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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  Reliable and fun car to drive - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By AMiller - October 24 - 11:06 am

  I bought this car in 2002 and have had it for over 8 years now. No major mechanical problems outside of typical wear and tear (tires, brakes, struts). Did have to replace valve cover gasket and timing belt which was expensive. Car has 146,000 miles and running strong. I love the V6 power; yet hate the 18 mpg in the city driving.

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  Owned many Toyotas but this is my last! - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By jscott418 - October 24 - 4:08 am

  I decided to lease my Toyota and had all kinds of trouble with the dealer. It took 4 months to get plates, they messed up paper work and had to redo. They did not notify me of this. So its not been good. So now for the truck, its a DOG plain and simple. The 4 Cylinder engine has 30 less HP then my wifes RAV 4 which has a smaller 4 Cyl? The 4 speed trans is awful and when its in overdrive which happens way too soon I get a vibration because the RPMs are so low and the engine lugs. Who ever mated this engine with the transmission and programed it does not drive it! I have had trouble with a whine from the trans too but have not been to a dealer yet.

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  Great Value - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sam - October 24 - 3:16 am

  The all new 2005 Tacoma is truly a great new Truck! The new design inside and out is awsome.Nothing is the same from the 2004 models,and the price is great also.The increased HP is unbeliveable and the new brakeing system can get you out of a jam.I love it and think anyone would too!

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  Energizer Bunny - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By P Holloway - October 24 - 2:50 am

  We purchased our Prius with 7,000 miles on it (original owner left country). It has performed exceptionally well except for the electronic issues that were repaired by removing and replacing the computer screen (Toyota covered it). Only other issue is Tires. The vehicle is heavier than most and you need to ensure that you purchase tires recommended by the owners guide to ensure that you do not risk the tire "rolling" onto the sidewall in a higher speed turn or situation where you must "dodge" an obstacle at higher speeds.

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  Great car for the price! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By kris roop - October 23 - 2:26 pm

  This is the first Toyota that Ive purchased. Its a great car all the way around. Gas mileage is wonderful, lots of extras! Peppier than I thought it would be for a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder. Neat interior design as well as the front end. A lot more attractive than the corolla! I will definitely purchase another vehicle from toyota.

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  2007 Toyota Camry LE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jerry Trew - October 23 - 9:13 am

  This was the first Camry I have bought and I had never had a four cyl before. I was surprise at the power of it, and driving 250 miles in a heavy rain storm the stability and ABS braking to prevent skiding was wonderful. I do not find the front seats as comfortable as the seats in my old 96 Ford taurus. Overall I am please with the 2007 Camry.

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  Not many cars offer the blend Avalon has - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By happyowner - October 23 - 6:56 am

  If you have a shopping requirement for lots of room, fuel efficiency, 5-star NHTSA ratings all around, Toyota-like reliability & resale value you may find the list is quite short as I did. A 3600lb sedan with true seating for 5, 95mph 1/4 mile trap, and real world 32mpg regular in rural driving seems like a contradiction to me but this car is proof otherwise. Comfort and performance are well documented and all of it is true. Fun to drive of 8 because I find myself looking forward to driving it almost as much as old RX-8. Only 2 things wrong with the car so far if picky: the rain sensing wipers dont activate in misty conditions and the wood panel on driver door is misaligned.

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  The car I will most gladly trade-in - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By robert - October 22 - 12:46 pm

  Engine noise is predominant especially when revving engine. Steering is easy to handle with more grips on the road. Instrumentation controls stinks.

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  So Close - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner - October 22 - 3:16 am

  2700 miles and looking forward to trading it in. Good looking basic transportation. Unable to get side curtain airbags, daytime running lights, sunroof, 4x4, 3rd row seats in CA. Told these safety features werenÂ’t necessary. In CO could get side curtain airbags,day time running lights,3rd row seats w/o sunroof. Opted for sunroof, 3rd row only good for midgets. 10 year old Discovery handled better in tight fast paced LA traffic. 4Runner feels unsure and at times throws a few surprises driving at higher speeds. I never know how the vehicle is going to react to various road condition at freeway speeds. This is the first vehicle IÂ’ve had this problem with.

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  Uncomfortable, at best - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Uncomfortable seats - October 22 - 2:40 am

  Overall this is a great little car, but be careful if you dont get the adjustable leather seats. Ive had the car for about 1 1/2 years and although Ive saved a lot of money in gas, Ive spent a lot of money on acupuncture treatments for my back - and I didnt have a back problem before I started driving this car. It seems they put all the expense under the hood and then skimped on comfort. I tend to get a new car every 2 to 3 years and Ive never had one with such an uncomfortable seat. Im selling it soon.