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 A CAR! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By ANDY87 - January 12 - 10:36 pm

  When I got my first car at 16 I drove around in an SL-1 Saturn 1995. Then I decided after a couple of years to try out an older Toyota to try out the dependability on my own. I must say this thing has nothing stopping it. Bought it at 129,000, and now I have 160,000 on it. The only things Ive had to replace on it in two years was a new distributor, an engine mount, and the timing belt.

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  Toyota...American Stye - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By chastek - January 12 - 6:50 pm

  Our van serves as daily people hauler and weekend plaything for a family with four kids. Its very roomy with plenty of interior storage and cleverly designed seats. The fit and finish is not as good as our Lexus, but is probably better than average. The powertrain is super smooth and it never lacks for power, even when fully loaded. We average 22mpg in mixed driving.

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  comfortable cruiser - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By petras52 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Quiet, comfortable ride, le version well equipped, lots of storage space, getting 27 mpg in 50/50 hwy/light city traffic with winter blend fuel and easy going driving style. Decent acceleration with the smooth 4 cyl eng, never felt the need for more power, interior has lots of plastic but at least its tastefully done and to be expected at this price point. Optional jbl stereo sounds good, esp with cds. Overall I think its a good value and I would still buy again even with the current recalls.

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  A Tough SUV - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By tree_guy_bob - January 11 - 3:56 am

  I purchased my 02 4Runner 4WD Limited when it was about 2 years old. I purchased from an acquaintance who I knew took virtually perfect care of all of his vehicles. I purchased this 4Runner as I am one of the very few folks who truly needs 4WD and uses it regularly. I had had previous positive experiences with Toyota 4WD vehicles, and liked the aspects of balance, ground clearance, true box frame, two speed transfer case... in short, I wanted a small truck. So far, so good. My 4Runner still looks and runs virtually like new. Oil changes with Mobil 1 every 5K, plus meticulous maintenance will hopefully allow this vehicle to last for many years.

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  Rust Bucket - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By ajcd - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Great engine, sturdy suspension, decent interior, but its rusting away at 9 yrs old w/103K mi. Expected better durability from Toyota. Power antenna, windshield washer motor both quit, and tailgate key cylinder is frozen with rust. Better rig for dry climate, Indiana humidity & road salt eat it up.

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  7 years, 200,000+ kms, <$1000 in repairs - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Chriso - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 7 years and over 200,000 kms. In all that time i had to replace a clutch, a waterpump, and the front exhaust pipe for a total of under $1000 in unscehduled maintence which in way better than any other car I have had or know of. I had this car since my early 20s and drove it very hard the first few years, never broke a thing. Car still gets close to 40 mpg on the highway. The 5-speed gives the car a lot more umph especially off the line and highway passing. I will drive this car until it dies which at the rate it has been going so far will be years down the road. Best investment i have ever made.

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  Immediate decision thanks to internet - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By maxvok - January 10 - 10:00 am

  General impression is very positive but after 800 miles I had a flat auxilliary battery without any apparent reason, which was covered by the warranty. This is the first new car I bought in 50 years after only a few hours surfing on the internet, usually I required weeks to study/compare brochures and could still not decide. The trial trip was a formality and hardly spoke to salesman who knew less than I as the car was introduced in the Netherlands only a few days before; bought the only available showroom car as another dealer had then already delivery time of 4+ months

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  Love my Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By rcarroll2 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  In my opinion it is the best all around truck for the average guy. Configuration is perfect for me,have compact truck needs but have 2 small children, kids fit comfortably & safely in rear seats, truck is big enough but not too large. Was a bit skeptical with the V6 but so far have been happy with performance.If you are one who hauls heavy loads or tows a trailer youll need to step up to V8, Has Smooth, quiet car-like ride, handles better than my Camry. Great for highway travel.

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  It even autocrosses well - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla DriveR - January 10 - 2:33 am

  I bought this car new. it now has 113,000 miles and I plan to keep it till it has about 300,000. never any mechanical problems. the original brake pads were still good when I replaced them at 100,000 miles for grippier pads for autocross. I won the regional H stock championship for 2005 in this car. not a great amount of power in the motor but it handles well. much more power than the 99 civic I traded for it. under normal use, these cars just dont break. I do have the 5 spd manual and normally get 37-42 mpg combined city/hwy. runs like a champ.

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  Fantastic 4.7L V8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tartallini - January 10 - 1:21 am

  I was lucky enough to find my 2003 SR5 4Runner (with RWD, 4.7L V8) at a dealers auction; a friend has a dealers license. The vehicle had under 17K miles on it when I bought it for 17K 14 years ago, and was coming out of Florida. It had been a warranty return and fell under that states Lemon Law. Concerned, I called the seller prior to purchase and they told me that the reason for the return was a sulphur smell that they could never fully address for the customer - the one who purchased it new and apparently returned it during the first year. I decided to take a gamble on it and kept it 14 years - enjoying great reliability and comfort while driving it. After two timing belt replacements, brake jobs and basic maintenance Id planned on keeping it for another 100K, but then the dealer said it needed a new rear end to the tune of 4K. I really wrestled with whether or not to sell it or fix and keep, but ultimately traded it in on a Certified 2014 Toyota Rav4 AWD XLE to obtain the AWD capabilities and fewer miles. I will miss the 4Runners size, looks, and its ability to easily pull hills even when fully loaded, but the 2WD in the Pacific Northwest was an issue when it snowed, it had a terrible turning radius and visibility (large posts) was sometimes an issue. Its been a great ride though, and if you can do your own repairs when the big stuff happens and dont live in an area where 4WD or AWD is really needed- snap it up!