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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  not so hot - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By dw - September 26 - 1:56 pm

  I bought this used 6mo ago with ~65k mi on it and in apparently excellent shape. So far Ive had to deal with grease spitting cv boots, worn out tie rod ends, recalled lower steering ball joints, and I just found out my steering rack is shot and requires replacement! Ive owned several other trucks and never had this much trouble in this short a period. Lemon? Abused by the previous owner? Maybe both, but I expected more from a Toyota. Oh, the mileage is terrible, almost never get above 14mpg for mixed driving. Otherwise its a great truck... I guess.

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  Stripped Pistons - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By not happy - September 26 - 4:10 am

  I have been driving my Camry for 6 years. Very few issues until i hit 90k miles. My check engine light was on due to engine issue. Dealership said no big deal EVAP system not an issue. I had the whole engine drained and cleaned. 50 miles later, BING, light on. I took it to an independent service provider and they told me something is not right. Then at 130k miles, the engine pistons shoot through the casing into the combustion chamber. That could have easily started an oil fire that would have sparked into the gas chamber. The mechanic said Toyota has a serious engine design problem. Google Toyota engine issues, it is not an isolated issue. Toyota is waiting for another blow.

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  since new... - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jim - September 26 - 12:23 am

  Bought new in 2002 - love the vehicle. Left the van world an into the SUV world for the family - best thing we ever did. Great ride

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  Disappointing first 12000 miles - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By AL - September 25 - 9:16 pm

  I bought my truck February of 08. I have a factory-installed roof rack that leaked from the drivers side rail into the cabin with only 8000 mi that took 2 times to fix. My passenger floor board had to be re-welded because of squeaking noise that sounds like metals buckling whenever I drive over uneven pavements. Oh, they have to remove my passenger side front door, my steering wheel and my entire dashboard area just gain access to that one particular spot. My new car smell didnt last but a couple of months which was replaced by the aroma of a freshly welded metals which by the way lingered for more than 3 mos. Ive owned 4 different Toyotas in the past. 08 Tacoma is a disappointment.

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  Woman who loves her Tacoma! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Woman - September 25 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased my certified used Tacoma in October 06 after a Denver snowstorm left me unable to exit my driveway w/my current car. Ive wanted one of these trucks since I was 15 (Im 41 now). Its been the best decision I ever made (besides divorcing my husband!). This truck handles so well, has so much power and is so fun to drive, I only wish Id bought one sooner! Gas mileage isnt bad either. I really am a woman who loves her Tacoma!

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  Radio Malfunction - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By Susie - September 25 - 5:06 pm

  AM Radio has so much static that you can barely understand. I took it to the dealership 2 times & was told that there was a problem with the design of the antenna & they cant do anything about it. Some reviews online seem to indicate the problem has gone back to 2007.

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  Love my Camry, never go back to Cadillac - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Candy Perala - September 25 - 4:53 pm

  The ride is excellent in this car. I was a bit leary about trading in my cadillac due to high milage but have decided this is the way to go. I want a car that is dependable and dosnt break down every 500 miles!

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  At 180,000 miles, still a Fantastic Car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By tommysmooth - September 25 - 2:24 pm

  My Dad bought it in 2003 from a dealership where it was a rental, about 4 years ago he bought a 2009 Camry and let me have the 01 for my first car. Ive been driving it daily since I was 16 and have never had a bad day with it. Its quiet, responsive, and when you want power from the engine it will give it to you. Its easy to fix things yourself on, such as oil changes, brakes, even opening up the intake and cleaning the butterfly valve was pretty simple. The Stereo is amazing quality and similar to what youd find in some luxury cars today. This car has good handling in the snow especially in 2nd gear. Overall its a perfect first car, or perfect budget car. Ive grown to love it

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  Absolutely Fabulous Mileage! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Greenleaf - September 25 - 10:00 am

  My highest MPG was 58.7! I drive to LA regularly and the two-hour commute is zippy in this little car. Ive had no trouble out running an 18-wheeler with 5 people in the car and the A/C on full blast. The only trouble Ive had was the rack-and-pinion, which needed to be replaced at 16K. The interior seems to be taking a lot of wear also.

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  My First LandCruiser - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By red - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Ford,Chevy and Nissan FWD SUVs and the LandCruiser is by far the nicest,and most expensive,but well worth it.