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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  Still Going Strong - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - November 2 - 4:40 am

  Ive had my base 2005 Camry since I purchased it new in August 2004. It now has 75,000 miles and I commute 68 miles roundtrip 5 days a week. Im getting approximately 28 mpg which I consider good. I had a tune up at 60,000 miles which improved its performance. Ive also changed the transmission fluid twice. Other than oil changes every 5,000 miles, I havent had to do much else. Its been a great reliable car so far.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR...or whatever it is - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Dustin - November 1 - 2:26 pm

  I just bought a new 2010 Venza yesterday and I am already in LOVE with it. I had on 05 Tundra and an 07 Camry so I have been loyal to Toyota even amidst the recalls. They are great cars and very safe and affordable. The Venza is such a comfortable ride and is extremely aesthetically pleasing on the inside and out. I have a base model and the standard features are insane for the price. This car has a luxurious feel but is versatile and fun to drive. I am 23 and have no kids so I strictly bought this car for the looks and performance. Its not a soccer mom car by any means. Turning radius is GREAT and cabin is very quiet. GET ONE! :)

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  Problem with less than 1000 miles! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Commish - November 1 - 2:06 pm

  When doing a rolling stop and then accelerating, the car seems to not know what gear to go into. When the gas is pressed you can hear the engine but the car doesnt go initially. It then catches up but jerks the car. The dealership says this is do to the new electronic wiring. If this is so, then I do not understand why this car could possible be the #1 selling car in America. my 1985 Buick Shyhawk drove smoother! No lie! This was merely a brushoff by the dealership and Im the one who loses. Looking at possibly trading in the car!

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  Toyota 2000 - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By John Zhang - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I leased Corolla 2000, now is near expire. I like Corolla and I am planning to return the leased one and buy another new Corolla 2002. It is reliable and economic especially for me communiting 50 mile per day.

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  Getting 100% of what I paid for. - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By bahr - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I balked at the cost at first, but put the extra dollars down to make sure I could get a decent vehicle. I scanned the lot until I found one that had the V6 and said "Parts: 100% Japan. Labor: 100% Japan. US/Canadian: 0%." That makes all the difference, really. This truck has performed above and beyond expectations since the day I drove it off the lot. The TCO is good, the financing is acceptable, and depreciation isnt too vicious. If you want a truck, you can hardly do better.

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  Love my Tacoma!! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dale Bjorklund - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Upgrade from my 10 years of driving a 90 2WD Toyota 4-banger (a great little truck in its own right, my son owns it now). My 02 is a great truck, and I think it rides fine too!! Good power, great handling. Im looking forward to snow for the first time in years!!

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  I love my new Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By christen125 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I almost bought a VW new beetle, but at the last minute decided on the Corolla. The LE has all the same options as the beetle and is thousands less. It took a while for the dealer to find an LE with all the options and color I wanted, but the moonroof and alloy rims are definately worth getting. My friends call it a little Lexus. My LE came with more features than my sisters 2002 camry. Finally, Toyota is making an inexpensive car that is just as classy as the avalon or camry!

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  Okay, but needs some improvements... - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By vtnc85 - November 1 - 5:53 am

  I have owned my 2009 Toyota Corolla LE since May 2008. I purchased it right after they became available at my local dealership, and traded my 2004 Corolla, which I loved. I fell in love with the redesigned body style of the 2009 model, but thats where the love ends! The biggest complaint I, and many other owners that I have talked to, have with the 2009 Corolla is the Electric Power Steering. I cannot, for the life of me, keep the car in a straight line when traveling over 50mph. I think that it is a design flaw that should get looked into. Other than that rather annoying and potentially unsafe aspect, the build quality is comparable with the 2004 model. Gas mileage is about 35mpg.

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  Lexus LS for Half The Price - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Stuart - October 31 - 7:20 pm

  This is my third Avalon, from 2005 to 2008 to the new 2011, all Limiteds. Each one was better than the last and this is the best yet. I got the new zephyr blue color and it is absolutely stunning. This "redesign" is not much different than the old version but it still looks great and current. Smooth, comfortable, and quiet ride, back seat that feels like a limo. Newly upgraded NAV system with back-up camera. All the bells and whistles you want in a luxury vehicle. I cannot understand why anyone would pay double the price for a Lexus LS.

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  Over 400,000 - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Roman - October 31 - 12:26 am

  I finally gave up my 1998 4Runner this week. I had 433,000 miles on the car and drove it for 10 years. This was one reliable vehicle. I traded it in for a 2006 4Runner limited with a V8. I dont expect it to last as long but I hope to get 10 good years out of the car.