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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  They dont bulid them like this anymore - 1998 Toyota T100
  By jfl1963 - January 28 - 4:41 am

  Ive owned my truck for 11 years. I will take this truck to the grave with me. Over the 11 years, the truck has taken great care of me, and I have taken great care of it. Yes, Ive replaced a few items that have failed, but the truck is 15 years old. Biggest expense was replacing full exhuast system last month. This truck has a perfect balance of everything: looks, size, reliability, and performance. I haul heavy materials and motorcycles in the bed and the truck never misses a beat. Id have to spend $40K on a new truck to get what I get from my truck, and I could never justify that. I paid $15K with 50,000 miles on it. 11 years later, I have 127,000. Still going strong.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - January 28 - 12:33 am

  After driving my car almost 20,000 miles I have grown disappointed with the transmission hesitation problem as it did not show during the test drive. The problem becomes almost imperceptible if you use premium gas only, but it becomes annoying after a while. Overall not a bad vehicle, good ride on the highway. Most likely I will be trading for a V6. Still looking around for a good choice.

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  My First Toyota - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By David - January 27 - 11:40 pm

  I owned a GM and finally I had enough. Problem after problem the quality and Dealers after service was lacking. This is my first Toyota. I have had the car for three weeks and have driven over 750 miles. Quality is great. I only found one minor problem. The ride is great and the fit and finish are second to none. It is quite fun to drive.

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  A great buy - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Alley123 - January 26 - 11:30 pm

  I love this car! Had it for over 2 years with no troubles. Routine oil changes are only required every 5000 miles instead of the usual 3000. My tires will need replacing soon (currently have 37000 miles on them.) I love that its a small car, yet the seats feel more like that of a van in that you sit straight up instead of the laid back/stretched out position of many cars. And I havent found anything that doesnt fit in the back when the seat is folded down. The back seat is very roomy for a two-door car. You dont hit your head on the ceiling and enough leg room for an average person. Great gas mileage, although Ive never gotten what other people have reported (I get 33-36 mpg).

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  Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Scott J Arneil - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I decided on the Sequoia after driving both the Tahoe and the Expedition.The quality of ride was superior to the Ford and Chevy.Not to mention the resale value of the older vehicles,the Toyota blew them away.It was an easy choice.

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  Hate needing to sell this baby - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rakman - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Needed to replace 2nd clutch (first clutch replaced at 50,000) at 125,000 miles. Regular maintenace for everything else......I never have needed to replace the brakes!!! Had them checked for replacement at 110,000 and they still looked good. Oil every 3k and air filter occasionally....did have to fill in some rock chips on the hood.

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  Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Marie Currie - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I love the car for the car. I also like the benefits. Im in real estate. People may or may not do business with you based on the car you drive. The Prius crosses all monetary barriers and is suitable to ALL my clients... the wealthy and humble. If you drive too nice a car some dont want to deal with you since they think you make too much money. If you drive a clunker you are not successful enough. Perfect choice.

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  I love my wagon1 - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By jfoxx - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 96 4Runner to buy this 94 Camry wagon because the fuel was better and the monthly payment was MUCH better. I thought Id miss my 4Runner, but I was wrong. This Camry is so much fun to drive. The 6 Cyl. engine is so zippy in the wagon compared to the bulky 4Runner. And I havent sacrificed any cargo space, the wagon still accomodates a large load. I bought it from a small used car dealership and it had been well maintained and only had 81,000 miles. I look forward to putting another 2 or 3 hundred thousand. I have read that the 6-cyl. engine in this model is one of the best engines ever made.

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  Perfect - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By celicaGTJ - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my second car, my first was a Chrysler, nice but not too much fun. My Celica is awesome! Toyota has been very helpful, I have been in contact with Toyota USA France and Japan and they are all more than willing to help. I havent had any problems with it except a bus running into it but it just got some scratches which came out quite easially. This car is perfect! Well, one morning it was really cold and wouldnt start very easily but that was the only problem Ive ever had. I highly recomend it!

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  Its as good as they say - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Xellos - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a reliable, economical car - just as advertised. Ive had to replace the clutch at 96,000 miles (a little early, in my opinion), but besides that, no worries! I got my Corolla used, and went to the effort to get the 5-speed. Im glad I did, because I can burn plenty of rubber if I choose, and still get 40 mpg commuting to work. How many other cars can boast that, especially at 98k miles? I feel Ive made the right choice getting a Corolla, and plan on driving it for many years to come.