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:

• 

  Appraisal Value for Trade Purpose - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Benito C. Lim - August 6 - 10:00 am

  We find it very reliable to reach our destination. It is fun to drive and listen to its CD, radio gadgets. All seats comfortable and we feel proud to own and use for our family.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By BigJ9425 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Toyota. My first was a 94 Celica (+130k miles) a few years back and I never had a problem. Being a stupid teenager, shortly after I wanted to get a big Explorer. I had too many problems with fuel economy and reliability that I decided to go back to Toyota. The biggest reason I bought my Corolla was for gas. I save 14 dollars every week driving a Corolla over my Explorer. The car is great.

• 

  2004 corolla s - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By jason - August 6 - 3:13 am

  Experience has been better than I expected. Overall performance has been awesome. With my oil changes every 3000 miles and rotation of tires, manufacturers maintenance, I have only had 1 new belt and new water pump since I bought the car. Great car as far as gas economy. 30-40 mpg. Definitely will buy again when im thru with this one. Hopefully not until 10+ yrs or more.

• 

  Its still going! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By cbrown - August 6 - 2:06 am

  Bought my car when it was 2 yrs old w/ 35k miles. It now has over 260k in original miles and its still chugging along. The most reliable car Ive had! Got it fixed maybe a couple times mainly due to an accident it was involved in-other than that it doesnt give us any problems at all.

• 

  First Toyota - last truck ever! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By tennriverrat - August 5 - 6:03 pm

  If someone wouldve told me ten years ago that today I would own any truck other than a Chevrolet (especially a Toyota), I wouldve died laughing at them. I bought a left over 08 model for my wife and she cant keep me out of it. The performance for a full sized truck is amazing. My daily driver is an 06 Nissan Altima SE-R, and the truck is as fun to drive as the car is. Im actually thinking about getting rid of the car to buy one of the Tundra TRD Sport Editions for myself. Gas mileage is my only complaint, HOWEVER, I knew it wasnt going to be great when I bought it. Lets face it, in order to tow 5 tons, you gotta give somewhere. Having said that, it still gets 18mpg on the highway.

• 

  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - August 4 - 8:36 pm

  I bought the car as a Certified Pre- Owned in 11/07 with 16,000 miles on it. I have 49,000 miles now and I absolutely love it! I have not had ANY problems with the car. All it asks for is gas and oil. I had a 2001 Avalon prior to this one and this one is far superior in every way... style, comfort, power, features, reliability. Toyota definitely took the Avalon to the next level! I receive compliments on the car all the time. It is the best luxury car value on the market. I am averaging 23-24 mpg, and routinely get 28-30 mpg on the highway.

• 

  Toyota 2009 S 5 speed - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Peter M. - August 4 - 2:23 pm

  I had a 2007 Toyota Corolla CE bought as a second commuter car for business. After driving it for about 11 months, I got tired of it small size and basic features. I traded it in for a 2009 Corolla S, 5 Speed 1.8 L. This car is much bigger inside, heavier and feels more substantial and less cheap. It is said that the first two years of a model are the best for build quality and then the manufacturer cuts corners to make more money. I noticed this in the reviews of the previous 2003 to 2008 editions of the Corolla. The steering could be a bit heavier. The car is very quiet, enhancing the audio system.

• 

  Update - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Western Plainsman - August 4 - 9:53 am

  After 14,000 miles, the mileage @ 70 MPH is now up to 24 MPG. Thats satisfactory for a 4x4. Pickup is smooth and the bench seat okay on long trips. Dont care for the Dunlap tires; theyre smooth, but sure dont have the quality of Michelins. I added a factory cruise control and 2 factory D ring tie-downs to the front of the bed. This little rascal ought to come stock (or at least available) with intermittent wipers & cruise. It rides & handles just fine. For a basic 4x4 under 20 Grand pickup, I dont see how you can beat it. Tight, no rattles, easy to do maintenance, pretty dog-gone good ride. Im a bear to satisfy...and Id buy this one again in a second!

• 

  I LOVE my 4Runner! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By janet - August 4 - 7:30 am

  Our 4-Runner is the BEST vehicle we have ever owned. I am so sorry to see the lot full of 2008 runners with a 6 instead of a V-8. The V-8 is why we bought one with AWD. The Gas mileage is NOT significant between the 6 and the 8. We are active so this SUV really suits us. I could NEVER drive a dinky smart car or anything remotely like those... I am used to feeling safe in my runner.

• 

  Great SUV! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob S., Reno,NV - August 4 - 1:26 am

  I have owned various 4WD SUVs since 1990 and to date this is the best overall. Fit and finish is outstanding, great ride, a real fun vehicle to drive. We looked at the 2007 Santa Fe and 2007 CR-V and the RAV4 wins on all most all features. The jury is still out on the 4WD.. Need to drive in some Sierra snow. We lived in Western New York State for 35 years, we still value 4WD.