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 Car!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By HollyK. - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Corolla in March...Absolutely great car!! I love the sportiness and feel of the car. It has get up and go for a 4cy and has a comfortable ride. I feel like a got a great value for the money spent. Corolla definetly does "want to have fun"

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  Never Again! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Ed M. - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 99 Accord V6 to the Camry SE 4cyl. The SE V6 with all the option packages that whomever adds (dealer or manuf.), was out of my price range. Although not lacking in power, the quality of the vehicle in general stinks!,Squeaks, rattles, groans,fit and finish issues, etc. Beware of the "performance tires". They don’t like cold and snow.I ended up spending $600 for new tires. The dealer told me to call Toyota in CA. who basically told me that no, the tires werent designed for snow and ice conditions and told me that I didnt research the technical data on the car and refused me reimbursement! Toyotas customer service motto should read, "Buyer Beware"!

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  Great Car! A few problems though ... - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Edouble - May 29 - 10:56 pm

  This is without a doubt a great car! The ride is smooth and quiet, and I am averaging about 31 mpg on mostly highway miles. The transmission shifts great, and the JBL/XM radio/stereo is a blast. Oddly enough though, it ejects a CD and then shuts off once in a while for no reason. The dealer said that this could be caused by using colored or labeled CDs (makes sense), but this happens even when using the FM or XM radio too - weird. Also, the roof is leaking and during rain water is coming though the inside of the A pillars into the interior. But overall this is the best car I have ever owned and assuming they can fix the roof leak I will definitely buy a Toyota again.

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  A real life saver! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Flint - May 29 - 10:10 pm

  We bought this Corolla used, about 6 months ago. It was great on millage, and fun to drive. This was our second Corolla (were true believers in how Toyota builds cars). My wife was driving the car about 3 months after we bought it, and someone pulled out right in front of her - while she was going 60 mph. The Corolla was totaled. The whole front of the car was compressed into about 2 feet, and the engine rolled under the firewall. My wife walked away without a scratch. Ive never really paid attention to crash test ratings, but when they say 5 star, they mean it.

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  Ive become the house errand boy - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dan - May 29 - 6:26 pm

  The Pruis has turned fuel economy into a sport for me. Performance is more than satisfactory. And the display of current fuel efficiency sensitizes one to the effects of subtle changes in driving habits (e.g., easing off the accelerator well before coming to a stop sign). Over the course of three tanks of gas, Ive gotten about 46 mpg. With practice, I hope to reach the 50 mpg mark. This thing is so much fun to drive that Ive become the errand boy at our house.

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  Used to be a great car - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Jennifer Harris - May 29 - 5:36 pm

  I bought this car to replace my 98 Camry, and I must say that compared to that one, this car is disappointing. Although I like the looks of this one better, the quality of the interior is poor. Too many rattles and squeaks coming from the doors, the dash and the moonroof. I have not had any transmission problems like some of the other complaints.

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  2006 Matrix XR Manual-Front Wheel Drive - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By acf - May 29 - 2:30 pm

  Bought new to replace a 1992 Tercel and accommodating a rear facing car seat. Bought the 5-speed because the automatic seemed sluggish. Back area is great for a dog. The performance of the front wheel drive (even with snow tires) is not stellar. I now live at the top of a hill in upstate NY and wish I bought the AWD. Great commuter car which gets > 30mpg on the highway. Comfortable enough for long trips. I would buy another (albeit in AWD).

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  It is what it is - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By jsandy1 - May 29 - 6:50 am

  Pros: lots of power; fun to drive; shiftronic transmission; roomy interior; excellent AC; great JBL stereo-the bluetooth feature is excellent; very good gas mileage so far; good quality leather interior. Rear reclining seats on an adjustable track. Moonroof is a nice feature. Cons: center console needs to he higher for use as an armrest; no AC blower control on steering wheel; clock hard to see; trip computer is very mediocre-need to improve; Home Link should be offered at least as an option. Cargo net in rear is cumbersome.

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  Awesome - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By John - May 29 - 3:46 am

  1996 Toyota Tacoma bought with 30,000 miles and it runs like a top! I have put 140,000 on it since i have owned it, keep the oil changed regularly and the truck gives me no problems. It does great for climbing in 4 wheel drive and does great to and from work for gas mileage. GET A TOYOTA TACOMA!

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  Logical choice - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By JCM - May 29 - 2:50 am

  My 2005 Limited V8 is the first SUV Ive owned and the X-REAS suspension and V8 have eased the transition. X- REAS (option for Ltd) "flattens" the vehicle on turns with any kind of speed and reduces lean/roll. My 4Runner is more nimble than I imagined it would be and the turning radius is quite manageable. The V8 has a snarl when the gearing allows it to stay above 2,000 RPM... passing is a joy. You will get pushed into the seat if you floor it (after 1,000 mi break-in!). The interior is firm, but not plush and the dash, etc. is top notch. However, be careful cleaning the clear plastic--it will scratch easily. If you leave the gate window open, you will smell exhaust. MPG? Feh.