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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  I made a good choice - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By dmab63 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Large vehicle, but very easy to handle. The ride is comfortable. The back seating has plenty of room and I have heard nothing but good remarks from all who have riden in the back, including myself.

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  hand me down - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By cjsimm - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car off my brother who was the 1st owner of this car it had 180000 miles when i bought it have put 8000 more on it have only had to have brakes done and new battery cause the last one died.

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  Reliable & quiet - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By a1is4bits - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The Camry is at the top in overall reliability. I love mine too. We have had few problems with ours. I have replaced one CV joint and one CV boot, and probably should replace the oil pan gasket within the year. The car is the XLEV6 that runs so smooth that you have to make sure not try and crank it over again.

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  Nice & Reliable - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By CorollaHS - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for almost 4 years. It is very reliable, fuel economy has been excellent, auto transmission is smooth, but not much fun to drive. The car can use more horse power when fully loaded (1 driver + 3 passengers) or climbing uphills. Not very comfortable for long distance driving, wind and road noise is high comparing to mid-size cars. Engine is also loud when accelerating. Not stable on windy roads.

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  EXCELLENT @ BEAUTIFUL - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By MAX F - June 12 - 2:00 am

  AMAZING CAR-LIKE RIDE, TOYOTA CAN PROUDLY PUT THEIR NAME ON THIS ONE, IT LIVES UP VERY WELL TO THEIR LINE UP, I PREFEER THIS ONE OVER THE PILOT IN A HEARTBEAT, EASY IN/OUT, GO FOR IT, YOULL LOVE IT

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  RAV4s are GREAT SUVs - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By 300winmag - June 11 - 6:20 am

  My V6 RAV4 Sport 4WD has so much content and quality for a $25k SUV that one year later Im still amazed at how Toyota did it. I live in the Mojave Desert and the optional "Tow Prep Package" w/bigger radiator & heavy duty alternator is a blessing. From all the many standard "Star Safety System" features - standard on ALL models - to the competence of the vehicle in many situations from the highway to rocky roads to snow to the speed (the V6 is a hot rod!) to the great mileage which, according to my ScanGauge II data center I installed, is right on at 27 mpg highway. This is still the best SUV for the money when power, mileage and quality are factored into the equation.

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  Could be better - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By jb - June 10 - 2:46 pm

  Overall the 2010 Corolla is a good car with a few minor annoyances and one rather serious shortcoming - steering feel. The electric assisted steering is seriously over assisted at freeway speeds with no “on-center” feel or feedback. The result is a need to constantly correct the steering which makes for an uneasy and tiring driving experience. At times it actually feels unsafe with its tendency to wander in the lane. Additionally, a few cost savings interior details need attention.

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  water pump issues and tires - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By kenbowls - June 10 - 4:50 am

  had 30,000 miles and had to replace the tires. at 52,000, had to replace the water pump. otherwise, good value and ride. gas mileage could be a little better, 19 city, 24 highway. lots of room and very consumer friendly.

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  best of many - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Gurple - June 9 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car new in 98. My only real gripe with the car is seat comfort, the seat bottoms are too short and I have never fit the car. I guess I should have paid for a power seat, maybe I could have found a comfortable position. Durability has been terrific, 92 thousand miles, orig brakes, only replaced battery, gas cap, tires and tail light bulbs. It has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned. The V6 engine has excellent power and is smooth. Ill buy another Toyota, but one that fits me next time.

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  Wow you cant kill it - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By n/a - June 9 - 8:10 am

  250,000 miles and never have replaced anything except tires. If you want a car that lasts mechanically this is your car. I am not easy on cars and this one has never left me stranded, whether on long trips or 100 mph for half an hour. Worth its weight in gold.