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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  The most reliable - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By dan721 - July 20 - 7:28 am

  I bought this vehicle in 1995 new from the dealership. The only problems I had was the water pump and front shocks, other than that no problems at all. It has 78,000 miles and runs like new. I highly recommend it to any one who is looking for a reliable car. On gas takes 16 miles/gallon and not very powerful up hill. Save money on maintenance. Love it and plan to keep it.

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  Plain Vanilla - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By belaircarguy - July 19 - 10:03 am

  First Toyota I have owned. Nice car, but feels like I have purchased and am driving a toaster. Car is lightweight on the highway and blows around if following a semi trailer. Front seats are not supportive and my legs go to sleep after 30-45 minutes of driving, due to very short seat cushion. Perhaps my 6 foot size is a factor, but I am slim in build also.

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  stupenda - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By badman - July 19 - 10:00 am

  many bystanders continually make remarks that said vehicle looks outstanding and how much.........other than all that hoopla i really enjoy the car and its super design!hope that toyota does not make 2005 the last year of manufactoring the celica because it would be a terrible mistake.......rd the badman-

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  Mostly excellent - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By AlderMcGregor - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Another typically efficient Corolla from Toyota - with the glaring exception of the 3-speed autobox. Its good for shuttling around town, but venture out onto your local Interstate and the car gets way too noisy and thirsty. A compact car such as this should average far better than 25mpg. So go for the 4-speed auto every time. Youll save yourself a lot of fuel and possibly your sanity too.

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  Jeffs review - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By fertdawg - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car looks great on the outside as well as the insdie but the performance is sub-par. Pick up is sluggish compared to other v-6s in the market. The transmittion also has its own problems as it tends to rush into third gear, abd the driver gets the feeling of anticipation as the transmittion down shifts. While slowing down at a red light, and it turns green, pressing on the accelerater will make the transmittion jump awkardly. After market parts are hard to get. For example, to get a aftermarket head unit you would have to get a new kit for that section of the dashboard, becuase the current dash board theme is samll.

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  Somewhat Disappointed - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By ToyoNic - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Despite the rave reviews, I was disappointed in the new 05 Tacoma. Have had Toyota trucks sine 1985 and there things to really like about this 05 version, but, they missed the mark in a few areas. My same major complaints about the 02 Tacoma still exist - mainly way too much engine noise in the cab. For some reason, Toyota stopped insulating under the hood and it makes a big difference. My 92 Toyota 4x4 was quieter than anything made since including the 05. On the plus side, maintenance of this truck is super simple. No more oil change hassling. The oil filter now sits on top of the engine within very easy reach and the oil drain plug is a snap to access w/o the need to remove anything else.

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  05 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By VN - July 19 - 6:40 am

  This is my third Toyota pickup: 94 Hilux; 03 Tacoma; 05 Tacoma. My dealer is driving the 94 Hilux, a guy in town has my 03, and I am happy with my 05 Tacoma. These trucks never quit! I installed an aftermarket moon roof and the Dee Zees to offset the looks. Truck has good starting, no hesitation in acceleration, and offers a very smooth ride (I have the long bed double cab which has plenty of room).

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  Interior not up to Toyota standard - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By sue - July 18 - 9:56 am

  I currently own my second 2000 Camry and this is my fourth Camry. I love the security in knowing it is going to get me where I need to go and bring me home. However I have a complaint about the quality of the intereior devices, I have had to replace door handles, the motor for the rear window had to be replace and we do not use the window often at all. The seat is wobbly and the mirror cover on the visor is broken. On the door arm rest the part around the window buttons is coming away from it. I suggest if you have any problems go ahead to your dealer and maybe they can replace it for cheaper.

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  Great Car, Reliability?? - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dan G - July 18 - 4:10 am

  Only had the car for 6 days and 340 miles. Car ride and handling is excellent at all speeds. Road and wind noise is not bad and acceptable. Bought the "S" model with the "SX" sport option. Great looks! Gas mileage 28 mpg combined city and highway. Hope it improves to 32-34 avg. Only on 2nd tank of gas and has away to go to be broken in. Very comfortable seats, roomy cabin frt and rear compared to the competition in its class. Reason questioning reliability, is the "trunk latch" failed. Used 10 times. Had to rope down trunk lid via the rear seat when laid down. Brought to dealer for repair. Latch on order. Hope this is not a sign of whats to come? Toyota reliability? Hoping its just a fluke.

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  SE V-6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By nashvillenapa - July 17 - 11:30 pm

  Love the car! First thing that come to me off the top of my head is the transmission. It seems to hesitate and not know when to shift at times. Ive also had a minor problem with squeaks and rattles from the dash that should not be there. Other than that, I love the power, handling, quiet ride, and a great JBL sound system.