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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  Great Car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By gracemomrdh - April 30 - 12:46 am

  I have been more than pleasantly surprised by this vehicle. I went from a midsized SUV down to this compact car, and have never looked back. The Corolla has a surprising amount of interior space, very easy to drive, great gas mileage, and seems to be made very well. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a great investment!

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  All-round Excellent car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By charles hall - April 29 - 10:52 pm

  Aside from some shabby fabric on the center console, this has been a superb car. Ive had maybe one repair done, and it was some routine thing they spotted at the 100k check-up. I get 48.5 mpg year round. Its quiet, and accelerates strongly at freeway speeds, like 45-75. Lots and lots of cargo space and catch-all storage areas. Only drawback? In 2008 they didnt have USB or iPod interfaces to the radio. Theres also a design flaw with the traction control (which cannot be disabled) where when you stop at a stop sign and the pavement is the least but slick with water, ice or gravel the car may move haltingly when you press the gas. This is very bad, but you learn not to try and dart into traffic except in dry weather. Otherwise the performance and handling is fine. 2016 UPDATE: One of the hybrid battery cells failed at 130K miles. The repair cost $1800 from an independent repair shop which offered a 3-yr warranty. The car is running perfectly again. I have added leather steering wheel and armrest covers to fix the decaying originals. The actual seats are holding up fine, its just the armrests and center console cover they arent up to snuff. 2017 UPDATE: Battery failed again, repaired under warranty. But at 139K miles I needed a new daily driver. Just bought a 2017 Chevy Volt. Cargo capacity with seats down is comparable to the Prius. Rear seat headroom, not so good. But with 50 miles EV range the Volt seems a noble successor to the Prius. EV performance of the Volt is outstanding. Much more acceleration than the Prius.

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  Room for Improvement - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Guffey Time - April 29 - 6:13 am

  We live in a very rural area on dirt roads. We were amazed at how this vehicle allows the dust to come in. The rattles in the car are very irritating. The bluetooth does NOT work. The person on the other end says that it sounds like you are in a tunnel and cannot hear. Toyota cannot fix the problems! The towing is amazing which is the only reason I am keeping the car. You pay 52000 for a car, you expect a little more - not dust and rattles.

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  Love my new 08 Sport! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Peter - April 28 - 5:16 am

  I traded my 2004 Sequoia since I have decided to go a litle more green in my life. I still need the ability to drive around 2 small children and was not going to get a minivan. The new Highlander fits the bill perfectly. Drives like a Camry not a truck, and is so quiet and comfortable. I got the factory tow hitch and running boards, Option A package. I will be adding the body side moldings when they get reintroduced with the proper adhesive. I have all weather floor and cargo mats, door edge guards and a few oil filters being shipped to me. Also waiting for the hood deflector to be released.

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  Loving it so far - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By lslblues - April 28 - 3:18 am

  Had the car about a month. Got a great lease deal due to Southeast Toyotas high residual value and low money factor. Was considerably cheaper than LE model. Really enjoy driving it. Had a 2003 Camry LE for a long time and this car is definitely sportier than that. Its definitely not a sports car, but is fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. Average close to 40 on the highway.

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  very well designed - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By ranma22 - April 28 - 2:26 am

  The primary reason I liked this vehicle is the exterior design - it looks luxurious and comparable to the Land Cruiser. The fender wall makes this vehicle muscular. After I purchased the vehicle, I was very satisfied w/ the handling and comfort of driving. What about the engine? It feels very powerful. The actual mileage Im getting so far driving on surface streets is about 12 to 13 miles per gallon; on the freeway, Im getting about 14 miles per gallon. I logged all mileage and gallons of gas when I fill up my tank so thats how I obtained the numbers.

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  16 years 199,400 miles - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave - April 27 - 3:38 am

  Cant say enough about this car. Purchased new. Until last year no problems whatsoever. Regular maintanance only; brakes, shocks, tires, belts, ect. This past year bearings, power steering pump. Will run it until it is no longer financially prudent. By far the best car Ive ever owned. Q

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  Solid fit and finish - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By frogdaddy - April 27 - 3:36 am

  Researched for a long time. What a solid and refined vehicle. All plastic matches and doesnt squeak. Comfortable and smooth ride. Sits high enough without realizing its a truck. Nice interior. Great storage and convertible seating. Versatility without being too big.

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  Love my Camry - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By bswgjtm - April 27 - 1:53 am

  I bought my 2011 Camry in July 2010. I traded in a GMC Envoy for it, looking for reliability and affordable transportation. In December of 2010, I let my stepdaughter take my car on a road trip from upstate NY to Maine. She fell in love with my car and when she graduated from college, she bought her own. Yesterday, my daughter and I went to our neighborhood Toyota dealer looking for her first gently-used vehicle and, without any influence from Mom, she said, "Do you think there are any Camrys in our price range?" 3 2011 Toyota Camrys are a part of our family now. I think that says it all. In the almost 5 years of owning mine, I have only had to replace the tires and rear brakes.

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  1995 Toyota 4Runner - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By mrooker - April 26 - 5:33 pm

  Exceptional reliability - no problems of any kind over a seven year period.