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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  Blown Head - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Blown Head - December 6 - 3:13 am

  It drove awesome for the first couple years and then my head gasket started going out and then finally did. Its sat in the same spot for two years now because just to replace a head gasket was at least $1500.00 I bought another vehicle for that price.

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  2006 Toyota Solara convertible SLE - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Stephen A. Zinone - December 6 - 2:56 am

  Looks like my two years of research paid off -- my first convertible is a winner!

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  Best car in the World! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Momcat - December 6 - 1:40 am

  I have owned Toyota Corollas since 1972 & dont plan to ever own any other brand. The previous autos I owned (all purchased new, by the way) were a nightmare - frequent repairs, breaking down in the middle of the road, etc. YUCK! My Corollas have been completely dependable and trouble free for about 200,000 miles. The body construction seems to be strong: I have been hit HARD by other drivers and walked away unhurt.

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  Best Purchase Ive ever made - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By RicenBeans - December 6 - 1:13 am

  This car is not just economical and reliable, but its also beautiful and fun to drive! Im 20 years old and just got my 2nd corolla 2 days ago. My first one was a 2005. What a huge upgrade in features Toyota made. Absolutely wonderful vehicle for the price.

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  Sequoia Platinum First Impression: WOW! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By J. Goldsmith - December 6 - 12:36 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for less than 24 hours and I have only driven it home from the dealership but thats 50+ miles of everything from Interstate to rough dirt roads, and winding, washboard mountain byways in between. On and off pavement, dirt, snow and ice, I have never become so comfortable, so "at home", felt so secure and in command so quickly in my almost 50 years behind one wheel or another. Also, I have never been in a car/truck that was so thoughtfully designed with the American motorist/family in mind. "Fuel Economy" and reliability just guesses at this stage, With apologies to "Field of Dreams and Iowa: "Is this heaven? No. This is a 4WD Platinum Sequoia."

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  Ambient Noise in the Interior - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By gardenlady - December 5 - 11:43 pm

  I gave up a 1992 Camry LE which was as quiet as a coffin and purchased a 2007 XLE Camry which has "whooshing air noise" in the cabin depending upon how windy it is outside and which way the car is going. Of course, I worked with the service manager of the Toyota dealership who was very nice to me but probably labeled me a nut. I really am very disappointed in this Camry and will trade it in shortly. Doesnt anyone build a quiet car out there for around 30K that used regular gas and gets good gas mileage? I hope someone from Toyota reads my comments. The Camry has become the second car since the Subaru is much quieter.

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  Dont want to let go! - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Ronnie - December 5 - 11:13 pm

  I have had a few expensive repairs beyond maintenance, maybe around $1500, but after 7 years and over 100,000 miles, to be expected. I love this van. Went from transporting youngsters and friends to loading in big Christmas trees, picking up loads of IKEA materials, loading screen doors, dry wall, moving kids to college and first apts., etc. Drives like a wonderful car. Very comfortable. Great stereo system. Good AC/defrost/heater, etc. If only it got a little better gas mileage. But it is a van, after all.

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  2nd Sienna - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By mark - December 5 - 6:00 pm

  This is my second XLE and it just keeps getting better! The larger engine and higher HP does make a difference. Even the fuel consumption is better. Rides like a high end large full size car. Handling is very much unlike a mini van. The leather seats in the Honda were plusher looking, but in general the Sienna is a great family car. My daughter has an 06 that she totally loves. Toyota, you did it again. 4 stars.

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  Matrix XRS - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Ron Hill - December 5 - 4:50 pm

  The Matrix XRS is a thrill to drive. It red lines as 8200 rpm with a six speed manual trans. It will not fit into one category well, but does well in many; wagon, sport-wagon, mini SUV, pocket rocket sport car, midget mini van, or many other. With the more powerful engine with Yamaha heads, I still get 30 mpg no matter how hard I run it. The VVTI kicks in at about 6500 rpm and feels like a dirt bikes power band, really puts you back in the seat. A definate 10 on the fun to drive scale. A sport car with unlimited trunk space.

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  My first hybrid - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By IndyPrius - December 5 - 12:40 pm

  I previously owned a 2007 Honda Fit and traded it in for a 2010 Prius III. The fuel economy is amazing. I have driven it for a week and put 300 miles on it so far; I have 1/2 a tank left! I have been averaging 49 mpg, and I am learning to change my old gas guzzling driving habits. The hybrid handling was strange/different from what I am used to, but I am slowly adjusting. The interior is roomy. This car feels more solid on the road than my previous Fit. I feel very safe in the Prius. As I learn more about hypermiling, I hope to be in the 60 mpg range in a few months. I have no regrets trading in my Fit for the Prius. I dont dread driving anymore b/c its so fun to drive this car!