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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  Decent car - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By norcal prius - May 23 - 4:10 am

  Bought this car at 75K miles, now have 115K miles on it. During this time, all the car has needed is gas, tires and oil changes. Only problem encountered is when I start the car, if I have the AC or Defrost on high, the gas engine sometimes conks out and I get the "triangle" warning. I turn off the car, wait a minute and then it is fine, triangle is gone.

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  Still going... - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Wendy - May 23 - 1:53 am

  Ive had my LE for almost 8 years now. It has over 118k on it and its still going. I bought the car for its cute, sporty look(I added the rear spoiler and moon roof). I liked the price and its fuel efficiency. My next car will definitely be a Toyota.

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  never thought id have another SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By pharmhand - May 22 - 2:00 am

  i needed a winter car, something with AWD or FT4WD. i had a very bad experience with reliability of an audi and volvo (which i was replacing), so those were out. subarus were too small inside. i drove the 4runner after testing a honda pilot and acura mdx. i was impressed by the solidity of build, acceleration (its better than edmunds lets on) and the highway ride.

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  Good amigo car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By gpjr - May 21 - 9:03 am

  Ive put 217k on my car, I commute to my job I do the maintenance on this vehicle myself, iridium plugs, serpentine belt, oil changes ac relay at 153k $90 at the dealers. I was a mechanic in the service, so not a problem, tires at 50k intervals, I put aftermarket rims on it after I lost a few hubcaps on the road, this vehicle has been a great investment and good amigo.

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  Insurance - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By audrymorg - May 20 - 1:25 pm

  I test drove the Toyaota Corolla, loved it. Not to mention the warranty is amazing. It took me 3 weeks to make a finale decision on a new vehicle. I did not go with the Corolla only because my full coverage insurance would double on this vehicle. So please before you buy call your insurance and ask for a insurance quote. That may make your decision for you. I bought a new 2011 Jeep Patriot and my insurance only went up 20.00. Please get a quote first! Tough decision.

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  gets the job done - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Clou - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Well you cant expect everything from an economy car. No frills here, but as far as economy and reliability are concerned this is the car to have. I have found it easy to drive/maneuver and surprisingly zippy for the small engine. The ergonomics and placement of interior controls are right on. The stereo even sounds quite impressive.

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  Love It - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Ben - May 20 - 3:46 am

  Just got my FJ two weeks ago. Definitely not a vehicle to log a lot of miles on. But man, is this thing cool. I cant count the number of gawkers and strangers coming up asking questions. I take her off roading tomorrow. Im sure it will tear it up.

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  Good car but, not the greatest - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Steve D. - May 19 - 7:42 pm

  I had a Toyota camry 2002 xle v6 it was a good car I had about 200k on it. I kept on having to replace parts every year. It was something that was very unique like gas tank, I was always replacing rear rotors and brakes because a flaw on the camry is that the calipers would freeze causing the brakes to work harder on the front which caused the need for brakes to be replaced sooner than needed. I purchased my camry when it was 7 years old paying 7500 with 104,000 miles on it. Ive had to replace the oxygen sensors on it, the flex pipe twice the calatic converter, the gas tank along with the neck to the gas tank, the computer module. Also the car would stink like a burning smell. The steering wheel would always squeak when turning. I was also experiencing the engine to stall out randomly Ive taken it to Toyota dealership with them saying nothing is wrong with it except if it happens again let them know. This car has gotten me through college and graduate school and the beginning of my career. I held on to it as long as I could. The reason why I did get rid of it was I started noticing issues with the transmission and I could not back up on a hill it would just sit there and jerk. It had 200k on it and Im sure if I were to replace the transmission and then next I would have to replace the engine with a car that was 15 years old and 200k on it. I was able to trade it in and purchase a new 4Runner SUV. Every year it was costing me about 1500 dollars to keep the maintence up including basic wear and tear. I was only getting 20 city and 26 highway. My new 4runner which is a 2016 gets 18/22 so really I wasnt loosing out to much on the gas so there wasnt a big difference there. Plus Im tall and this was my only option for a college student and now that I am working I got something that I can grow into.

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  Comfy family hauler absent of any sporting ambitions - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By jan57 - May 18 - 1:23 am

  My wife insisted on buying this car as a family vehicle. The car is very comfortable, quiet and has good acceleration. Its spacious, loads lots of stuff and has been reliable. Fuel economy is good for the class, but nothing to bragg about (it is after all a hulking SUV). We average about 22 miles/gallon. On the negative side, the car has prominet torque steer if you make use of only half the power, the steering is as numb as could be and the car floats more than it drives. Excitement factor is zero. Its totally incapable in snow despite its appearance. Rear visibility is very poor and the backup camera a must. Blue tooth is very basic and doesnt switch between different phones.

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  Recall the good ole camrys - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By mark Richardson - May 17 - 11:44 pm

  As ways, very hard to see out back windows so get nav. Road.noise is loud, wind noise from mirrors just like every toyota. Ridevis acceptable with this weight vehicle. Acceleration of 4 cylinders is not ad good as accord. Rear head room is good for adult.