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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  Happy Camper - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Willy - October 4 - 10:56 pm

  I was driving a Jaguar Vanden Plas full size sport sedan. Loved that car, but the Prius is just as fun and at the same time economical and environmentally friendly. I would definitely buy another, and may in fact in a month or two. I did get the configuration with every accessory available and that is part of why I love it so much. But, I am a 6.5 hour drive from my daughter in Atlanta and $20 in gas to get there even at $3/gallon is out of this world. One of my sons and I also like to see how long we can drive just on battery and post 99+ mpg on the panel; 15 minutes, WOW! Dont buy one! That way I wont have such competition when I buy my second, third, and fourth yet this year!

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  SUV Hybrid Experience - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By JJ - October 4 - 8:33 pm

  I have driven over 3000 miles on our Hybrid Highlander and to date my overall experience with the car has been excellent. I do mostly highway driving and have been averaging around 27 mpg. The acceleration is great and recently on a long trip with the car fully loaded, got great gas mileage and the increased horsepower made for great interstate highway traveling. I had previously owned two volvo wagons (last one was 2000 cross country AWD) and the Highlander Hybrid leaves nothing to be desired compared to the volvo. All the same comforts and more. Never thought I would use the navigation system, but you realize how useful it can be once you use it(especially on vacations).

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  Hosed . . . - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By travisthompson - October 4 - 6:03 pm

  Love the style, look and (when its right) performance of this truck. I work out of state and put tons of miles on my vehicle, as well as drive it off road quite a bit, making 4wd drive a necessity. After returning from a trip, my 4wd locked up in 4 low - I took it to my local Toyota Dealer who informed me that this is a known problem if you drive your 4wd Tundra anywhere it is wet or cold - this was corroborated by several of the other techs at the Toyota dealership. I contacted Toyota and they said that although there is a known problem, its not covered under the warranty. $2400 later, my 4wd works, but weve learned our lesson. This model just isnt right.

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  Toyota Does It Again! - 2011 Toyota Matrix
  By vicman17 - October 4 - 3:26 pm

  Nice updated styling. XRS model 5-Speed manual (Canadian) with a 158hp 2.4 liter 16-valve VVT-i engine used in the Camry, Venza, RAV4 and Scion xB/ tC. Pretty peppy and good fuel economy. Our last long trip averaged 570kms (354mi) to a tankful of 89 oc gas (87 recommended). Simple interior trim with lots of plastic, but well put together. XRS Body kit/ Rear spoiler gives bit of a performance look, but not too overpowering. Flat fold-down rear seats and folding front passenger seat for larger cargo items. 18-inch rims gives a stiffer ride, but not jarring. Radio with AM/FM/CD/Sirius XM / USB/iPod functions. 115V and 12V power taps are a good touch. ABS/TCS/EBA safety features standard.

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  OIL SLUDGE COVER UP - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By pschumacher - October 4 - 3:05 pm

  Before you purchase any used Toyota with the 3.4 V6, research: "Toyota Oil Sludge" problems. Also read up on the massive recall Toyota launched to replace thousands of engines. Unfortunately, this recall did not show up in the reliability section of my trusted vehicle review sites. I bought an amazingly attractive clunker I am not alone BEWARE I loved my 4Runner, but it will be the last Toyota I own. At 110,000 careful and certified serviced miles I need an new $6000 engine. The Toyota Service Advisor admitted there is a design issue. But nothing they can do at this time.

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  A Real Beauty - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Ram - October 4 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this car only four months ago with 35800 original miles. The previous owner bought new and maintained it extremely well even changing the timing belt at 20000 miles. This is a real beauty. I love how well it handles and the way it looks. Kind of reminds me of the movie with Clint Eastwood "Gran Torino" in the sense that he admired his vehicle.Currently I have less than 40000 miles on it having decided to use only occasionally in town only. Man what a beauty!

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  Reliability Plus - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jeff - October 3 - 5:20 pm

  The best buying experience we have encountered. We used the dealers internet buying program and got great customer service and a very good price. Well made, quality assembly, good fit and finish and the standard equipment is everything we wanted.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 8yrs+ - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Chris in Charlotte - October 3 - 4:46 pm

  Im on the verge of potentially trading in my dark green/tan leather 99 SLE w/ 157k. I do not want to get rid of it, but a 3 yr old and a newborn make a coupe impractical. Said simply, aside from some suspension issues, a valve cover gasket, and the backlight on the JVC stero going out, the car has been flawless and still looks fantastic. I get comments everywhere. Two recent ones were from the husband/owner of my sons daycare, who wanted to take a spin, because he always wanted a Solara and never got one ("Its a Lexus with a Toyota badge" - his conclusion), and several less car savvy people who just cant believe its 11 years old.

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  Ultimate 4X4 - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jimmy - October 3 - 4:43 pm

  Reliablitly and performance that is unparalleled

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  Last Toyota - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By s_evans - October 3 - 1:28 pm

  Have a 2011 Rav 4 Limited, owned for close to 2 years now. Have had in shop 3 times for rough start and idle. First time they reprogrammed ECM. Last two times no error code registered and dealer cant replicate; so nothing they can do. Rear View camera only works intermittently. Dealer cant fix unless malfunctioning when car is in shop. Paint is poor quality too many chips to touchup. Engine on occasion has raced out of control, not a floor mat issue, but Toyota doesnt know what is wrong. Front cup holders are awful. Traded from a 2006 Hyundai Sonota and wish I had it back.