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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  Corolla LE - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By tom1975 - August 4 - 11:16 am

  Great and reliable car. In 60,000 miles, all Ive done is change the oil!

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  interesting - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By steve - August 4 - 5:46 am

  coming out of a camry for two years this new experence is interesting. The idea that "you cant have it all" applys here. up side roomie, stable, almost hands free operations, kick back and cruse. boxie but stable. Controls easy to find at a glance. The higher shift control which is similar to cars coming out in europe with shift high on the dash board is better than I expected.

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  My toy - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By nickelplater - August 3 - 6:36 am

  This is one tuff little truck pulled 240-z from durango to houston with this little 4 banger and it never missed a beat. Great big brakes

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  Mixed - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By ed - August 1 - 10:46 pm

  I suspect engine, and starting reliability will be there, but Ive got mixed feelings on build quality from a Toyota product, as all 4 doors sound differently when you close them, and passenger sounds like its going to break. 20 mile commute is comfortable and all-wheel drive adds to the handling, fuel tank could be larger, and rear blind spots need attention.

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  Very happy with my Prius III - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Ron - August 1 - 12:26 am

  I have had my 2010 Prius III for just over 6 weeks and driven 2,200 miles. My driving is a combination of short city trips, highway driving, and some mountainous driving. My cars computer indicates my mileage is low 50s but my calculations indicate high 40s. Considering the car is not yet broken in and my driving habits are NOT conducive to high mileage, I am satisfied so far. My previous car was a 2003 Honda Civic that I purchased new. It was a dependable, economical, and reliable vehicle and I was happy with it. The Prius is larger, more comfortable, quieter, and gets better mileage. I love the upgraded stereo w/bluetooth and XM radio. Overall, I am very happy with my Prius.

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  Unhappy - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Depressed - July 30 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this car with 11000 miles on it and now has 81000 miles. Its now starting to give us trouble. The catalytic converter went out at 81000. The transmission failed at 81200. What next? Not the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Great truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By AHS - July 30 - 2:30 pm

  Overall the vehicle is great, however, with the 4.7 watch out for the worst MPG to date! Imagine the 5.7L. Aside from that it is comfortable and great capabilities for smooth towing of a boat with no challenges. Too bad about the gas consumption. Otherwise, go for it, enjoyable and definitely well finished.

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  Nice but not reliable - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AlK - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Room & comfort front & back great. Great acceleration if air off. Too many mechanical problems. Defective valve spring - took dealer 3 days to ID & fix engine when car was less than a month old. Front struts replaced @22,000 miles. Front brakes and rotors replaced & 22,000 and 35,000 for rust problems ($360). Anti-lock brakes extend stopping distance on rough surfaces and sometimes kick in for no reason.Car will be paid off soon & will be history before the brakes go again.

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  Awesome ride! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chris A. - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. Lousy gas mileage but a sacrifice for comfort and power. Great pick-up and braking. Superb sound system. Great ride w/ firm suspension. 10 speakers and 10 cup holders. PARTY!! $42,000 and Toyota still makes you buy the floor mats.

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  Love my 4Runner, BUT - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By MR. Rob - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The new designed 4runner is amazing on the outside, but does have some flaws on the inside. I have the Limited 2WD with the V8 engine and get an average of 19 mpgs mostly in highway driving. The engine is quiet and powerful. The car is gorgeous from the front, but the rear is a bit less macho than the past models. The interior has some noticible flaws: 1) The cup holders are terrible 2) The seat belts are bad (they fall into the cushion and are hard to find. 3) No memory seats available. 4) Cannot get a CD changer with the navigation system. 5) No 3rd seat option.