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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  Solid, reliable car with no frills - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Will E. - December 25 - 10:43 am

  Have had my Corolla CE with 5-Speed manual transmission for past 8 years (73k miles). Runs same as when new. Its a small car that isnt great on the highway due to the weight and powerplant (and additional passengers and/or having the AC on will bog it down somewhat), but it was cheap, reliable, and gets over 30 MPG city. I have had no mechanical problems - just change the oil, etc. Havent even changed a light bulb. Overall a great value and I plan on driving it at least another few years.

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  Arizona Highlander Hybrid Experience - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By glen OHara - December 24 - 9:50 pm

  Just turned 20,000 miles, and now get a consistent 28 mpg around town (not towing anything). Highway mileage totally depends on average speed: taking it easy, can get 29 mpg; 75-85 mph takes it down to 23mpg. However, after owning three Priuss, the POWER of the Highlander Hybrid is amazing. Ive beat V8 powered vehicles off-the- line; much to their amazement. What they dont know is that with a full state of charge, the hybrid version can kick over 60 extra horsepower to the two additional traction motors, while the engine stays at the peak of its horsepower curve. Also, in Arizona, the electric powered air conditioning runs at full effiiciency all the time; even stopped

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  Surprised me! - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Thom Bailey - December 24 - 1:10 pm

  My wife wanted the Prius very badly and I was really turned off by the looks, but we took a test drive anyway about a year and a half ago. I was very surprised by the quality of the ride and handling. I still am surprised every time I drive the car. We live in the snowbelt of Ohio and with winter tires the vehicle is very dependable in snow and ice. Id seriously think of getting a second Prius when the time comes.

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  Silver Train - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By drewsmithwick - December 24 - 4:56 am

  I have a Sienna Symphony model and boy is it great. It does everything right and has never had one problem. It tows, holds cargo and people, and never has broken down. It isnt engaging to drive but it gets the job. This car is a true man van.

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  Cadillac of SUVs - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By bougie - December 23 - 4:26 pm

  This car was the most expensive Ive bought. A good replacement for a Chevy Suburban. I was initially disappointed with the booming bass of the sound system. At 30,000 mi they said the clicking noise wasnt a problem, but when warranty was out, it was recommended that the cracked manifold be repaired. Most recently a $1700 air conditioning repair, at 54k miles. All in all, Id like a new one. Had 18 mpg on the hwy and felt secure driving in winter and great on long trips.

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  Over All Good BUY - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By tracerz99 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  We have had problems getting the vehicle to maintain its wheel alignment. The passanger door handle has broken. And we have 75K miles and have went thru 3 sets of brakes. The dealer says it is normal wear. Other than that the vehicle has been a good vehicle.

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  Love it, but a few small quirks... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Kelly C. - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Dodge Grand Caravan to my new Sienna! I fell in love with it at first sight, and love driving it. We have had several problems though, and I am not sure if it is as well-made as toyotas usually are.At 100 miles, a tire blew (defect). Then, the back of the drivers seat fell off! The lights stay on indefinitely if a door is left open, the tailgate rattles, and the brakes feel almost spongy. It is now in the shop for the 2nd time. I do love everything else about this van - with the running boards, its as "cool" as a minivan can get!!!

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  Big disappointment - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tokyo Joe - December 22 - 9:00 pm

  Bought my dream truck 3 weeks ago but it has been nothing like a dream but a disappointment. Engine constantly knocks and the knocking stops only when I remove my right foot from the gas pedal or when going downhill. I also hear an unusual noise coming from the engine room during warm-ups and for the first few miles. Its a growling noise and sounds like something loose tapping. A local dealer says its a normal sounding engine without driving it and cars are supposed to emit a lot of noises during its break-in period. My car is only 500 miles old and Im planning to take it back to the dealer if the noises continue when break-in period is over. Toyota is helping to solve the issue.

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  Just for the wife - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By just for the wife - December 22 - 1:26 pm

  Got the car for the wife as a run around town car and I find myself wanting to drive it more than my car. The V6 is outstanding avg 18 city and 28 highway, so not too bad. The interior could use some work to make it not so cheap and plastic looking. Overall a good car, no build quality issues yet.

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  244,000 and still going strong - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Barb - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 4runner w/ 50,000 miles in 2002 and it now has over 244,000. Amazing. Absolutely nothing major has ever gone wrong on this truck; typical oil changes, tires, etc. The MOST reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Still looks and sounds like a champ!