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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  My Matrix Design Saved My Life - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By staylor80 - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Martix for its carrying capacity & for my dog. BUT, it was destroyed two days ago in a 5 car collision. I was rear ended 3 times at 55 mph, & struck pick up in front of me. I walked away with minor injuries. EMS & police all commented on the quality of how the vehicle stood up under that assault and the EC nurses were amazed. So, I will be replacing it with a new 2010 model later this week with NO hesitation. The only thing is, Im looking for way to keep cargo contents from flying around in a crash (things too big for the net that came with the car).

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  its okay but ... - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By sparkyshan - July 18 - 10:00 am

  We originally purchased this for my wife. We have since bought her a new car and I inherited it. I am 62" and I have found that the seat does not go back far enough for me. I am too close to the steering wheel for comfort. For short rides, its okay, but anything over an hour and I am uncomfortable. Does get good mileage, which helps. To be honest, if I werent upside down on the amount owed vs value, I would sell it and get a Subaru Outback.

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  Great AWD for winter, bad run-flats - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Peshimo - July 18 - 10:00 am

  Driving this van has been a joy because I understand its not supposed to be agile; its AWD for heavens sake, its safe, big, roomy and luxurious. But watch out for run flats that rip apart and malfunction with strange bumps. The first one had a bump that couldnt be repaired, $300 to replace by dealer. The 2nd, became flat, then I drove 10 miles and it ripped apart...I had to stop driving immediately and have it towed. Thank god for AAA. 3rd time, driving to NC and tire started sound bad, it was flat/dead/whatever, thats was it, I had it towed to nearest Firestone and told them to dump the run-flats and replace with regular good quality tires. Drove from PA to FL and back, with np.

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  MPG heavily dependent on velocity - 2014 Toyota Prius c
  By skh3 - July 18 - 6:21 am

  I bought my Prius C a couple years ago. It is a generally well-built car, but it is pretty slow to accelerate and is rather loud when the accelerator is pressed. Perhaps most importantly, it MPG is heavily dependent on the speed at which you travel. I mainly drive on the highway and if I drive 75-80 mph, I noticed that I only averaged about 40 mpg whereas if I drove 55-60 mph, I seem to have gotten over 50 mph. I dont know how the reviewer on this site stated that he is getting 64 mpg. He must be driving REALLY conservatively on the hwy.

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  Reliable car for work - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By quin - July 18 - 5:26 am

  I bought this car in 2000 and has use for 154,000 miles till today. Had it maintenance with oil service ( 4 quarts of SAE 5W30 oil preferred for Toyota 1MZ-FE engine good for fuel economy and good starting in cold weather) with oil filter changed @ 4,ooo miles as recommended by the manufacture or penzoil synthetic oil $20(Kmart) @6,000 miles. Had my coolant flush at about @50,000 miles with 1 gallon of antifreeze coolant $18 at toyota dealer. Had my 1 gallon DextronII transmission fluid $10 done @50,000 miles. Front Brake pad ($40pad+ $40labor)change @40,000miles and Back brake pad change@ 70,000miles. Battery change @6years. Windshield wiper change @5years. Tires change@40,000miles.

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  Timeless Gem - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Adam - July 18 - 3:41 am

  Purchased my 2004 Sequoia in 2006 with 25k miles. Maintained over the years inside and out per dealer specs. 265k miles currently and still runs and looks like new! No major repairs or replacements. Consistently complimented by friends, strangers and dealer service techs on its current overall condition. Best and most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Super dissatisfied with my prior vehicles which included Volvo, Jaguar, and Lincoln. Toyota/Lexus family (my wife drives a Lexus GX) for life!

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  One heck of a SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By PRL - July 17 - 11:53 pm

  Ive had mine 3 months and love it. Very comfortable, good 4 wheel drive, great AC, good gas milage (17 1/2 and 22 actual).

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  Excellent Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By TD200669 - July 17 - 9:16 pm

  This is our fourth Tacoma since introducing Toyota to our "Ford" fleet some years ago. The Toyotas are making the Fords look really bad. I replaced a 2005 SR5 Longbed Doublecab with a new 2007 of the same. The 2005 went 60k with no dealership visits, just normal maintenance. This is a great all around truck. Mileage is good for a 4x4, comfort is very good, power is good, and has plenty of pulling power for most drivers.

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  What more could I ask for? - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By ebeaudoin - July 17 - 8:43 pm

  My mother-in-law bought this car as a dealer demonstrator back in 2001. My wife bought it from her in 2009 and Ive been driving it since 2010. This car is my daily commuter now with just over 120,000 miles on it. Its quiet, smooth ride, comfortable interior and spartan yet efficient control layout is just lovely. Sure, its no sports car, but theres something to be said about a car like this. The gas mileage is decent- Im averaging 24.4 MPG, with 31.9 MPG being my best tank of all-highway miles.

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  Poor Towing Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Keith - July 17 - 6:50 pm

  This truck has too much plastic for the money. It does look good. The TRD Package truck has towing issues. My truck cant seems to find the right gear to tow my 5500 trailer. It wont go it 5th gear in auto mode but can be shifted to 5th gear manually and stays there. The dealership doesnt have a clue and says no problem with truck. The field rep says I see the issue but theres nothing that can be changed out to fix it. The company headquarters says no problem exists and file for a 3rd party ruling to determine if they have to buy it back. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA TRUCK. P.S. I have talked to other TRD package owners and some have the same issue.