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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  Its okay. - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By luvtoyota10 - November 13 - 12:17 pm

  So, a year and seven days ago I traded my 2010 Toyota Venza in for a 2013 Toyota Highlander. I got the highlander for easier access for my family. Its a good car and thats it. It handles pleasantly, but its no where near fun to drive. Handles great in snow. Ive had no technical or mechanical Issues only build quality issues. Today I tried moving the second row captain chair on the drivers side foward to put something in the third row and the lever on the top of the seat back completely came of. I was not pulling hard at all. I am extremely disappointed and my Toyota dealership WILL fix this, I would expect better from a Toyota. The interior is already lower quality than my past Toyotas.

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  Very uncomfortable seats! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Mukwonago Wis - November 13 - 10:30 am

  The RAV4 Limited V6 rides well, has good power, and in most ways is a great SUV. But the front seats are AWFUL. Very, very uncomfortable for both my wife and me (53" and 6). Very disappointing. Previously has a CRV and the seats were comfortable for short and long trips. Great SUV but I dont know how long we can keep it since we drive 20k+ miles per year.

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  Reliable suv - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By cv - November 12 - 4:26 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for over 5 years now with no major problems. 122,000 miles. Regular oil changes and maintenence. Replaced clutch mechanics on interior, thats it. Very reliable. Fun off road in Desert sand or mountain snow. Tows, and handles well. Gas mileage could be better, my Tahoe friends get similar mileage with their bigger vehicles. Definitely could use more horsepower. Overall a great suv

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  Most boring & best vehicle I have owned - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Andy S. - November 12 - 1:06 pm

  Our Highlander has been nothing but flawless. Not a single warranty issue and it does an excellent job as our family vehicle. The only thing I would have done different was not get the 3rd row seat. It was never used once in the almost 4 years I have owned it. Also, if you want to buy a first generation Highlander, I highly recommend getting a 2005-2007 model. This was after the Minor Model change and the interior is much better than the 2004 and earlier models.

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  Good Old Lady - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Sunday Driver - November 12 - 2:00 am

  It has been a reliable vehicle. Ive been good about maintaining it according to the owners manual. Had to replace the radiator a couple of years ago; has almost 110,000 miles on her. I was thinking about selling her cause little cosmetic things are breaking like the bezel on the drivers side cracked (had to open the door from the outside)and the center console lid hinge is cracked all the way down. Clear coat on hood is starting to peel. Thinking about buying an American made hybrid vehicle this time around. This good old lady has been a good ride.

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  Oh what a feeling - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By fourxfour - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. I love the ride, the room and the looks and the performance. I checked out the comp. and the Yukon Denali costs more and its interior is too cheap and plastic looking. The Fords ride was very unappealing. I have found the wind noise from the front window molding to be irritating, Im told they are working on a fix. The thermometer is not accurate when it gets colder than -22. The dealer doesnt tell you that they have a governor that kicks in at 100mph. We have had ours for about a year now and these are my gripes for now. This may sound negative but its not we love the truck just some bugs need to be addressed.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tico - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Just passed one year and 10K miles and more disappointed than I expected (this is my 4th Toyota, but first Tacoma). Lots of little probs: Buzzing sound from center console that dealer said was fixed (it wasnt). needed windshield replaced due to glue streak marks that impaired visibility, acceleration from stop poor (dealer says this is "normal" -- yeah, right!)...poor mpg 15-16 in city, 18 on highway. Hindsight being 20/20, Id go with a Frontier or Ridgeline.

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  2009 Matrix S not great in winter - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Springleaf - November 10 - 4:30 pm

  I used to own a Chevy Blazer that was lucky to make 11 miles to the gallon at sale. Now I have a highly responsive 2.4L 2009 Toyota Matrix S Auto. Im liking the option of shifting manual, especially when shifting down. Its a smooth ride on smooth pavement, but hit a bump and the whole car jumps (ka-wump). Hit some ice recently and the car kept going, ABS worked, tires didnt. At least I didnt spin around like the guy in front of me. Like a controlled slip. I recommend practicing driving on ice away from traffic first. Bottom line, not thrilled, would trade it in if I could find something better without paying more after trade-in. Would probably keep it if it never snowed.

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  Not like the old Camrys - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - November 10 - 11:33 am

  Rattles, creaks, wind noise, drivers door alignment have been issues former Toyotas Ive owned have never had. Im happy Im not having the trans issues the V6s have had. All in all Toyota has dropped the ball. Seems the companys quest to be #1 has caused quality issues. Ill think twice before buying another Toyota.

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  Best truck for the money - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By tommy - November 9 - 4:23 am

  My truck has been a great ride for almost four years now. Everything continues to offer a smooth experience - except for the disfunctional cupholder. Low noise, decent on gas, no mechanical problems to speak of.