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:

• 

  Yes! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jewls - May 16 - 7:06 pm

  I have just gotten my Yaris and I love it. It looks so stylish and is so comfortable, with all the great handling that all my Toyotas have had. My first car was a Tercel and I recently had a Tacoma. But this is way better than the Tercel. I have quickly adapted to the center console. It just makes sense.

• 

  Beware of short-comings - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Drivers Ed - May 16 - 12:23 pm

  After having the Highlander for a few months it is fun to drive and I do like the car. But the biggest trouble is that the Sport and Limited levels (including hybrids) have 19 inch wheels with odd size tires. There is basically 2 tires to choose from, plus a few snow tires. Thats the only choice you have, and these tires are scary on snow. I have my tires rotated at the dealer, and from their write up, itll probably last 20,000 miles in which case will cost almost $1,000 to replace (not easy to find either). Wish the space behind third row was longer as well as split third row to make it more usable. I think the Honda Pilot would be a better choice.

• 

  Storage space, dashboard lighting logic - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - May 16 - 10:50 am

  In the 1794 model, there is absolutely no storage space other than the console. The jack and tire tools are behind the back seat almost impossible to remove or replace. No place to put trailer hitch equipment or anything else. Tools etc,? The dashboard lighting logic is completely bassackwards. Plenty light at night. Easy to read gauges, speedometer etc. Daylight, the video display, "mpg, miles to empty, outside temp, odometer and even the guages are not lit up. They should be lit up brightly during the day and low light at night. If you need to wear sun glasses, You might not be able to read the speedometer. The dashboard lighting logic needs to be upgraded. Dashboard lighting was my fault. Its o.k. I enlarged the front mud flaps because with the existing ones, the tires pile mud up on the running board. Sometimes over an inch thick. Storage room is still a problem. I get better than 16 mpg.

• 

  Nice little versatile car - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By mtmatrix - May 16 - 8:40 am

  Ive had my Matrix for just over a year now. Its a great little drive. Combined mileage is 28 mpg for my automatic. I get plenty of power for highway acceleration. I coach soccer and the hatchback lets me haul all my gear, including 5 foot corner flags. The fact that you can fold down just part of the back seat is very convenient. My only issue is the drivers seat back support. Im used to a minivan with big soft comfortable seats.

• 

  Impressed but not Overwhelmed - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By dfarley - May 16 - 8:06 am

  After having the vehicle for almost a year I am impressed but not overwhelmed. It has a ton of space inside yet handles like a much smaller vehicle. The interior design is uninspired but practical. Lots of space to store things and tons of cupholders. Due to its size it is difficult to park in crowded lots or garages. It also only gets 15.7 miles to the gallon - not bad for a vehicle of this size but still expensive to operate. Also, for a vehicle in this price range there are several common amenities that Toyota doesnt even provide. Memory Seats? Not available. Navigation? Nope. Satellite Radio? Check elsewhere. 4yr/50K mile warranty? You have to settle for 3yr/36K.

• 

  What a Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Just Me - May 16 - 7:43 am

  With 10,000 miles behind me, Im still in awe driving what I consider to be the best car I have ever owned. Even though its heavier then the 04 it gets better gas mileage. I havent had one problem with this car. When I get into some of my friends cars, a Mercedes or Acura RL (no room in back seat) I cant understand why they cost more. This is the best bargain out there, and trust me, its a luxury car minus the name plate. Maybe we should keep this to ourselves so Toyota doesnt jack the price up. What a smooth riding car.

• 

  My kids first car... - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Craig - May 16 - 5:30 am

  I was out to get my little girl a car. I had looked at most everything thats is available in a cheaper new car. I was talking with the salesman about a Scion Xa, then he said, hey we are having a sale today on the Corolla CE. We test drove an automatic and werent impressed, the tranny at freeway speeds seems to rev high and always searching for a gear. Then we drove the 5 spd manual, what a difference. At highway speeds this car is great. Plus with a hwy rating of 41 mph. With about a 50 mile drive home, it was just enough time to fall in love with this car. It handles great, plenty of power, looks great in black. After the first 100 miles, still big smiles!

• 

  RAV4 V6 Review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Victor Baird - May 16 - 5:12 am

  The V6 engine is very fast. Watch out for the touchy gas pedal.

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By jkelly - May 16 - 4:13 am

  Rides very well.. handles like a car. Have no problem carrying very large stuff in the back without having to put it up on the roof. No complaints.

• 

  Buy One!! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By sbj - May 16 - 1:16 am

  Bought this corolla 1 yr. ago for a daily commuter. It has been an awesome car. I put 25,000 miles on it with no problems. It is comfortable and fun to drive. The car has 100k, and it drives like new, still very tight. I expect to be able to drive this to 300k.