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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  Great car but some flaws - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By solaraowner - March 23 - 6:43 am

  I bought this new in 2004. Its reliable and Ive never had any major problems with it, except cosmetically. The paint scratches very easily and the interior plastic panels came loose multiple times and I had to take it to several dealers before they fixed it for good. I wish for the money the car had a more quality interior. Mileage is excellent. The tire pressure monitor is way too sensitive and I wish it told you the pressure- sometimes it goes off it there is too much air in the tire, but you have to check the tires BEFORE adding air for this reason. The snow guard or whatever under the car came loose a few times when other people drove my car and the driver seat can come loose.

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  Like driving in a living room - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - March 22 - 4:53 pm

  This is really a comfortable car with a really smooth ride and it is extremely quiet. Its not very exciting, its a family sedan, thats what it is. I went with the black for a touch of excitement. We just got, but we are very pleased and there is no safer Camry then the 2011 with the brake assist, VSC, TRAC, seven air bags, and an accelerator cut off standard. My one complaint, in 2011 is it really that difficult to put keyless entry, a manual seat with decent adjustment options, and more trip information on the base model. Toyota should take a tip from Hyundai on that one, they include a lot of nice features standard. I still sent with Toyota though for obvious reasons. Great buy for sure.

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  Low beam headlights - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Ann Dee jackson - March 22 - 8:35 am

  Am I the only one who has a problem with the headlights? I cant see the road with the low beam headlights on. Its really dangerous. Complained to the dealer and they didnt want to hear it.

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  Headlight Defect! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By HighMileDriver - March 22 - 5:13 am

  I bought my Prius new and I love the car, but there are a couple major complaints. At around 30,000 miles the headlights will start to go out. It will start with only the driver side that you can turn back on by flicking them off and on again. The problem gets worse as time goes on. My car now has 110,000 mi on it and I cant drive down the street without flicking them. There is not a recall on this problem and there are no plans for one. The problem is due to the HID lights overheating the ECUs. They are 600$ a piece and it will burn out again in another 30,000 miles. I would suggest asking if this defect has been fixed before purchasing ANY year prius. Despite this common prob. I love it.

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  Happy Camper - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Real McCoy - March 21 - 5:40 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned, very sporty looking and scheduled oil changes is only maintenance that has been required. Very happy with this vehicle.

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  Feels bulky - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By discerning - March 21 - 4:10 am

  Good room and nice ride but steering uncomfortable, perhaps because of 20" tires. Dash is massive and makes vehicle feel huge and more like an RV. Good cargo room with or without rear seats down. Good pep and fairly agile for size. Been driving a BMW X3 and wanted more cargo room, which this has but handling just doesnt compare, even though ride a bit smoother. Sloped front end makes parking a bit of a challenge in tight spaces until accustomed to it. Feels a bit like driving one of the giant sedans of the 60s.

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  Pleasure - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Devine - March 19 - 5:20 pm

  Very enjoyable to drive. Rides better than my wifes van even for a 4wheel drive truck. Very quiet. Had to replace a carrier bearing in the rear end after 70000 miles then had to replace a water pump at 84000 miles. The dealership has done all the work and they have treated me with kid gloves. Other than that the truck lives up to what its suppose to be.

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  Quality better then professional reviewer - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Alan - March 19 - 3:25 pm

  Did not find this car in the budget category, the over-all quality seems superior. The dashboard, seating , workmanship are great. The ride, handling is pretty much what I expected from a gas electric powered car. I would recommend this car.

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  Quality better then professional reviewer - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Alan - March 19 - 3:25 pm

  Did not find this car in the budget category, the over-all quality seems superior. The dashboard, seating , workmanship are great. The ride, handling is pretty much what I expected from a gas electric powered car. I would recommend this car.

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  Goodbye Trailblazer - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By South dakota - March 18 - 11:53 pm

  Tried a GM product after owning imports...big mistake. $2000 in repairs in 1 2/2 years. We needed 7 passenger ability, 5000 lb towing and I think Highlander is the only front wheel dr SUV to offer that combo? Great highway MPG-24-26. Great build quality. Solid, smooth to drive. Easy readable controls.V6 has plenty of power. We purchased the Base model.