am

  pannel fit is realy bad. Cabin is very very noisey driving on windy days. Good mileage 23-30. great power and smooth motor but so what noisey. my 08 ltd was about the same while 95 avy was a whole lot better all around, Need to start making then in JAPAN AGAIN!! BY till later.

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  Great SUV, gas guzzler - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By thedriver93 - August 25 - 6:04 pm

  I bought this car to upgrade out of my Camry, tried to see if Toyota could still impress me. This was a great SUV, great visibility, great features with NAV system, back up camera, JBL sound system, leather seats, heightened ride. The way it was drinking gas at 20-21 mpg was horrible and in the end a deal breaker

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  HIGHLANDER IS GREAT - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By REGIT - August 25 - 10:00 am

  PURCHASED THIS SUV USED WITH 44000 MILES. BEST DRIVING EXPERIENCE I EVER HAD.

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  Sporty fun - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By wordteaser - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Im a committed Toyota owner and this is my second Corolla. The first I had for over 10 years. The 2002 Corolla S is sporty, attracted and nicely appointed. I have it in a 5-speed with makes it a blast to drive. It is Toyota through and through when it comes to dependability, low maintence and affordability.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By JmaninAZ - August 22 - 11:56 pm

  Great build quality, excellent ride (even with the XREAS suspension, which firms up the ride just slightly, but it handles great in the corners), good brakes, comfortable seats (I am 6 ft 1 and fit easily) - couldnt be happier. Silky smooth V8, and gas mileage after 1 week was a pleasant surprise - 20.3 combined city and highway (I drive it gently, though!). Cant wait to take it to the mountains in Arizona and find some snow!

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  Impressed - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By skoalie - August 22 - 5:56 pm

  I have an 08 DC SR5. Right out of the gate i did a 3 n 1 leveling kit. Makes it look great! Aftermarket 20s with 33x13.5 all terrains. I have loved the truck from the get go. it only gets better as I add more to it. I am getting 15.5 mpg on the new england roads. I despise the VSC but I am told the sway bar will help eliminate the frustration I have with it. My brother who has only had cars was impressed with the smoothness of the ride (we had 2 sportbikes in the bed and were at 80 on the highway). My girlfriend/wife loved it some much that she bought a DC limited. Being a full size Chevy guy my whole life I have been truly impressed.

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  My regrets, dont make them yours - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Cegalton - August 22 - 6:33 am

  Did Toyota rush this car or what? Toyota seems to have fallen from its traditional solid built platform to a car that, welI, now regret I bought. New squeaks in dash are developing weekly. The transmission is the nightmare many have already talked about. Step on the gas and sometimes the power just isnt there immediately. Going up an incline the car down shifts to 5500 RPM way-over powering the car. Perhaps the most annoying thing to me, the transmission kicks up and down on shallow declines - never had this in any automatic before. If you care about a smooth transmission run dont walk away from the 4cyl automatic 2007 camry.

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  2003 Toyota Corolla review - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike D. - August 21 - 6:33 am

  My Toyota Corolla LE has been an above average vehicle, but it has had several problems. The keyless entry stopped working around 60,000 miles and the trunk latch busted around 70,000 miles. Then at 80,118 miles my catalytic converter had to be replaced at a cost of $1400. The emissions warranty expired at 80,000 miles and Toyota refused to help me with the cost. I expected a better vehicle and better customer service from Toyota. Overall it has been an above average car, but the quality issues and the service issues must be improved.