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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  No Highway Cruiser - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Ron Fielding - June 11 - 9:20 am

  I bought this car for a winter traveler. It has proven to not be suitable for that. The AWD is great, it corners like a go cart, but the tiny gas tank is a pain. It goes pretty far on the first half of the gauge, but look for a station because you can almost see the level drop the second half. The engine is too small for the weight, so it it buzzy on the highway, and the mileage suffers if you push it on the hills. It does low thirties around town, but has gotten just over twenty, one tank, on the highway. That was in the mountains, and running the 75 limit. My wife is the primary driver when we dont travel, and she wont let me trade it for something else.

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  Dollar for Dollar, You Cant Go Wrong - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Scott W. - June 9 - 8:43 pm

  I purchased my 2007 Toyota Corolla from the dealer new in Jan of 07. Overall, I went with the Corolla based purely on the proven track record of its reliability. It hasnt let me down. Only maintenance I perform is changing the oil every 5k miles (Ive used synthetic since the first change at 2000 miles). The engine runs like new. Tires have been replaced (upgraded to 205/16 from 185/15) with some 90,000 mile Michelin Hydro-Edge so I think they will be the last set I buy before I trade it in. I will perform a full maintenance at 90,000 miles just to be safe.

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  Still Enjoying My HL After 2 Years! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Mercy58 - June 9 - 7:00 am

  Bought my Highlander after test driving a Sienna; found the HL much easier to handle (I have a bad arm, so thats important to me). First Toyota, very pleased; just had 30,000 mile service done with no problems. It drives very well in the snow. Rides great after replacing original tires with good quality Michelins. I find it very easy to maneuver and visibility is good. Paint does scratch easily under door handles. Tranny hesitates a bit shifting down when turning into my steep uphill drive. 3rd row seat okay for children; too small for most adults. Overall Im very happy with my HL!

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Don Ho - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I was hesitant when looking because I had never had a van before and when I did my first test drive I called it a bus. Now that we have owned it for a few years, I really really like it and all the features. A TV in the ceiling is helpful for traveling distances with kids. We dont use it runing around town and it isnt noticeable when not in use. The remote headphones allow you to listen to radio in front while TV is on in back.

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  Best SUV ever! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Susie Q - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I am a petite girl and the 4Runner is the only SUV that I have driven that I can fit comfortably without being on top of the steering wheel. I have owned my truck for 32 months, have 51,000 miles on it and its never been in the shop for anything other then oil changes and scheduled maintenace. I plan on keeping it for a really long time!

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  Problems - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By bpierce - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I like the truck for its looks and comfort but Have I had problems. Brakes are horrible designed. Have had three brake jobs. Throttle body went out, that cost $1200. It is in the shop right now because the check engine light came on. Turns out that there is a crack in the exhaust manifold due to poor metalology. Toyota is covering repair but in turn my o2 sensor went bad and there is carbon build up on my valves and "new" throttle body that they want charge to fix. Said Toyota does not cover incidental problems. Please, now I have to hash it out with Toyota.

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  Great City vehicle - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By Jeffrey J - June 7 - 7:53 pm

  Very good city vehicle. I bought the car used with 76,000 miles. I researched before I bought a used car, and the RAV4 came very well recommended. It has not let me down so far. AC works great, noise on the highway is minimal, and no one can complain about the gas mileage. Only complaints are a rear door that rattles a bit over bumps, and a drivers seat that I wish would go back one click further (I am 61).

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  I love it, but... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Misty - June 7 - 10:56 am

  I got this car fairly early in the year. I love the color of the exterior and interior (although Im not fond of having a light interior having kids). Im pretty content with pretty much everything the car offers except the common issue of the transmission that doesnt want to seem to work when you need it. I often find myself stressing when the car wont accelerate when I need to go fast in certain situations. After reading other reviews, I have found out that there is a "fix" for the problem. I called the dealership and have an appointment for an oil change, tire rotaion and they say there is a "fix" which may not show much change. Im hoping it will for my familys safety.

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  Not a minivan gal till now - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By lisa - June 7 - 3:40 am

  I have the Sienna LE AWD. My mileage is not the best compared to the LE, but I also take my van places most dont attempt. Having AWD I feel much more comfortable with my sons friends and their moms out in the woods, or in the snow, or on sand!! Its smooth, fun and safe to drive. I was disappointed with the fact that there was not any bargaining room with the cost - I was told that only the LE, I could have bargained with. I went from driving small cars to now a vehicle I swore Id never drive (minivan). I love it, and my son really does. And gosh - hes now extremely safe. Thank you Toyota.

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  Corolla L 6 speed manual update - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By schooby - June 7 - 1:59 am

  My 2014 Corolla 6 speed now has 23k miles on it. At 60 MPH I get 43 MPG, at 75 MPH I get 38 MPG. This car is slow to take off and hard to pass at highway speeds unless you drop down a couple of gears and grab some higher RPM. I had to have my head lights adjusted lower, on low beam other drivers constantly flashed me thinking my high beams were on. Cruise control works nice (installed after purchase) steering wheel does not move in and out, only up and down. No SAT radio on this model, Wife complains that the head rest is uncomfortable in front seats. Engine is quiet, only heard at high RPMs. Collar on gear shift unlocks reverse option, reverse is to the left and up, (next to first gear)