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:

• 

  Practical Prius V - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By luv4myg35 - November 5 - 12:18 pm

  I bought this wagon for the cargo space, gas mileage, and its a Toyota which holds its value well. The interior cargo space is about the same as a small SUV but with much better gas mileage. I am averaging 38-42, and thats driving at the speed limit. Plenty of head and leg room (Im 59). Voice command can be slow at times, hatch door is heavy to close, a lot of little extras missing for such an expensive car such as (sun visor extensions, rear a/c, remote use for hatch door, only one power adapter plug in the front). Aside from its several flaws, I still love it! Great alternative to the small gas guzzling SUVs! However, if you are looking for a fun and fast car, this is not it.

• 

  Extremely Happy - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By dhandds - November 5 - 6:57 am

  I hesitated initially because my 2005 Prius seats were uncomfortable due to lack of lumbar support; I sold it after driving for a year at loss. Fortunately, every v comes with a power lumbar support and as such the seat is very comfortable. I purchased one in black with a package V. The synthetic leather fits and supports my body better than cloth. Also, it handles better with 17 in. wheels, granted it is not a sports car. LED headlights give a bright view at night. It is quiet and smooth on the freeway. It is also very spacious! I brought a Q size memory foam mattress(FOLDED) from Ikea in v with my wife! I have gotten 43MPG in mixed driving of 1,000 miles so far.

• 

  Wow . . . Corolla! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By momofsbknbj - November 5 - 5:53 am

  We bought our 2005 Corolla in 2007. It was a repo with 13,000 miles on it. It is 2012 now and the car has 160,000 miles on it. The car, knock on wood, has had no problems that I can recall except needing usual oil changes, tires and brakes replaced. We also had the serpentine belt replaced when it needed it at about 100,000 miles. The car gets excellent gas mileage, between 30-35 mpg average. We had a problem with the air conditioner about a year ago and then found out that these cars have a cabin air filter behind the glove box. Cleaned dust and leaves out of filter and air works fine again. Does not burn oil. Just a great car. We love our Corolla and have purchased 2 more since.

• 

  Tacoma Rules the Road, and Off Road too! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By gunslinger357 - November 5 - 1:53 am

  My Toyota Tacoma Prerunner Doublecab 3.4L V-6 TRD RULES the Road! It Kicks BUTT in every way. It is Ultra Reliable, Toyota-Tough, and I can ALWAYS depend on it. On the weekends, my Tacoma can Tear it UP with the best of them Off Road. In fact it IS the best, because every week I pass by all the broken down Fords, Chevys, and Dodges with engine/transmission problems and I laugh. My Tacoma rocks them ALL! Ive tried the Rest, now I Own the BEST!

• 

  Best by Far - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By vuduthmb - November 4 - 7:56 pm

  Im 57, and I have owned many cars. Nothing even comes close to the Echo. Ten years old, and still getting gas mileage close to a hybrid. Just change the oil and tires, it just keeps going.

• 

  road noise - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe - November 4 - 3:53 pm

  The door gaskets are terrible, the road noise is very loud-the faster you go more volume is needed on the CD or radio,also to much dirt, dust and road salt collect inside dr. jams. The paint chips very easily every where - it looks very thin. The seats feel like your sitting on layers of cardboard. Quality control experts should be fired for putting one of the most under rated and cheapest dunlap tires on this truck or any truck.

• 

  Wouldnt own anything else but a Toyota - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Laura Minnich - November 4 - 10:16 am

  My family of five at one time had 5 Toyotas. We love them all. The maintenance and reliability are superior to any other brands. We currently have two corollas and will drive them into the ground. Great cars for teenagers.

• 

  Camry Seats - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By allen - November 4 - 6:06 am

  Overall quality and reliability is great BUT comfort is terrible. The seat cushions are way to small and there is absolutely no lower back support from the back rest. If you are over 59", buy something else, or you will curse yourself every time you have to get into this car.

• 

  Does whatever I ask of it. - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Justin - November 4 - 6:00 am

  I bought my 4Runner a little over a year ago with 111,000 miles and it was wrecked. I repaired the damage, installed a small lift, larger tires an HD hitch and electric brake controller. I bi-weekly haul 1-2 tons on my tandem axle trailer with very little problem. My 4Runner is a manual trans so I make the most of the power it has. I also off road it harder than one should their daily driver but this little rig is extremely capable and fun to trail run with the family. I also having been driving more lately putting on 1500-2000 last month and been getting 19 mpg consistently. I have nothing but good things to say about my beat up little 4Runner-wait one negative needs more headroom!!

• 

  Paint Chips Badly - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By iicei - November 4 - 4:10 am

  There is a problem with Toyota paint on these pickups. The water based paint chips very easily. I thought I bought a good dependable truck only to find chipping paint after only 1000 miles of around town driving. I like the truck but the paint problem spoils it for me. Buyer beware.