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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  Excellent truck with a few fatal flaws - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - July 21 - 9:47 pm

  So wanted to buy this truck. Like the looks, interior and hope of excellent reliability. Rented it for a day and took it on a long trip. Within an hour my backside was sore and after 2 hours I could feel my right foot going a little numb. Im in excellent health so its not that. My wifes CRV has hard seats too and Im fine in that car. The seats in the Tacoma are so hard and adjustability is minimal as many have noted. And after two hours I realized that the force needed to keep the accelerator down is significantly greater than my other truck or any of the many cars I drive at work. Long trips are very fatiguing. Ruined the truck for me. the Colorado is nice but every GM truck Ive owned has had so many issues that Im not sure I can go there.

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  Disappointing change - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Ellen - July 21 - 12:56 pm

  I have now owned several Toyota Corollas with this being my fifth. I purchased this 1995 model from my mother in law in 2001 when it only had about 10,000 km. Previously my Corollas were 5 speed so this is my first automatic. I was pleased with the car for the first couple of years but Ive just recently had a large transmission job completed due to leaking seals. My mechanic told me this has been common to this year and model and Im very disappointed that Toyota did not recall these vehicles and pay to have the transmissions fixed. I am also very annoyed at ongoing engine noise which occurs upon acceleration. The soft idle turns to a tank sound.

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  2012 Toyota Highlander (2.7L 4cyl) w/ Nav.7 17alloy wheels - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By bigdave5 - July 21 - 3:22 am

  After researching and driving Kia, Hyundai, and Toyota, I decided on the 2012 Toyota Highlander. The Kia and Hyundai models were decent vehicles and have greatly improved in recent years, but bottom line - they are NOT equal in build quality, long-term reliability and value of a Toyota! Yes, the Highlander is more expensive (and a bit larger) than the Kia/Hyundai counterparts, but in the end its worth the extra money. I chose the 2.7L VVT i-4 engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic tr. It has plenty of pep and decent gas milage. I am 6ft 4 and it is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. In the end, I am extremely happy with my decision. Toyota is the best value, hands down

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  I love it! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Leslie Solomon - July 21 - 3:06 am

  Fun to drive, fun to look at, good on gas, reliable and held up beautifully when I was rear ended.

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  Safety and Security - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Clyde - July 21 - 1:26 am

  Feel very safe and secure in this vehicle. A real pleasure to drive. MPG has increased now to 23-24 MPG in intercity driving. Have seen upper 28MPG on longer trips. Seats are comfortable and really show themselves on 8 and 10 hour trips. Rear seats have plenty of legroom for 6 footers too and are comfortable as well.

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  BRAKES A PROBLEM - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By TEVA - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Brake vibration has been a problem.Rotors replaced pads replaced(three times).Dealer was going to start charging me til I found a service memo about this problem from TOYOTA at this site.

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  My Toy - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By tuff truck - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my tundra for about two and a half years and absolutely love the way it performs and handles.the only problem that Iv had is when i put new tires on,i aquired a shake in the front end.I than put on another new set but a different brand and the shake was still there.My service debt. could not find any problems with in and within 2500 miles the shake was gone.Other than that it is a great truck and has served my well.

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  Space Pod - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Carolynne - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Great little car and the dogs love it. Cosmic blue is a fantastic colour. Turns alot of heads. Must have TINTED WINDOWS!

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  High Expectations Shot Down - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By krell - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I was completely surprised that after 10,000 miles there were noticeable problems. The service technician misdiagnosed the problem as a bad power steering pump only to find the true problem being a bad pulley that caused the power steering problem. On the 2nd attempt to fix the problem a new ticking noise in the engine started and I am currently waiting for yet another diagnosis. I drive approx. 30,000 mi per yr, have owned this vehicle for 6 mos, and I am disappointed in these problems so early in my ownership. Luckily it’s under warranty – it is just a pain to have to be w/o a vehicle while waiting for repairs.

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  Versatile family vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By 40ish mom of 2 - July 20 - 6:00 am

  Love my Highlander. Very versatile. You can carry 7 people if you need to. Can also haul just about anything else you want or need to. Love the reliability of Toyota.