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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  Awesome Car!! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Timothy - January 22 - 4:53 am

  I just purchased this car 3 days ago and already put on 500 miles in those days. Quiet ride, comfort, cruise control, these are all things that sold me on this car!

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  Oil Burner - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Larry Bowman - January 22 - 3:06 am

  Purchased car with 93K on it. Had owned five previous Toyotas and ran most of them past 200K. This one is an oil burner - uses 1 quart per 400 miles. Toyota does not recognize that it is a design defect although it seems to be very prevalent in these cars (98-2002 Corollas). If you are looking to purchase one - be sure to check the exhaust pipe for excessive black soot and look in the oil filler cap for oil sludge (check underside of cap for black crumbly deposits and look inside oil filler for brown coating - if it has these features I recommend to stay away from it). Also the engine light just came on - not sure yet what this problem is. Struts are worn out as well.

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  Worst Corolla ever. What was Toyota thinking. - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By sajsan - January 22 - 1:44 am

  Test drove 2011 corolla (manual); this would have been my 5th corolla in 20yrs. As a die hard Toyota fan, Toyota has disappointed me beyond belief regarding the steering. It is a major issue; it feels like flexible rubber; it does NOT tighten as expected in any power assisted steering and dangerous at high speeds. It will be more serious with highway winds. There is pronounced body roll. In short, it is NOT safe. I walked away from a great deal because 2007/8 model was superior in safety and handling. I will send back a feedback letter to the president of toyota; they have lost a loyal Corolla customer – 5 corollas in 20 years of drive. Sales person thought i was joking about the car.

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  Clam shell doors, Bah! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By SlyK9 - January 21 - 10:06 pm

  FJ Rox! Having owned a couple of international scouts, an fj40, various jeeps and a 4runner, I believe the FJ comes as close to perfect as we can get without a custom design. I purchased my 2007 FJ in Dec of 2006. I have taken the family across country and off road. This vehicle is comfortable and affordable. One minor complaint is the clam shell doors. I have spent many awkward moments attempting to get the kids from the back seat. First opening the front stepping out opening the back closing the front then letting the kids out squeezing by and the opening the front, closing the back then closing the front. Tight parking is tuff with these doors. Worth it? Oh yes. Thumbs up!

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  disappointed - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By gcoffey - January 21 - 12:03 pm

  This is our fourth Toyota. We are pleased overall with the Highlander. However, we are having problems with the alignment. Currently, have 23,000 miles. The 6yr/100,000 mile tires are experiencing unusual wear due to back wheel mis-alignment. These tires require rotation and balancing ever 6000 miles(our dealer charges $49.50). To this point the dealer is not standing behind the warranty for alignment.

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  Second Review. Got rid of it. - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Thebigv21 - January 21 - 9:50 am

  While the gas mileage was a definite plus, the lack of power in this vehicle and the size of other vehicles when driving the Matrix, made me get rid of it. I didnt have any problems with it mechanically. I guess the 4 cyl ran as it was supposed to. I havent had a 4 cyl for years so maybe it is just me, but the car lacks power and is loud. Low profile made for uneasiness driving in rainy weather. Being in Western PA, I felt that I should get rid of it for when it snows.

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  Squeaky brakes solved - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Nadine - January 21 - 7:56 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 4 miles on it and it was the best decision I made. I have yet to do anything but preventative maintenance - gotta love. Just replaced my brakes at 45K and guess what-no more squeal!. Per the brake specialists my brakes squealed because they needed shimming.

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  Hot hybrid - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By James Pruitt - January 21 - 4:10 am

  With adjustments to driving style, Im routinely getting about 55 mpg. Interior more roomy than most sedans and with split back seat and hatchback, it can carry quite a load.

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  Worthy Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By KB2 - January 21 - 2:03 am

  I recently purchased the 07 Tundra. Ive had it about 3 weeks now. Its the Limited, DoubleCab, 6.5 bed, 5.7 V8, 4x4. This truck is amazing. Ive only ever owned F150s ever since I learned to drive. What a change this truck is. The power and handling is amazing. Not only does it corner like a sports sedan, but it will stop shorter than any truck Ive ever driven. The engine and transmission are smooth and quiet. When you want the power though, it does come to life and lets you know it. Good thing for the traction control or the tires would only spin. Gas mileage isnt bad. Im getting 18.5 mpg on the highway and 14.5 mpg in the city. Thats driving sensibly though.

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  Best overall value hands down! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla lover - January 20 - 5:53 am

  I bought my 2009 Toyota Corolla LE just two days ago after test driving other subcompact names on my list such as the Honda Civic, the Mazda3 and the Hyundai Elantra. The Toyota delivered everything I expect in a sub-compact and more. I definitely got my moneys worth!