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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  Thank God its on a lease! - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By ckshubin - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Have nothing but brake problems. Rear brakes hum when stopping - told this was "normal noise" for a Sienna. Very irritating. Had rotors sanded down after only 15,000 miles. 1 week later had metal crunching sound when stopping. Was told "nothing looks wrong". Was also told by dealer not to come back with rear brake noise that theres nothing they can do. Drivers side slider door rattles. Rattle in rear seats about drives me nuts Yes, its been in to be fixed under warranty. Still rattles. Was planning to buy it at end of lease. Im just glad im not stuck with it and can turn it in and be finished with this lemon when the lease is up.

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  Absolutely love it! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Allie - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This car replaced my Volvo wagon. The matrix has tons of room, great fuel economy and is a breeze to park in the city. The seats fold completely flat. My two boxer love the fact they have more room than they did in the back of the volvo. The seats are are contoured and very comfortable. They adjust updown, back front, tilt. It is our vehicle of choice for road trips and our other car is luxury cadillac STS. At the home depot last weekend I bought an 8 ft ladder and it fit no problem in my Matrix. So far no problems with reliablity. The only time its been to the garage is for an oil change and tire rotation.

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  Toy Truck For Kids and Women - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By capitolone - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a 7/8 scale of a full sized truck, it is about like a Dodge Dakota. The back seat is something to look at not sit in. Texaco loves the 14-15 mpg its gets, I dont. The brakes are weird. It doesnt haul a full load, like the Chevy C/K 1500 or Fords 1500. The interior is well designed and it is nice driving. This is a poor imitation of a full size truck. Sorry I got this looser.

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  Toyota is a joke - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By TomandCarole - March 2 - 10:00 am

  bought new in 12/03, took on trip over 1000 miles to ky and back to va. I was never more happy to get out of the worst seats, I have ever been in, in a car/suv. I always thought Toyota was a great car but now know better, seats are too small and hard as a rock, no support to the side and the lumbar is worthless. The metal in this car is very thin and sounds like a tin can when you hit a bump in the road. I will be happy when we can unload this car on someone that is in love with so called Toyota quality and resale value.

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  I so love this SUV! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By akinca - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had this SUV for two weeks and I love it!! It handles well. Its quiet. It has all the options that I wanted. Its not too big or too small. Its just right in size. It was less expensive than the Pilot (and it came with all the "bells and whistles".) Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  A Fun Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Tim R. Y. - March 2 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 Corolla S Looks Good & drives Good.. Fuel ecomomy exceeding 35 is amazing.. My Indigo Blue color shines during the day & is really cool during the Hot Vegas Nights..

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  Major Driveline Problems, wont buy another, Toyota offering arbitration - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By 12tacoowner - March 2 - 12:31 am

  I have a 2012 double cab v6 TRD Off-Road, 100% stock. Lemon?? My first Toyota. Bought new from dealer out of state, arrived by transporter and immediately had major drive line vibration. Been to local dealer 3x; in contact with Toyota USA because the dealers cant fix. Read up on this at TacomaWorld, there are many 2012s with this prob, sad. If you must buy, test drive from a dead stop through 30mph, up hill if possible. Putting a load on it makes the prob especially noticeable if its there at all. Toyota modern day quality is sub-par, unfortunately theyre the only mid-size truck with a v6, 4x4, double cab w/ manual trans option. btw, manual trans is made by Aisin = not goo

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  Its not all perfect - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Canada - March 1 - 10:53 pm

  Gas mileage for my 4Runner was equal to my previous Suburban. Passenger seat broke 3 months after purchase, rarely used. Drivers seat broke 2 yrs, & I had to pay half of $600.00 to fix it! Replaced brakes at approx 88,000 km, normal. Drives excellent, no major maintenance costs unlike the Suburban. But the side mirrors are in my face, and major blind spots. Friends who have driven my vehicle find the same problem. For this reason, I wouldnt buy another 4Runner. I have had too many near accidents due to this problem, and prior to this vehicle, Ive never had so many potentials! Stereo could be better. 1 to 2 minutes for 4WD to engage & disengage! Thats too long.

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  Two years now 20000 miles - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By dadinfo - March 1 - 6:58 pm

  It performs great for most of our driving. Mom drives it mostly and is in love, head over heels. OVER 40 MPG ! ! !

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  BEST SUV EVER PURCHASED! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By dplandry - March 1 - 3:13 pm

  Weve had our new Sequoia less than a week and my wife and I already love it! It is by far the best riding vehicle we have ever owned. Im very impressed at how powerful it is for being such a large vehicle and how unusually quiet it is inside. We have plenty of room for our 3 kids and their friends.