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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  check engine light - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Brad - December 2 - 1:10 am

  The check engine light goes on and the dealer and Toyota can not tell me why. The car has 475 miles on it. I also own a 1999 Toyota Camry and that light went on at about 52,000 miles and they fix something and or reset the light and its back on. The car runs find but if something is wrong with the engine I will not know

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  Very good - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By will199104 - December 1 - 5:21 pm

  I bought my Tacoma new, it now has 190K and still running strong. I have never had any problems with this truck; actually it has required very little maintenance. Very well build. It gets excellent gas mileage.

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  Very satisfied customer - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Andre Viner - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my Corolla, practically no reapairs in 8 years I will buy another one or a Camary, I will stay with Toyota

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  Great car but cant get options we want - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jackeroo - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I really liked the Matrix at first. A hatchback with folddown seats, great for hauling bikes, for camping trips & it has good gas mileage (unlike most SUVs), plus potential safety features. However, have been frustrated as dealers say cant get ABS brakes without other option packages such as spoilers & fog lights etc. Also none available with side airbags except for XRS, but then you compromise the good mpg and get the spoilers. Takes 120 days to get custom car. So may buy Standard rather than XR, & forgo safety features so we dont have to get stupid spoilers. May look at the Vibe to see their options (they look better too).

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  Great..but.. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Samsun79 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Love the car, was going to get Civic, but I am so glad I didnt. Only thing is mine had/has a few issues. Air recirculation was broken from the start. My brakess slip slightly when I am at a comlete stop, and makes clink sound when going into reverse. Dealer cant duplicate so they wont look at it. Its minor but it bugs me. All in all, I love the car. And if you try to replace the rear speakers, get a pro to do it or get ready to do some major work.

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  Good Car, but Not Great - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Steve in Houston - December 1 - 5:36 am

  Overall, my 2008 Camry Hybrid is a good car, but it has been in the shop three times for minor issues. First, it was a defective gas cap, then it was a defective seat belt latch, next it was a defective power window button. The dealer needed to keep the car over night once and I was expected to rent a car! I was not happy.

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  Upgraded from 2013 - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Roy - November 30 - 12:26 pm

  This car has been upgraded with a more comfortable, quieter, and smoother ride. The upgrade are not flashy but the effectiveness during the ride cant be denied.

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  Wife Loves It - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Steve - November 30 - 4:06 am

  Traded in a 2002 Altima on the 4Runner as I wanted more protecton for my wife with the way the idiots drive down here in Florida. She was not happy at first but loves the car now. No problems at all rides higher so she can see better. Toyota quality speaks for itself.

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  My Camry SE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By tatsuhime - November 29 - 10:33 am

  The cars great. Never had any problem with any of my Toyotas. Step down from my 4-Runner, but its fun to drive. Great pick-up on freeway.

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  first toyota - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By ag_rock - November 29 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST TOYOTA, THE VEHICLE IS LIVING UP TO ITS REP ON EXCELLENT QUALITY AND VALUE. THE STYLING RANKS WITH THE BEST OF THEM IN CLASS, HOWEVER THE RELIABILITY PUSHES THIS VEHICLE OVER THE TOP.