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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  Amazing! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By pastordy - June 17 - 10:23 pm

  Just bought my 1997 Camry with 129k miles after doing a lot of research. The unsurpassed reliability of these vehicles speak for themselves. I bought from the original owner who only replaced it because he bought a new one. I love the extra power of the V6. Its got a lot of pep. Not sure about mileage yet, but guessing somewhere in the low 20s. All I know if Ive got a car with potentially another 150k or more to go. Cant beat that for what I paid. Thanks Toyota for making quality vehicles in a sea of mediocrity.

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  Probably one of the best cars I have owned. - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By erickc - June 17 - 2:26 am

  This is the 3rd Toyota that I have ever owned. I bought it when it was 9 years old with 104000 km. (65000 mi). Changed tires, changed brakes and 100000 km later still havent had to change a thing other than oil and filters. I installed an after market cruise control system in it as I drive approx. 1000 hwy km/week. It makes the driving a lot easier. Gas milage is unbelievable, I save enough fuel per year vs my old 1999 Corolla to cover the cost of the insurance. The car is sitting outside with 657 km on the trip meter and there is still 1/4 tank left. It sure isnt the prettiest Girl in the room, but she sure can cook. Recommend this car to anyone. Looking forward to the Yaris as my next car

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Paul - June 16 - 9:33 pm

  Ive owned the 2002 Toyota Solara Convertable for 3 years now, and I still enjoy driving it, particularly around town, somewhat less so on the highway (especially with the top down, when wind noise can be tiring). For a convertible, you probably cant do better in this price range. I note a few rattles at high speeds, and lately the brakes "shimmy" when slowing from highway speeds, but Ive had no mechanical trouble with this car-- just change the oil, rotate the tires, typical wonderful Toyota reliability.

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  Perfect Truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By SOHAIL - June 16 - 11:26 am

  Ive had this truck some 1 week now and Ive been driving around to get used to is. This is my first truck. I love the quality interior and how quiet this truck is. My truck is TRD off road package and there are tons of offroad features in this package. Everyone keeps telling me how reliable Toyotas are. So far I have good experience with this.

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  One year latter - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Paul DeBoni - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Typical Toyota product. You can spend thousands more and not get better fit, finish and dependability. The only reason it wasnt rated any higher is that it is still an SUV and cant compare in shear joy of driving with a sport sedan or sports car. For an SUV it comes as close as any Ive dirven. Handles as if it were much smaller and lighter. The only preceived weakness is in numb steering feed back, and the crapy tires that come with it.

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  Excellent fuel economy, almost reliable - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Yongwon - June 14 - 8:43 am

  Everything runs great after 34000 miles. Smoothest ride in its class (which isnt saying much), although somewhat sluggish in handling and noisy on the highway. Driving position is very awkward if you are tall, although my 52" wife loves it. I wish we had the Japanese model in the US. (It has automatic climate control, vehicle stability and ABS standard, etc) Toyota reliability and quality is somewhat overrated. Mine came with dislodged window rubber from the factory. ECU replaced because engine didnt always start due to known factory defect on early 05 production. However, everything else is in excellent shape after 3 years of use, with no sign of wear.

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  Overall Very Good Experiance - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Nyer - June 14 - 2:23 am

  Almost up to 36,0000 miles. I took it to the dealer since I had the thunking in the steering column. They are fixing under warranty. They noticed the water pump was leaking and fixing under warranty as well. The front brakes needed replacement too. The tires are showing their wear and need to be replaced, these were the Geolander OEM. So all that being said, I would buy again. Love the handling and I feel safe in it.

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  loved it - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By amarji - June 13 - 8:09 pm

  so i bought this car back in 2009 with 6k miles on it !! now it has 47k miles on it and it still runes like new !! i never had one single problem with this car, all i did was changing the oil every 5000 miles ( i know it should be 3000 miles) and i changed the tires at around 35K !!! very reliable car, fun to drive, smooth steering, great response from the gas pedal and the brakes. the ONLY problem might be the blind spots caused by the big side airbag panels !!

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  WATER PUMP Failures - Majorly Expensive - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By amyb6 - June 12 - 5:20 pm

  I am on my third, very expensive, water pump replacement. Toyota recalls for everything and they should certainly cover this one!!!! It is a design flaw for sure.

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  Short comings - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ozzyj - June 12 - 1:07 pm

  I have a 2007 FJ 4x4 with all the bells-and whistles; although I have had no mechanical difficulties, I have to say that it is not without its problems. Its paint chips if the wind blows, it’s all over the road with wind over 25 mph, has dangerous blind spots, too wide for most off road situations, weak tie rods, front windows break easily due to shape/angel e, frames on some are weak and buckle, some have weak rear differential, terrible transmission, poorly designed for water usage for a 4x4, (short rods in motor so if you make a mistake in the water you will have to replace the motor), poor gas mileage, engine wines over 40 mph, even with change of tires it’s squarely on slick surfaces (