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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  What happen to Toyota quality - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By AlexGmac - March 25 - 3:53 am

  2000 miles and I have windows that rattle, pillar squeaks and now water leaks.

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  Good but not great - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Pat - March 25 - 3:23 am

  Bought new with optional cruise control, side airbags and sunroof. Extra cost somewhat high. Have to hold on tight to steering wheel on windy days. So far dealership has replaced squeaky belt and engine computer chip-after check engine light went on, luckily still under warranty. Paint chips easily.

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  Was in love, but now just in like... - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By wismom - March 24 - 7:32 am

  Loved this van when I bought it used in 2009. Spacious interior, reliable. Then it let me down. I opened the sliding passenger door and it wouldnt shut. Tried to override to manual...but no luck. Still wouldnt shut. Called Toyota, they filed a claim and provided a # then said management occassionally reviews. But they could do nothing. Called dealership and they said theyve never heard of such a thing. Went online and TONS of Sienna owners are dealing with the same issue. Apparently it is with the cable in the door. It either frays, jambs, or has other issues. Cutting the cable is a quick cheap solution and works! Now I carry a wire cutter for when the other door fails.

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  Daughters first car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By alshoe - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased this car for our daughter used within the last week. It has 57,000 miles. Was looking for a reliable car, good safety rating and easy to drive. The Corolla definately fits this description. It has the 4 spd automatic, power windows and door locks. It has a pretty peppy 4 cylinder engine and expect good fuel economy. Climate controls work well. Should be a good car for our daughter.

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  Great truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By perryman - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a good all around truck but a little pricey. The interior could use a little refinment and buy the way, who needs 4 cup holders up front? More storage would be the better option. Great power and competitive gas milage is a plus. Smooth family ride for five or mud boggin and hualin toys with the boys make for a great all around truck. Does anyone know what time it is? I Cant See The CLOCK!!

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  Recommended with Reservations - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By DallasRealtor - March 24 - 2:00 am

  13,500 trouble free miles. Comfortable, even on long trips. Noticeably quiet with refined road manners compared to our 99 Accord EX. Excellent braking comes in useful in sudden stop traffic. Lots of useful space and compartments. Convenient access in/out. Only major complaint is transmission lag is quite noticeable, especially while merging with short windows of opportunity( Ex: On/Off Ramp = same lane).

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  Good Point A to Point B commuter - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By E.S. - March 24 - 12:10 am

  Ive had this car for 8 mos and I have a positive overall experience.It has great fuel economy, quiet and comfortable ride,top notch standard safety features i.e. six air bags,ABS,stability control,and TPM. Also so far Ive had no reliability problems. I drive 14 miles to work 1 way and in my opinion this car is a good daily commuter. I have read in this forum many gripes about this cars handling,steering, and its unsporty manners and I totally agree. I drove a Honda Civic and it has better steering and handles better but its not as quiet or as comfortable as the Corolla. The car that has the best balance of comfort and sport is the BMW 3 series for those who have extra 25K to spare.

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  Serious Car problem - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Toyota corolla s - March 23 - 2:33 pm

  I had my car only 6 months. It was a very clean and nice looking vehicle when I purchased it. I havent had any problems with my car until the cruise control malfunction.

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  Colorado Off Road Experience 10-23-2007 - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tom Martin Jr. - March 23 - 11:56 am

  Took my FJ on a heavy 4X4 trip; big game hunting in the Rockies. The FJ was severely scratched due to branches on forest roads. The optional front skid plate has major dents and the factory black painted skid plate just behind it was destroyed. No ordinary 4X4 trip, a foot of sticky black mud covered by 15" of snow. Even those little ATVs were having problems. All other 4X4s had to chain up all fours. My FJ made it through w/optional BFG tire package. It was weird hearing the ATC use the ABS to grab more traction. Had to use the rear locker twice. Clean up not easy as interior/exterior has lots of little spaces to trap mud. Glad I bought it w/ATC,BFGs, and air locker.

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  Do not get the base. Spend the $$ - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By deewill - March 22 - 7:33 pm

  So far this is a great vehicle. Great power and gets 24.4 on the highway. The base has the standard features but when you are used to a loaded Toyota you do not realize how many options you are missing until you leave the dealership. No power lift gate. Takes two men and a small boy to pull it down. No outside temp gauge. Manual cloth base seats are not all that comfortable on trips. No blue tooth, no hitch, though you pay standard for the prep. I guess they drilled some holes in the frame for you. You cannot buy a hitch yet. No body side molding. I see numerous door dings in the future. Multiple blind spots. Need to add the convex mirrors in the corners.