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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  56K miles down, 944K to go! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tango6 - January 13 - 11:16 am

  Yes I do expect a million miles out of this truck. I bought it just before I retired from the Army. I used it in the field transporting troops and gear, daily driving around town, and hauling a lot of gear across the country. I change my own oil every 5K miles(Toyota filter & Mobil 1). Ive added a K&N air filter and a tri-fold toneau cover. Took a trip up to New Mexico and checked the mileage. I got 24.8 mpg. This included highway & city driving as well as a lot of hills. The truck is very comfortable for cross country trips. In addition to changing my own oil, I change my own spark plugs. Maintenance on this truck is easy due in part to accessibility. It also has tons of great storage!

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  Fun, sharp-looking, economical, reliable - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Dave B. - January 13 - 10:46 am

  My 2004 Matrix is only the second car Ive owned in 20 years (my 1994 Audi finally died). I was reluctant to "trade down" to a Toyota, but I now have no regrets. This roomy, versatile vehicle is the same size as my little Audi (I measured!), and has a smaller turning radius, too. I have a 5-speed manual transmission that is smooth and fun to use. Driver visibility is fine all around, CD/radio sound system is quite good unless youre traveling at more than 50 MPH, when road noise competes. Cargo/passenger/folding seat options are terrific. Driver seat is very comfortable, even on 4-hour highway trips (cant say the same for the Audi!)Im averaging 30 mpg on regular fuel.

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  Family Heirloom - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bobby Joe - January 13 - 8:43 am

  I love my truck! I bought it new when my son was 3 years old, he will get his drivers license in 2 months and will become the new proud owner. Everything is still in good condition with this truck, its a little scratched but no engine work whatsoever. I had some brake problems years ago, that is the extent of its repair history. Very reliable, highly recommended.

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  Japanese Beauty - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Moises Martinez - January 12 - 10:03 pm

  Man This Car is awesome!!! Its a monster on the street and it takes out all of the Civics on the street.Thats why I love My Matrix XRS. Keep up the good work Toyota,you hit a homerun with this one.

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  The best - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By LilBittyB07 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  While I have had this car it has been great. I havent had any problem with it and i have found myself doing a whole lot more traveling too.

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  Drive and Sleep Well With a 4Runner - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By TeeUp - January 12 - 10:00 am

  the best blend of roughness and riding comfort, the 4runner runs supreme within its class. it does not drive like a limousine, alright, but it sure is more comfortable than a lot of mid to entry level sedans. with proven reliability and value retention attached to every toyota, you can indeed drive and rest assured that you wont have to spend a fortune in costly repairs that normally hounds owners of competing SUVs.

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  Fantastic! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By SMOKEATR - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I switched from a Dodge to this rig and I LOVE IT...Its a phenominal truck all around.

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  A good buy! Get the 4x4 Sport or Limited - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Fast Ed - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle after researching many in its class (Trlblzr,Explorer,Cherokee,Endvor,Pilot, Durango,etc). I settled on the 4X4 SR5 edition only because I couldnt find a 4x4 sport edition mica Gray 6 cyl with a sunroof in a 100 mile radius (Crap). I got the spoiler added to the rear and the 17 in rims. My biggest grief with this vehicle is that the front end tends to wonder about when driving at highway speeds in the whimpest of wind speeds. The footing becomes more sure foot when I select the 4x4 full time mode. I recommed the sport or limited editions to get the heated mirrors, telescopic steering wheels-which should be standard on ALL 4runners.

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  Our Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By grsteven - January 12 - 10:00 am

  After much thinking, we bought the Sienna over the 4-Runner. A 2 year old and an infant, we needed more room. This is my first foreign vehicle and it is absolutly amazing! Looked at its competition (Honda and Nissan) and the Toyota won hands down. Dealer was great, although they didnt have the one we wanted they were able to get one within a week and were realistic with price. This van (like so many others I swore I would nerver buy a Minivan!) has everything we could ever want plus some. The leather is unbelievably comfortable, 3 zone climate, automatic side and rear doors. Go drive it and you wont be disappointed!

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  Made the Right Decision - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By DarkSide - January 11 - 2:20 am

  The wife and I were going back and forth between the Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. We finally decided on the Tacoma after seeing the 2009 model standard feature upgrades. We purchased the Timberland Green, 4x4, Double Cab, Long bed with the SR5 package. The only one of its kind currently in the SF Bay Area. The truck is fun to drive and nice to look at. A major improvement over our last truck, 1998 Dodge Dakota.