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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  The Matrix shines in winter time! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Kim - February 28 - 8:20 pm

  Ive had it for a year and a half and it has been great, especially in the winter time. In the snow, I rarely spin my tires on a steep driveway or at a stop sign on an incline. The car has great control overall. Ive never felt safer in a car before. My passengers feel safe too. I recently heard this car gets the highest marks for side-impact collision. Id believe it! You just feel taken care of inside. The only downer is that I have to replace a rear hub bearing now not even at 100,000. That was unexpected and will be pricey. Rumors of a previous recall for this model are out there, but who knows. And no warranty will cover it now. You may want to research that issue.

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  Not Spacious for the CarSeat Set - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By howiepc - February 28 - 4:30 pm

  We are a family of six and when it comes right down to it our decision to purchase the Toyota 4Runner came down to three main components: safety, reliability and fuel economy. We downsized from a Ford Expedition to the 4Runner because the rising gas prices were cause for concern. Overall we do not regret our choice, as there is no comparison to the quality and safety of a Toyota. We will keep our Toyota for years to come, but with a family of six it will probably be relegated to our second vehicle. We find that the 4Runner will meet our needs in a pinch as a family hauler, but trying to fit four children, two are still in car seats is uncomfortable put politely. Next time think minivan.

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  A decent car for the money - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By hank - February 26 - 2:26 pm

  I just traded in a 1999 Corolla CE for a new 2009 LE. I feel the handling, acceleration, etc is about the same as the old car. On the plus side, the new car is a little larger, has less road noise and seats are a lot more comfortable. On the negative side is the new steering system. The car does seem to drift when your driving on the highway. I dont seem to notice it as much when Im driving locally on side roads, etc. Other then that it seems like a decent car for the $$.

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  Toyota let me down on this one - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Helene Schreiner - February 26 - 7:00 am

  Loved the vehicle which I purchased with 40,000 miles. Drives smoothly like my former Camry...love all the extra room. However, at 60,000 miles I have put in almost $3000 plus in maintenance. Had the car checked for a long 12 hr drive...brakes squeeked horribly...needed rear brake maintenance and also found a leak in trans. Hit the road next day and car bucked and shook...back to Toyotal...blew a cylinder and brakes locked up....lost my confidence in this car. This is something that should not have happened at 60,000 miles.

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  4runner sport 4wd - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By jdlar53 - February 25 - 12:43 pm

  A reliable SUV, its our third 4 Runner, but our first 4 wd, and we will never get another one. We had alignment issues since the SUV was new, and still have problems with it wanting to drive off the right hand side of the road. It leaks air in all four tires approx 2-3 psi a week. As far as the Tom Tom Nav unit, we are on our 3rd chip replacement, and it still isnt very accurate.

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  Dont know why its so much fun! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Brett - February 25 - 10:56 am

  Got it used with just under 80K on it, and after some clean up and maintenance, it is like a new car. Very fun off road, we do a lot of off road and it never gets stuck or breaks. Love the looks, inside and out, the 5 speed manual makes it very fun to drive, the average MPG is 26 with a lot of short trips. Plenty of power for me, comfortable, reliable, large cargo area with the seats out, great to load the dog into. We plan on keeping it forever.

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  Smooth, Quiet Ride, Great Price - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By smallpoet - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I dont require much passenger space, so no need to trade the long bed for the small second seating area. I am certainly having a hard time getting used to 16 miles per gallon. However, the mileage is pretty much on par with other trucks of its size. Edmunds "cost to own" feature shows it is the least expensive truck to own in its class (.40 cents per mile, compared to .47 and .48 cents per mile for the competitors). The ride is extremely smooth and quiet, and I do feel that the V6 provides adequate power for the light truck user. For folks like me who just fill the bed up with various items the V8 would provide excess power!

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  A little bus - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ebegoli - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased this car. It is really a little bus with lots of space and power and high mounted driver seat. It is very fast and handling is relatively nimble for such a big car. Fuel economy is OK at best (as a anti- SUV conservationist I feel really guilty about it, so I drive at 65 mph max where I get 26 mpg average). Interior design is beautiful with lots of space and in floor folding rear seats. Exterior is pretty good, but I could design a better nose. Finishing inside is OK. There are some misfiting plastic pieces and misaligned labels.

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  02 Cmary LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Justin H - February 24 - 1:53 am

  Before this I owned a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Unfortunately I was involved in an accident and had to sell it, I bought this car and I love it so far. I bought it with 99,000 miles on it. Its just about to turn over 104,000 and I love everything about it. It drives like its a brand new car. The only problem with it is there is an exhaust leak somewhere. Its fun to drive and reliable. I plan to drive it through my college career and possibly get a Tundra after that. Great car!!!

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  Trouble starting after 10k miles - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By patjk - February 23 - 6:12 pm

  After an exhaustive search of 3rd row SUVs we chose the LTD Platinum for its interior features and smooth ride. But, after 10k miles, there are issues. 1st: the roof drains (not sunroof) had defective hoses which leaked into the the 2nd row seatbelts & carpeting, instead of the ground. 2-3 weeks later it was fixed but, the car wreaks of chemicals. 2nd: similar to another review, it has a problem starting. Toyota towed it, tested the battery, & said its fine. Even with auto headlight feature, Toyota says its b/c headlights were left on. Meanwhile, now it sputters if/when it chooses to start. 3rd: the 2nd row cup holder gets stuck open & not great if you want kids in the 3rd row.