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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  toyota 4runner for ever. - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By georgefelix - April 24 - 11:38 am

  I do own my 2007 4runner for more than two years , and never get me wrong , I am 100% happy whit the toyota quality and safety , thes is my 4th SUV and none deserves the 5 star qualification .

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  I hate what you do for me Toyota. - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By mcgovern1981 - April 24 - 10:27 am

  Sort and sweet. 3 recalls unsure if my car was ever safe to drive. An interior that constantly squeaks. Finally the last straw at 68k Im told I need a new transmission because Im getting a clicking noise whenever I take my foot of the gas they say its a broken tooth on the pinion drive gear..... Theres your legendary reliability. I wonder how much pro reviewers get paid to praise these cars.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Happy Driver! - April 24 - 7:40 am

  Got this car used with 70,000 miles and it gave me no problems whatsoever. I drove this car from November 2008 until March 2010 and the only thing I had a problem with was the locks. This car is reliable, handles well and can last an eternity if taken care of it well. The only reason I dont have it is because it got stolen! =( but my next purchase will be a Corolla S Type once again. The Corolla S types built from 2003 to 2008 are gold!

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  Great SUV! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By agonzo - April 24 - 4:54 am

  This is a great SUV with great handling, peppy engine, solid ride and economical. Driven it for over 8,000 miles now including a 1,600 mile trip up north. The Rav4 rides like a dream, but the best thing is how it does it. The 6 speed automatic transmission is silky smooth and always at the right gear. The engine purrs, its quiet, peppy and dependable. When you crank it up in the mornings, there are no weird noises, no piston or valves noises, it just starts quietly and efficiently. Im getting about 23 mpg in the city, about 31 on the highway. By all means this vehicle is way much better than my previous Subaru Forester.A Update: At 13,500 miles the Rav4 has been handling very well. Still rides great and shifts like new. This is one great vehicle!

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  Fun and sporty - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By bhattara - April 23 - 9:40 pm

  I really like this car. I did a good bit of research. I was told to get a more expensive car but there was something about a matrix. First of all it looks great very stylish. Wonderful turning radius. I really like the fact that you are higher than those sedans. It has a great radio even the basic model. I like the chrome. The fact is this is really a mini SUV. For people who want a little more space but are environmentally conscious this is for them. Some people call this a student car. I call it a car with a lot of value.

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  Tacoma has lost it in 2016!! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By ADR - April 23 - 12:56 pm

  What can I say, I have been a huge Toyota fan for a very long time, until the new 2016 Tacoma came out, I was waiting forever for this truck to happen. Been super excited for this until I drove one, in fact I drove them all. The new 6 and the new 4 cylinder. Both are the worst running motors yet. Super under powered and very loud for what they are. Not to mention the quality of all the materials used in the cab, every button and knob is cheap! The cab noise is something else as well, I am sure it due to the quality of materials. As for looks, they nailed it, great looking truck hands down. Other than that, save your money! Or keep your old Tacoma like me. When I was at multiple dealers testing these, there were buyers over paying left and right for these trucks based on all the hype, mind blowing to me, I was thinking have you driven this??? What a reality check this would be in a week or so after taking it home. Any way, I hope Toyota realizes what they built here and makes a huge change in the future with this brand. I also never wright reviews, but this one was worth my time.

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  I expected more from Toyota - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By TNC - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded in an 03 Pilot w 100K on it which was bulletproof. Bought Top of the line Platinum and three weeks later wife backed into a pile of rocks in a parking lot island--turns out the sonar is off until you turn it on. Our fault but major design flaw. Now with 4K miles had major vibration at highway speed found to be failing universal joint and bad drive shaft. All under warranty of course but Toyota reputation is overrated. I consider this unacceptable for a $60K vehicle. Cant get bench 2nd row in Platinum and room behind 3rd row is limited due to wasted space between rows 1&2. Bought for towing capability. If you dont need to tow buy a Pilot. Otherwise nice car.

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  Best buy ever! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By ToyotaLover - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Toyota 4runner in 2000 and it runs the same as it did when i got it. I feel so safe in that car.Only problem that it as is that is is a gas guzzler. I dont like the hassle with putting it in four wheel drive. This car is like a tank i got rear ended once and i had a little dent and the car that hit it was totaled! The second time nothing happened and the car that it me had a huge hole in it from the trailer hitch. I have the SR5 with the sports package and i have 110,000 miles and this car is the best car i have ever had!!

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  Bristol Highlander - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Bristol Brat - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Purchased Highlander for trips that require lots of room. Have had for approx 6 months. Gas mileage is 21 to 27 mpg. I think the interior dash looks a little cheap. We both enjoy the handling and how the dashboard is laid out. We have no regrets so far and would purchase it again. We did purchase extended warranty due to vehicle having electric power steering.

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  The Best turck in the world - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Me - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck and it only had 15,500 miles on it and i love it. It is very stylish and their are so many great add-ons that you can buy for it. I love it being that its not to rednecky like the other trucks. It has class.