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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  RAV4 2001 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Ted - April 24 - 3:40 pm

  About ready to trade/sell this vehicle for another Toyota. It has been a superb car. Not as comfortable on long trips as I was hoping. Extremely reliable with excellent body integrity.

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  Performance and reliability - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By hank from georgia - April 24 - 3:16 pm

  This has truly been a wonderful driving experience. I change the oil (Mobil One) every five thousand miles, and keep an eye on the other fluids, and I think this thing would run for a long, long time. The only trouble I had, was when the tire pressure indicator indicated that one of my tires was low on air pressure. I checked all four, and that is when I found out that the spare was also hooked up to a monitor. When I purchase another truck it will be a Tundra. (When you gonna put out a diesel?)

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  toyota 4runner for ever. - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By georgefelix - April 24 - 11:38 am

  I do own my 2007 4runner for more than two years , and never get me wrong , I am 100% happy whit the toyota quality and safety , thes is my 4th SUV and none deserves the 5 star qualification .

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Happy Driver! - April 24 - 7:40 am

  Got this car used with 70,000 miles and it gave me no problems whatsoever. I drove this car from November 2008 until March 2010 and the only thing I had a problem with was the locks. This car is reliable, handles well and can last an eternity if taken care of it well. The only reason I dont have it is because it got stolen! =( but my next purchase will be a Corolla S Type once again. The Corolla S types built from 2003 to 2008 are gold!

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  Great SUV! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By agonzo - April 24 - 4:54 am

  This is a great SUV with great handling, peppy engine, solid ride and economical. Driven it for over 8,000 miles now including a 1,600 mile trip up north. The Rav4 rides like a dream, but the best thing is how it does it. The 6 speed automatic transmission is silky smooth and always at the right gear. The engine purrs, its quiet, peppy and dependable. When you crank it up in the mornings, there are no weird noises, no piston or valves noises, it just starts quietly and efficiently. Im getting about 23 mpg in the city, about 31 on the highway. By all means this vehicle is way much better than my previous Subaru Forester.A Update: At 13,500 miles the Rav4 has been handling very well. Still rides great and shifts like new. This is one great vehicle!

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  Fun and sporty - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By bhattara - April 23 - 9:40 pm

  I really like this car. I did a good bit of research. I was told to get a more expensive car but there was something about a matrix. First of all it looks great very stylish. Wonderful turning radius. I really like the fact that you are higher than those sedans. It has a great radio even the basic model. I like the chrome. The fact is this is really a mini SUV. For people who want a little more space but are environmentally conscious this is for them. Some people call this a student car. I call it a car with a lot of value.

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  Bristol Highlander - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Bristol Brat - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Purchased Highlander for trips that require lots of room. Have had for approx 6 months. Gas mileage is 21 to 27 mpg. I think the interior dash looks a little cheap. We both enjoy the handling and how the dashboard is laid out. We have no regrets so far and would purchase it again. We did purchase extended warranty due to vehicle having electric power steering.

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  The Best turck in the world - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Me - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck and it only had 15,500 miles on it and i love it. It is very stylish and their are so many great add-ons that you can buy for it. I love it being that its not to rednecky like the other trucks. It has class.

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  Toyota does it again - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By zee - April 23 - 8:26 am

  This is probably one of the best SUVs on the market. IÂ’m 8000 miles into it and I adore this car. Absolutely no problems whatsoever. The navigation system is great and it goes 0-60 it about 6.5 seconds. ThatÂ’s great for an SUV of this size. I average around 20 miles per gallon which isnt the best but itll do for a vehicle of this size. A definite car to buy.

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  Excellent Choice! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By MRE - April 22 - 7:50 pm

  We bought the XR model with full options almost 3 years ago. We wanted ABS & side airbags, which is not sold in LA area, so we special ordered & waited 3 months - SOOO worth it! Im short and love that I can easily see the road without being squished against the steering wheel. My husband is 6+ and he fits comfortably too. Back seats are very comfortable for adults, our passengers comment all the time. Great gas mileage. Best feature is cargo options, hands down. The power/acceleration could be better - but Im not a race car driver, and this car is more than adequate. Our color is "phantom gray", which we LOVE. This will be our family car for many years to come.