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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  Hot Seat no Cell Phone - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Ed Yeater - April 11 - 7:54 pm

  GPS will not work without paying: for a smart phone, and a cell phone provider. The XLE driver seat feels like hot plastic.

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  Great all around SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyota Convert - April 11 - 12:20 pm

  Drove a new 2010 RAV and decided to save $$$ and buy used since there was no difference in looks. My 2007 RAV (12k miles) like many others had a noise/clicking in the steering wheel when turning. After research I found out about the intermediate steering shaft for which Toyota issued a TSB. Since mine still had the factory warranty (also bought it certified) I took it back to the dealer and it was repaired in a few hours, no questions asked. I signed for the warranty and saw it was 516.00. The car is now 100% to my liking and I enjoy it more every day in every way. Love it - cant go wrong!

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  Toyota Reliability????? - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By John - April 11 - 11:00 am

  I was always told that toyota had the best vehicles out there, I dont beleive that anymore. At 28,000 miles I could already feel the transmission going out on this suv. I took it 3 times to 2 different dealers and none of them would admit that it had a problem. I was at at the middle of a huge intersection when I decided I had to make a u-turn, and guess what? the car just died out on me right there in the middle. Dealer found nothing wrong with it. I purchased this car with 25,000 miles on it, and it was a certified vehicle. Is anyone surprised about all the recalls toyota is facing right now? Im not. Thank you for your failure to me toyota. I am going all american from now on.

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  Excellent SUV - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Quality Minded - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV and after careful homework, the 4runner came out on top. The quality that Toyota builds into a vehicle is quite impressive. These vehicles are priced on the upper end, but like I always say "pay now or pay later"! The ride is stiff but understandibly so, after all it is a truck. The sport edition is worth the extra money, as it adds the real meaty looks and really makes for an attractive vehicle. This vehicle will surely last even the most rugged of users.

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  1996 Camry-Great Ride,Always Reliable - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By GJC - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought it in l997 and it has given me 5 years of good riding, reliability,low and inexpensive maintenance and fun to drive. It still looks good and has alot of life left. Highly recommend.

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  NO NOT CE PLEASE................... - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Amol - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the CE in May 2001 have 18500 on odo. The car is fun to drive except with ac on which feels like dragging a ton behind. The worst part is the CE is 3 speed automatic which pulls the fun to drive, but once over 30 it is good. It have a good milage and pretty smooth engine. The steering is a bit scary on highway (above 60) ans can be a problem if u have a huge lorry besides u. The interior is cramped and good for 4 small size adults or 2 tall adults. Another part is CE does not come with Rear folding seat and u have to dig a small hole in u r wallet for that.

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  Fun Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrix NV - April 11 - 10:00 am

  With an automatic it is a little underpowered. The fun factor of the car is impressive. I read Edmunds review and I dont think they did this car justice. The handling was very good. It huggs the road like glue. Take off is good for an econemy four cylinder. I think the power of the XR model might be better at low end than the XRS. The exhuast note is very cool. It has a racey sound to it. The value is very good. I looked at a Rav4 but you get more for your money with the Matrix. I think it should be noted that viewing this car online makes it appear to be in-line with a Ford Focus. Not true. Actually this is an SUV/Car.

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  Sold on Full Size SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Carpool Mom - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Initially I was hesitant to commit to such a large and heavy vehicle. However, after one month of driving it, I am sold! It is fun to drive, easy to park, and perfect for hauling lots of kids and their stuff around. My only minor compliant is that it does tend to guzzle gas. I enjoy much more than I thought I would.

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  So far, so good - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By sd - April 11 - 6:16 am

  I just bought this car, and the leather seats are luxurious, the sunroof is fun, and its great to look at. After having it about a week, the performance isnt great, but its okay. If my Sienna van is any indication (150,000 miles and it runs like new), I should enjoy this car for a long time. With my van, I like it better now than I did when it was new, because I never had an old car with so little trouble. I had Hondas before, and they had better acceleration, but more frequent maintenance.

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  Love my Little Station Wagon - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Martha - April 10 - 10:00 pm

  July 4, 2005, was my tenth anniversary with this car. I will keep it until it falls to pieces. It has good fuel economy, fits in tight parking spaces, and holds a ton of stuff when the rear seat is folded down. Its also peppy on the highway. I have had no major repairs in 72,000 miles. Unfortunately Toyota stopped making Corolla station wagons in 1996, so I cant get another one. Id buy another in a minute.