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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  55,000 miles and going! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By kevthom - November 14 - 9:26 pm

  I bought this truck in 2008 with 50,000 miles on it with faith in Toyotas reputation in longevity. So far no maintenance problems, just a battery replacement. The ride is comfortable with the TRD package, including at high speeds, and I love the full sliding rear window. The 4WD works great in snow with rare instances in which the 4WD does not engage immediately. The dashboard around the stereo and glove box squeaks irritatingly on bumps/rough roads, especially when cold. Overall a great vehicle and I plan on keeping it until it runs into the ground!

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  ALL AROUND BEST IN ITS CLASS - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By DAMIAN - November 14 - 8:00 pm

  After 48,000 miles / 2yrs of harsh commuting through blazing hot summers and freezing cold winters my car still drives, feels, and looks new. Equipped with a 4-cylinder which only packs 130- hp my car has plenty of power, even when fully loaded (5-PASSENGERS + CARGO) to keep up with all types of California commuting (80mph freeways, steep mountain climbs, stop and go city driving, beach/ocean cruising and long stretch highways). This compact sedan is spacious and has plenty of head, leg, and arm room both front and back as well as a large trunk. Also comfortable while traveling long distances. IÂ’ve found this car to be safe, reliable, fun to drive, and economical. You Cant beat a TOYOTA!!!

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  I love my Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Jan - November 14 - 10:26 am

  This is my second Highlander. My first one I have passed to my daughter so she has a reliable car. Did not have any trouble with the first one, and my present one is even better. Just a little disappointed that the gas mileage is not as good. Yes, I have a 6 cyl this time, and most of my driving is city driving. Maybe it will be better on the highway.

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  LE V6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mike Krahn - November 14 - 9:06 am

  Warning: once your car hits around 100K the oil line breaks down and you lose all of your oil which if not noticed in time could result in engine break down. Toyota is aware, but so far no recall notice has been excepted.

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  Fun Car for less - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Anuj Dhingra - November 14 - 7:03 am

  This is a nice car....I ahve had this for over 6 months and havent had any problems whatsoever.

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  Incredibly Reliable, Cheap to Own - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By ayersdj - November 14 - 1:30 am

  Bought this from the second owner 6 years ago. 5 speed stick with A/C. Now have 143,000 miles on it. Has never broken down on us. Other than a suspension job at 141,000 and a new a/c compressor at 143,000, never anything but standard maintenance. Northern car, bad winters but no rust. Last week, got 45 mpg on a 300 mile drive, with the a/c on. Not a fast or fancy car, dies on steep hills, not much pep for passing. But a great car if you want something reliable that is cheap to drive and wont leave you waiting for a tow. Id buy it again in a heartbeat.

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  Most fun ever - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By rhoward - November 13 - 5:23 pm

  This car is just plain fun to drive. I cant ever remember having as much fun with a car. AND it so much fun passing all of the gas stations. Best mileage in a tank so far has been 54 mpg,

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  07 Rav4 Sport V6 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Russ copping - November 13 - 5:13 pm

  Wife and I love the vehicle. To nit pick anyway: V6 offers fierce acceleration. Needing work... tranny has disconcerting habit of being "between gears" when braking to about 15 or 20 and then accelerating... races a bit before engaging proper gear. Pass gear engages too easily. No postings seen on this. May be adjustable by Toyota. Mildew smell from A/C vents at start up but dissipates quickly. Bit noisy at hwy speeds. White paint fairly fragile and nicks rather easily. Driving with one rear window down causes causes a 2 or 3 cycle "bup-bup- bup" pressure oscillation which is no fun on the ears. Dont push anything or front cap will crack. I still love the car and would buy another one.

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  Love it ..so far - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By rj - November 13 - 4:23 am

  Just bought a XLS with Nav 1 week ago. Love the car, fun to drive, smooth and comfortable. The nav system is not at the same level of features or usability as some others, but it will get you there, once you figure the functionality out.

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  Great Little Car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Bert - November 13 - 1:03 am

  Great car! I bought this car used from an individual. I have nearly 100,000 miles, and not a single problem. Comfy, roomy for a tiny package and great on gas!