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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  A New Redesign is Not Always Better - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Nesser - May 28 - 8:53 am

  I purchased a 2006 Rav 4 6 months ago. When looking around I thought that this since itÂ’s new redesign it was the best for the dollar. I was wrong. At first we loved it until a smell got really bad and we saw water in it. Due to the redesign I know that there is a design flaw in the air vent (Admitted to my husband and I by Toyota)It allows rain water to get in and collect in the floor of the front passenger side. We have had it in multiple times to a local dealership and each time they patch it which the patch never works. We are going to try again and fix it again this week. I am trying to tell of my experience so others will look out for mold, smell, and puddles on their carpet

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  2001 Highlander Limited - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By quon_b - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle in 2006 with about 75,000 miles on it, and added 69,000 miles of my own. Initially I was in love with it but that soon faded away very quickly, because in addition to my routine maintenance At least twice a year I had to make major repairs on it such as replacing the rotors, steering column, air conditioning panel, suspension etc...The mpg states that its 19/25 but thats far from the truth because I usually averaged 16 mpg regardless of street or highway mileage, and when exceeding about 50 mph there was an annoying whistling sound that leads you to believe your windows are open when theyre not. At my wits end and ready to purchasde another vehicle

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  Not expected Toyota quality - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By dragonsssix - May 23 - 9:27 am

  Its been close to 5 years (just hit 100K miles) and worked fine until now. Automatic sliding door is not working (wont close/open); I have to pull to make automatic door slides which is very inconvenient. I did not expect to have this kind of build quality from Toyota.

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  45000 miles in - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By E-roc - May 18 - 6:40 am

  Just hitting 3 years, still cant wait to get rid of it. My wife has been driving it mostly, I use it once in awhile and still hate the driver seat. About as soft and supportive as a bean bag chair. MPG still great for a V-6. Car has more than enough power but the suspension is worthless. Too much body roll and when I take a turn, I find I need to hold myself in seat by elbowing the pass. seat. Im in need of tires {Again}. I dont drive aggressive but needing a THIRD set of tires in 45K miles? Unacceptable. Acura TL here I come...

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  Wipers and power points - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By jtjtruth - May 16 - 9:53 am

  For the most part the Prius is a good vehicle. The most annoying thing is the Wiper control and placement. It is to easy to hit and start a real circus of front and rear wipers. Secondly with a vehicle that is one big battery, Why was it designed to kill the power to the power charge points when the vehicle is off. This is completely illogical and quite annoying in todays use of so many required electronics.

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  Cylinder Head Replaced at 13,500, Probable Factory Milling Issue - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By mycylinderhead - May 11 - 6:56 pm

  Bought 2014 LE Eco Plus in September of 2013. At 13,300 miles, Code registered for fuel/air imbalance. Service Bulletin said cylinder head and 4 valves to be replaced under warranty. Major repair for a young car. Very disappointed. Toyota will not at this point extend drive train warranty for free because they have "fixed" it. Other than that, car runs smoothly, nice and heavy for a little car. The gray seat fabric stains very easily, even a wet gym bag or wet work bag if left on the seat too long leave pronounced stain, even with the Stain Guard extra they sell you at time of purchase. This is a hassle, worrying about everything that touches the seats. Average 32MPG.

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  Dont buy one. - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Dave - May 10 - 1:23 pm

  I must have gotten a bad one, Ive have the AC worked on three times, the road noise inside the vehicle is terrible, it gets bad gas mileage (20 mpg) at best, it has a glunk in the steering that the dealer cant fix and the ride isnt that good.

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  Disappointed in Toyota - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Leon - April 30 - 6:36 am

  My first Toyota and I am quite disappointed. I bought a Toyota Tundra because of Toyotas past reputation of quality. Toyota quality is definitely a thing of the past. Be cautious of the 2010 Tundra. When manufacturing they put the wrong VVT spring in the motors of a bunch of Tundras. Unfortunately for consumers, Toyota continued to sell the trucks despite knowing there was a major problem. My truck has also been into the shop for a sinking dash and still doesnt run like it should. Gas mileage is horrible, lack of power. I will likely trade it in on an F150 since Toyota doesnt seem concerned that they are wasting the time of and aggravating many customers.

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  Expensive Regret - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Expensive Regret - April 26 - 1:46 pm

  I purchased this vehicle based on Toyotas reputation. Within 2 years of use I have spent around $3500 to fix repeat serpentine belts, 02 sensor, rotors, brakes (at 40,000 miles), 1 battery and whatever the other belts are for on this vehicle. This vehicle was purchased new and by an experienced, nonabusive driver. It now has 47000 miles mostly highway and I do not trust that I will not be stranded by this vehicle. I am waiting for the clutch / transmission to fail after reviewing other complaints filed by resentful consumers. I should have kept my jeep regardless of the high fuel cost.

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  Gas mileage rip off - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By NHNancy - April 25 - 12:10 am

  This is my first Toyota. Its been a little over one month. The first week I couldnt believe my eyes. I got 400 miles on the first tanks. WOW! 25 mpg for bumper to bumper traffic. And then it went downhill from there. I am now lucky to get 300 per tank or 19 mpg. Cold weather this week, the back brakes are making a high pitched noise when stopping.