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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  Whats all the fuss about? - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By kaosbig - November 16 - 3:36 pm

  I dont get it. What makes this car so great? It is slower than anticipated, not great to look at, and the famed quality? Had the car back 3 times to get the moonroof fixed. Fit and finish? There is a gap inside the car, where the drivers side a-pillar meets the roof header that I could lose a ball point pen in. Reading the clock? Try doing it on a sunny day... I dare you.

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  Bad Brakes - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike Hernandez - November 16 - 10:00 am

  After only a few hundred miles on truck, it developed a vibration in front-end when brakes were applied. ( Highway driving, no towing or hauling carrying about 150lbs. of tools). Dealer repaired brakes 4 times, after which arbitration was started for a manufactures repurchase. Toyota apparently knows of this inherent design flaw and has corrected it newer models, However after winning my arbitration and manufacture repurchased vehicle,I was told by a Toyota Rep. that dealership(Sierra Toyota) Has now listed me as an " abusive driver."

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  Its a big Corolla! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV4buyer - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Priorities for this car: Reliability, Reliability, and overall usefulness. Toyota wins hands down in the first two. Almost bought an Escape, but read Consumer Reports and changed my mind. Automatic was a must because of all the phone, food, map juggling, etc. Although a solid shifter, it is a poor match for the engine. Mileage is only fair (23 mpg). Ride and noise is comparable to a compact car. Back seats are very versatile. Lots of neat little compartments. Easy entry for 200 lb 6 guy. Steering wheel placement is a little off. Either my legs are too long or my arms are too short. Nice runaround car. I love it!

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  Steering Issues - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By GSG - November 11 - 11:10 pm

  I miss the driving experience of my 2006 Camry SE which I traded for the 2009 Camry LE. The 09 body style and interior features are far superior to my 06 Camry but that takes a back seat to the less responsive steering. Soon after delivery it was evident that the car pulled to the left, whether it be interstate or back roads. It had a front end alignment at 5,000, soon after experienced the same issues. I wonder if others have experienced similar problems.

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  Great car, Great Value! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By FratGuy03 - November 11 - 10:23 am

  I have owned my Corolla S 5 speed for one week and have put 1000 miles on it. This car is great! Great fuel economy, good performance and very comfortable to drive. The car has an awesome suspension and drives great on the highway as well as on the back roads. I am 26 and used to think that Toyotas were boring... now I think the value and reliability of the Corolla are paramount.

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  Prius gets good marks, so far! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dennis Bird - November 11 - 5:46 am

  Currently getting 46-47 mpg. 90% highway driving. The vehicle has operated flawlessly during the two months that I have had it. I am concerned about the stalling issue but the dealership has said that the problem is with earlier models.

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  Stinks in the snow - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Yoda Mark - November 11 - 2:06 am

  I have 2008 Avalon Limited. I have Blizzak snow tires on it but this car totally stinks in the snow. The traction control prevents me from applying torque to the drive wheels when going up a hill. I live in NE Ohio and this just stinks. Other than that I love this car as it is very comfortable, but this is my second winter with this car and I have had enough of this nonsense in the snow. The situation is quite dangerous. Would be OK if it had a switch to disable traction control like in my 04 Sienna. I will probably get rid of the Avalon for this reason - I should have bought an AWD car. I would not recommend this car for this reason.

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  98 4Runner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By betsypalafox - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Extremely reliable, relatively comfortable, superb handling, and good performance for a V6. Only flat spot has been brakes (warped rotors repaired 2x under warranty). Really shines off- road (and this one regularly goes way off-road), & we havent found the stiff suspension & AT tires to be as jarring for in-town use as we thought we might. Great versatile vehicle if you need something for mom type use, as well as driving over rocks & through canyons in semi-arid west Texas.

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  Best all around - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By M.FREEMAN - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have 240,0000 mi. On my 4runner. I replaced a few parts but saved money by doing my own repairs. Plenty of room inside for my gear and just enough power to tow my boat. Does well in the snow doesnt in the mud. Drive it hard and use it for commuting. Motor still runs smooth w/no oil leaks. I always loved the look of this generation.

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  Tacoma 1998 4wd - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Larry F - November 8 - 10:33 pm

  The ride is a bit rough but its a durable truck thats well suited for work or play. The Tacoma would be a bit of a drag as an every day driver. I do my own maintenance and can attest to the fact that this is a superbly designed truck.