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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  One of Best Cars I Have Owned - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By A Thomas - January 15 - 10:36 pm

  Wonderful automobile. Had 2004 Toyota Matrix XR and liked it so much that we bought another Toyota Matrix when 04 Toyota was wrecked. Most people I have talked to who saw car after wreck did not understand how I came away without so much as a scratch esp. since car was totalled. Very, very safe vehicle. Well-built and handles very well. Strongly recommend this car for anyone needing economical vehicle, but also needing room for lot of people. I can put 5 in including myself. 04 Matrix had good value and depreciated very little (much less than many other cars over the course of 1 yr).

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  Bad design on wipers - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Fix - January 15 - 10:53 am

  I have an 07 Tundra , and an 06 corolla, and just purchased the 10 corolla. I have 500km and I cannot drive it in the rain. The wiper design stinks. The little wiper blade puts the rain water back in front of your face on the driver side. You lose vision in the rain and the snow.

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  91K now - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By fred - January 15 - 10:40 am

  Bought new. Smooth, powerful both around town and on highway. Handles crisply with lots of get up and go. Plenty of room front/back and cargo. No mechanical problems at all except the VSC light sometimes comes on for a while and then just as mysteriously goes off. Had it in snow twice, and it zipped along while everyone else was in the ditch. I change oil/fluids myself, but get the "big services" (30/60/90k) done at dealer. Replaced tires at 45K, front brakes at 55K, and battery at 90K (at 5 years). I would definitely buy one again - maybe the hybrid.

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  Just okay - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Just Okay - January 15 - 7:00 am

  This car is great to look at, but the ride is very truck-ish. I used to drive a 1999 Sienna mini-van, which I loved. I thought this would be just as good. This car has more road noise and the seats are way to firm. The backseats are right next to the rear wheelwell and quite noisy on a rainy day. This vehicle could use some "plushness". I have had this car for 6 months and am trading it in for a 2007 Sienna (not financially prudent). The interior of my moms 2004 Highlander is much nicer.

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  Taco Pancake - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Debbie Dooner - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I had a 98 Tacoma 4wd xtra cab. I skid on ice at about 45 mph, went off road, took down two 8" diam trees, bounced, rolled 1.25x into a ditch, not very steep incline, about 5-6ditch. Totaled. I had a slight brush burn on my left ear and sore muscles on the sides of my neck. I am, remarkably, okay. The seatbelt held me in like a carnaval ride. Although, I cant help but wish that I hadnt Bounced and rolled in the first place. If you look at the accident scene, it seems odd that I rolled. I bought an 89 in 00. Had an electrical sensor problem, window came off track, and was replaced. Has 100,000 miles on it.

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  Fast but Noisy - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By B dubs - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This truck is fun to drive and looks good too. My only major complaint is the wind noise and rattles that have developed since I bought the truck. Something is always rattling and every day it is in a new place! When I drive at 45 miles/hour, a constant whirring sound (wind noise) can be heard that is very annoying [unless you turn up the radio :) ]. Other than that, a fine all around truck. 4000 miles and no mechanical problems yet.

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  After 1 year - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By chuck - January 13 - 6:06 pm

  Have not had any problems. great mpg 52-44. plenty of cargo space. very firm ride. transmission and no drive belts are my favorites. read and reread owners manual.

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  Good value for the money - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Biff - January 13 - 8:43 am

  Positives: Classic and classy exterior. Quiet and comfortable interior. This car is peppy on the start, smooth on the braking. Excellent fit and finish. Turns corners very easily and quickly. Excellent gas mileage. Short enough to parallel park in city. Negatives: cheap plastic storage slots under radio waste space; drink holders awkward to use, spill onto seats, should be under radio; radio control too complex, too many FM buttons; rear headrests block drivers view; antenna easy to steal, should power retract; needs flat surface for food/small objects in lieu of bulky container under armrest; driver-side piller creates blind spot. For $15,363 a very good value.

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  Great SUV - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By monica garcia - January 12 - 5:46 pm

  I purchased this with 111000 miles. It is now at 196,000 miles. Ive only replaced timing belt, $900 brakes often (due to oversize tires and going up and down the mountain) otherwise just oil changes. One small problem lately is check engine light comes on when gas gauge shows around a quarter of a tank. Mechanic said it could be just the gas cap. Ive been told the ride in the back seat is rough but I havent replaced the shocks nor do I know if they had been done before I bought it. For the last year I have had the roof and hood area start to peel but I have never had it waxed either. I will probably end up painting these areas when they get worse.

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  Was great until 60K - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By NYCHr - January 12 - 10:50 am

  I bought the car new in 2003 as a 2004 model. It ran great and had a great MPG in mid 30s w/ low maintenance until 60K, then everything - one by one broke down. The serpentine belt, left rear wheel, radiator and rear wheel bearing that required entire hub assembly to be replaced. The ran mostly highway in the NE. I wont be buying another Toyota for a while. It feels as it is only built to last 60K, then things break down one by one. With the Toyota recall all over the news, I am starting to wonder about the build quality. Oh, the paint chips at 30-40K miles. The noise is unacceptably high as compared to my new elantra.