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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  Excellent Car and did my research - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By luvmymatrix - May 26 - 2:53 pm

  I did about 25 hours of research, narrowing down to the Honda Fit or the Toyota Matrix. The Fit was nice when I test drove it, but then I tried the Matrix, I loved it. Decided on Matrix becuase there is more room altogether, the trunk,t he car and especially the engine. NO REGRETS whatsoever. I love driving it.

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  I like my Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By bku - May 26 - 2:40 pm

  I believe this car has defined a new category of cars I like to call "Luxury Economy". It really shines around town in stop and go traffic but also does surprisingly well on long road trips. Center gauge placement keeps your eyes closer to the road and you can forget having to duck your head around to see that one gauge that is always obscured by the steering wheel. Very smooth and comfortable ride. Dont let its exterior size fool you. It has lots of headroom even for someone 6 ft tall.

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  I love my Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Brenda Vinci - May 26 - 10:03 am

  This was my first purchase for a truck. I was originally going to look at the Tacomas but once I glanced at the Tundra it was love at first site. Then after I test drove it there was no going back. I wouldnt even consider test driving any other truck. Ive had my Tundra for six and half years and it still drives like its brand new. Ive had absolutely no problems with my Tundra.

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  Our first lemon - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By guy - May 26 - 6:06 am

  We are very disappointed in this vehicle for many problems. First the air bag light came on and it took the dealer 5 mos to get repaired. The car tracks to the right and the dealer took 7 mos to repair after repeated denials of a problem. The problem apparently was caused by being lashed down too tightly while being transported. The transmission is jerky, slips and clunks at times. The engine is loud, apparently w/o adequate padding. Visibility while backing is poor. There is a glare on the ample dash. The remote start must be operated perfectly for it to work. Dont hold the push start button or else it will crank down, just tap it. You have to slam the trunk to close. Good luck.

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  Awesome Truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By dukeno1 - May 25 - 10:52 pm

  I bought this truck new in May 2001. I now have 227,000 miles on it. The only work I have done on it in that time is a timing belt (due for another), all 4 o2 sensors, and at least 4-5 brake jobs on the front. That is my only complaint with the truck. The brakes are woefully undersized and I have trouble with warped rotors. I tow a boat in the summer and I believe that exacerbates the issue. I have gotten proficient at changing the pads and rotors so not that big of a deal. I have ran Mobil 1 synthetic since the second oil change and swear by the stuff. The engine on this truck has been amazing.....quiet, powerful and refined. Everything is still tight and rattle free! Love it!

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  Beware of Delphi Battery - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By John - May 25 - 9:16 pm

  Great truck; however, the GM parts contribution of the Delphi battery spewed battery acid all over the inner fender and hood. $836 (warranty paid) and two weeks later (in a rental car, also warranty paid) the body shop is still trying to repair the damage. So, including the battery the total cost to repair is about $1306, or 8% of the purchase price. Other than that I love the truck and cant wait until I get it back. I suggest not taking delivery until the GM battery is changed out.

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  Drives, handles an including looks -as advertised! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By josehums - May 25 - 2:39 pm

  ride is quiet and smooth, and has an interior that really looks and feel roomy (have 2-row captain chairs). handsome styling too. handles good on the road.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By rileyb - May 25 - 11:00 am

  This is truly a quality built truck. Previously owned a 2003 Sequoia. When replacing the 2003, I drove every other SUV on the market. I wanted to make sure I still wanted the Sequoia. After driving everything else, I still purchased the Sequoia. There is currently no other vehicle in the same class as the Sequoia. So far, the 2005 has been perfect, no problems, no service other, than standard oil changes, etc. I put over 35,000 miles on the 2003, it was flawless. I never had any service problems of any kind. I would make the same purchase again.

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  Great Van - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Eric - May 25 - 9:30 am

  Handles well and is larger than the Honda. Test drove both vans and the Sienna was the best van at a much lower price. We have three small children and thus three car seats. The Sienna has ample room for all the kids and plenty of room for cargo. Roof rack is standard equipment which is also a plus. I would recommend this van to anyone.

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  Rock solid ute - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By dakota - May 25 - 8:03 am

  Here in the northern plains its about extremes. Snow, cold, heat, wind, and distance. 40 miles to the nearest hospital. 60 miles to the nearest Wal-Mart. Getting there and back in the winter, can be a matter of survival. For fun times, and weekend exploring, the FJ will go most anywhere you ask it to. Although, not perfect, what it does do, it does very well. Comfortable on the highway, and competent when the going gets tough. Visibility and economy, are non-issues, given the overall package. Had 4 Jeeps over the last 30 years, and they never let me down. The FJ fits my needs, and Im very happy with it.