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, bumpy ride - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Catherine Lewis - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Car looks clean & neat, styling sort of dull Handles well Disappointed in rde, very bumpy

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  Mixed Feelings about this one... - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By iownabuick - March 18 - 5:05 am

  I bought a used 2008 Camry last October. I REALLY like this car, the Toyota Camry was something that Ive always wanted. Someone in the latest review had mentioned they had to get their water pump replaced, I had to do the same. Fortunately they caught it when I got my oil changed, because my coolant reservoir tank was empty - good thing I have a warranty.... Then, the last few weeks I was hearing this really loud scraping noise - at first I hought it was my breaks, but turns out I need a center exhaust pipe.... wont know if that gets covered under the warranty until tomorrow...thats another story, wish I had enough space to tell you about the poor customer service I experienced.

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  Stylish and sluggish - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By BC - March 17 - 8:26 am

  This is my fourth Camry... best looking, poorest performing. Sluggish, like a person trying to run in water. Shifts often and hard; especially on an incline and on cruise control. Hesitates when accelerating after slowing down, especially coming out of a turn.

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  Car seat is very badly designed - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Samir - March 17 - 12:50 am

  Car seat for 2009 Camry base model are designed very badly. Because of this I am starting to develop back pain. I will not recommend anyone to buy this car unless Toyota changes its seat model and makes it back friendly.

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  Ill never sell - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Luke - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This truck is one of the best trucks Ive ever owned! Starts every time and all I do is change the oil and tires. The over all cost to get around is less that any other truck I know of. 13 years and still running like a champ! I bet Ill get 300,000 miles on this one easy. Thank you Toyota!

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  04 Tundrea Double Cab SR5 4X4 - 214K Miles No Problem - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By grace_524 - March 15 - 9:15 pm

  I have a 2004 Tundra Double cab SR5 4X4. My truck has 214K miles on it and Ive had no problems except small power steering leak but I simply add some power steering fluid every month. Great Truck!!!

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  Civic vs Corolla & Prices - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Dubovy - March 15 - 12:03 am

  Im a Honda man but the new 03 Corolla swayed me. I went to a dealership that sells Honda and Toyota cars and compared them side by side and opted for the Corolla. I could have the 02Civic LX for $13,431 or the 03 Corolla LE with some useless stuff they force you to buy, for $14,309, both prices delivered. The Corolla is bigger, has tighter build, keyless entry, CD and now looks better for less than a $900 dollar difference. The Civic is great but be sure to look at the Corolla.

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  Only one problem. - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Roye - March 12 - 9:53 pm

  I get 19-21 mpg its ok. Clunking noise after stopping and then taking off agian. Doesnt do it every time, but it drives me nuts when it does. Feels like drive line is binding up. Sounds like I dont like the truck, but I do. Can say Ive ever had a real problem. Rough ride, gas mpg, and that clunk only complaints. Its a truck and I guess I might be comparing it to the Toyota Highlander my wife drives. I had 2 Chevy Silverados (2001&2003)had to take them both back to the dealership to many times for minor problems. Havent taken this truck back once. The best build quailty out there. I usually only buy American but I finally gave up and went with Quality.

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  nothing special, just reliable - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By young123 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been excellent except for some minor things. The dash makes a rubbing creaking sound whenever there is a temperature change. The gas mileage seems a little low, ( around 10- 12 in town, 15 on the highway.

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  2004 Base 4WD RAV4 5 Speed - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By BrianBiker - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the RAV4 for my wife because she liked the looks and we have had good experiences with Toyotas. I would have preferred an Element, but she hated the appearance. Anyway, now that we have it, it is growing on me. It is somewhat underpowered, even with the new 2.4L, so if you drive quickly, avoid the automatic, as it will be constantly downshifting, which is very noisy. With a 5 speed it is O.K. Handling is also O.K., it seems a little less precise than a 2003, although that is from memory. Steering and pedals all have a very light feel. But reasonably enjoyable to drive, especially for an SUV.