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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  Toyota Rattle and Hum - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Doug Buhler - January 11 - 12:00 am

  Traded 2004 Sienna XLE AWD in for the 06 as the 04 rattled like crazy. Well the rattling is not quite as bad, but for the most expensive mini van made, it shouldnt. As well, 3 of the seats have come apart, the DVD has never worked, the side door has stuck open costing a $140 cab ride to return to the dealership which Toyota has yet to refund. On top of that the rear side windows and side doors rattle although not as bad as the 04. Would never buy another Toyota again.

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  Good Truck - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bobby - January 10 - 5:50 pm

  This truck is fun to drive with the tented windows it is a little easier to cool than most I have driven the price of gasoline does not make me stay home any more and I really like the red color with gray interior

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  Great car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Chhatric - January 10 - 4:26 pm

  Had it for over a month and I am enjoying driving it. The car has good power and very smooth. I like the styling of the 09 Matrix and the interior is very well designed. Hopefully it will last me for years to come.

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  Well built vehicle, best value for 25K. - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Michael - January 10 - 6:03 am

  Awesome vehicle! Fit and finish is perfect, no rattles, squeaks, unusual noises of any kind. Quiet at most speeds although a little wind noise around the mirrors is to be expected at 55 and up. Climate control is excellent (even has 3rd row seat heater controls). I aint no little guy either (64") but I can sit in the back seat and actually have some legroom when the front seat is set as far back as it will go. I couldnt do this in my previous vehicle (Explorer), even though it was bigger. The rear seats even recline (and have headrests)! Adults have a hard time with the 3rd row seat, however. Even the "base" stereo has tape, CD, and separate woofer/tweeter in front, sounds good.

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  Defective cylinder head bolt threads - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By sorrynow - January 9 - 8:53 pm

  We purchased this as a new vehicle and have been very pleased with it until today. We found out that we have a leak that can only be fixed by a $5000 bandaide that Toyota has defined in Toyotas techincal bulletin T-SB-0015-11. The bolt holes in the cylinder block must be tapped to install an insert to hold new bolts. We now have to find a way to replace this vehicle! So much for Toyota!

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  So far so good - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Not too bad - January 9 - 4:30 pm

  Very nice ride with good handling, acceleration, comfort, smooth ride for body on frame solid rear axle vehicle. Wont let you forget its a truck, but thats what I bought it for. A little too much "gear picking" with v6 on steep grades. Engine has slight ticking sound (most Toyotas seem too, but disconcerting, probably timing chain instead of belt causes this) which is bothersome but engine runs fine. Have no real gripes, purchased the vehicle with just >30k miles and it feels like the brand new 07 model I test drove. I expect many more years out of this vehicle, although maintenance looks to be expensive. Wish v6 models had an external tranny cooler at least offered as an option.

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  Blizzard Pearl XLE 4 - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By VLJ - January 9 - 2:16 pm

  Very happy with the XLE performance and the safety features. I did test drive the LE model--- not as much umph on acceleration and interior siding and seat upholstery seemed of a lesser quality to me than with prior models. 20 yr+ Camry customer.

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  Sliding doors Sienna stuck - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By G - January 9 - 1:53 pm

  Love our Sienna but the rear sliding passenger doors are a chronic problem. They are difficult to open from the inside as well as the outside. The knob in the interior gets stuck in the "in" position and thus will not open. On the outside we are now using only one door. The other is impossible to open. The frustrating part is that this is not an uncommon problem for the 1999 Sienna yet my incredible frustration with the dealers and Toyota on a national level who have decided that it is not their problem but the customer. Unfortunately having been loyal customers to Toyota and service we will seriously consider a Subaru or Honda on our next purchase of a vehicle. Just cattle at Toyota.

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  my corolla s - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By perry - January 9 - 10:06 am

  Its a nice car. I bought the White S model. Performance is a bit on the weak side for get up and go. Very nice interior and nicely detailed. Electric steering a bit touchy on highway and hard to make the car go straight after without touching the wheel. You can plug in the iPod into the auxiliary jack. So far its turning a few heads as there is a 7 week wait for delivery and not many on the road yet. So far 444 km and 1st fill was 48.00 at 132 a litre so its not too bad on fuel. I like the computer that tells you how many miles you can still travel on your fuel, this is a nice roomy commuter car with some class.

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  Gary W - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By gswolfe9 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Toyota has another winner! This vehicle is surprisingly lively for a 1.5L engine. handling is that of a much heavier car; very solid. A little limited on cargo space but still able to transport a wheel chair. Ideal for around town driving and excellent milage on hiway.