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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  Overpowered - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Eugene - February 7 - 9:26 am

  Its one the fastest SUVs you can buy, it can go 0-60 in under 7 seconds. It is also a great example why horsepower isnt everything. You hit the gas pedal on your RAV4. Front wheels start to spin. Traction control light comes up. The entire vehicle leans backwards. Finally it lunges ahead, shaking and ignoring the steering wheel input. Theres a lot of passing power, but the vehicle is not designed for high-speed turns and does not feel confident above 80-85 mph. If youre interested in RAV4 V6 because of its power, Sport edition 4WD might be a better choice. Theres no cure for high center of gravity, but stiffer suspension and proper drivetrain should help a bit.

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  Not a bad truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By limey - February 6 - 10:13 pm

  The bed bounce can be very annoying. If you live in a area with concrete highways I would test drive it there to see how it handles. My kids find it fun now but I think that might change in a few years. The power from the 5.7 is amazing, you can pull away from almost everything on the road.

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  Problems in Winter - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By priusinChicago - February 6 - 5:10 pm

  Toyota Prius was pretty good, basically a 4 out of 5 in all respects except mileage, and then it was a 5 out of 5 until the very cold weather set in. Mileage went down from 46-50 mpg all the way to mid 30s mpg when it was in the 20s outside. And in the very cold (teens or near zero degrees Farhen) when you use the heater it went down to 27 to 30 mpg. This was a disappointment on all counts with winter and cold weather mileage.

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  93 Camry - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Victor - February 6 - 7:56 am

  Extremely reliable in all kinds of weather. My total expenditures for repairs in the 14 years I have owned it are less than $600. Hate to sell it but the wife wants a new car! New car payment will be around $600.

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  Most reliable car I ever had - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Aum - February 6 - 7:46 am

  This car was amazing. My dad bought it used in 98 with only 5k miles on it, then gave it to my mom later, and then passed it on to me. I just sold it last week because of insurance cost, but this car is worth every penny. Never gave any member of my family any trouble, only did oil changes, and changed the timing belt after 102,000 miles. Everything else is original other than the tires.

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  new driver - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By ontariotacomadriver - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Been driving it only 1000 miles, but am very pleased so far. All "jittery ride" comments (from any source) should be overlooked... its a truck... I dont want a truck that rides like a car-- it has an excellent suspension. Engine is strong and gives sufficient acceleration. Tranny shifts smoothly. No worries about handling despite higher profile. Good turning radius.

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  road noise - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By stanley stephens - February 4 - 12:26 am

  I relied on consumer reports and thier evaluation of the camrey as being refined and quiet and was disapointed after driving over different road surfaces finding only brand new asphalted roads as quiet. most roads create what I call "road roar", an unpleasant sound. after owning and viewing the camry from different angles its less than eye catching.

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  Most Comfortable Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Evan D. - February 3 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my 1998 Toyota Avalon XLS in December of 2005. I loved it from the first day I drove it. Its ride is very comfortable and the V6 gives it plenty of power. All in all, this car is very reliable and a great car to travel in.

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  Great used car to purchase - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By LeX - February 3 - 9:40 am

  Great trucklet for anyone single and guys who likes sporty but moderately big. I bought this 98 Rav4 recently (4 Days ago) at 140,000 miles. So far its been great and smooth overall. I have checked everything (no leaks) and is standing tall and strong for a 7 year old car. Fuel economy would have been okay if it offered more power, but gas consumption is moderate-high for being underpowered. Its great for cruising but equipped with the ECT button that offers a higher rev for conditions demanding more power for speed. I hope it lasts for 100,000 or more with me, so I can come back here and give it more ratings.

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  wonderful , exciting but dangerous - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dan l - February 2 - 10:00 am

  what a great car. the experinece from driving everday is not describable. but one major problem. this car should not have been allowed into production with the blind spot created by the roof on the passengers side. this car is in serious need of roll bars, and side air bags from the door. i suggest the potential buyer to buy one in yellow, so you can be seen by other traffic. safety is one major concern, and key safety features need to be included. buy a used one, because i got mine for $200 over invoice. they have a real hard time selling these cars. NO matter how they try to tell you otherwise.