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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  Extremely Fun to Drive - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By slnke - June 3 - 6:46 am

  IÂ’ve had only two problems after two years. One was with the belt tensioner, and the other, some very faint rattles from revving the engine so high all the time. Replaced tensioner myself. I HIGHLY recommend replacing stock tires with P185/65R14 Yokohama Avid Tourings. Stock suspension is inadequately stiff, but fine for average driving. Acceleration is absolutely wonderful. Ive smoked F150s, SUVs, cocky modified Civics and even a Mustang (not GTS). All in all, a very nice car.

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  Not for the Road Warrior - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By DustyNC - June 3 - 3:16 am

  I really thought I liked this car when I test drove it. But after 2 months and 12,000 miles, Im very disappointed! Im just under six-foot tall and weigh in at about 215lbs. So...Im not a little guy, but there are certainly many that are bigger. The biggest fault is the drivers seat. Very uncomfortable! I average about 350 miles per day, or six hours of driving time. In two months time, I find myself needing a doctors visit. The back of my legs ache terribly after driving this car! I have tried every adjustment possible but cannot get the seat to where it is not causing discomfort and probably restricting blood circulation. DO NOT BUY this CAR if you drive a lot!

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  Holy Gas Mileage, Batman!! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Tom Nelson - June 2 - 9:23 pm

  Its a blast driving down the road at 35-40 mph, look at the display and see you are on electric only. I think Ive put gas in it 3 times since I bought it in early March. Average about 42-44 mpg. Handles really good and is very quiet. As annoying as the backup beeper is, it is a good safety factor as the car is so quiet.

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  2004 Matrix Owner is so so - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By MatrixOwner2 - June 2 - 7:00 pm

  Sporty vehicle that we loved the look of. Great for short trips, errands, and hauling. Mileage good, but there is a paint issue with the hood that Toyota wont own up to (missing layers of paint after 2-years of ownership). Also, I agree the sound system is poor but what do you expect in this price range? Driver seat seems more comfy than passenger for long trips, uncomfortable for passenger. Basically a bit more attention to quality and they will perfect this model (maybe they have already). Bottle water holders in the door would be a great addition to this model. Nix the cheap backseat beverage holders.

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  Toyota, One of the best - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tampopo - June 2 - 1:43 pm

  After test-driving just about every car on the market, I decided to purchase this 4 cylinder beauty. Visually, I was instantly attracted to it. Mechanically, I was a little worried because I travel quite often through mountainous areas and wouldve generally preferred a V6. I took that back after I took my first trip. It was surprisingly pleasant and I had absolutely no problems picking up speed or getting up those huge mountains. The car is VERY comfortable and the air conditioning is perfect for the heat here in Arizona. All together, this car I believe was the best buy.

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  chaikan - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By oude - June 2 - 10:00 am

  drive nicely and look nice too.

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  Fun Car!! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By v4rider - June 2 - 10:00 am

  We are the second owners of this car. I am a former auto tech and not really sure about performance or reliability with this car, but after test driving and now owning the car for awhile I am impressed with the overall value and driving experience. It has been well engineered and has many extras that are usually expensive options on other cars. Smooth acceleration and gear changes. I have had many friends and co-workers ask about the car and I tell them if anything ever happened to it I would buy another without hesitation. I am really impressed with 45 MPGs WHILE OPERATING the A/C! I live in NM and that is a plus.

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  a toyota for this? - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By caught up in hype - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Our family bought the Toyota based on their reputation for quality and reliability. Big mistake. We have owned the car for about a year and a half and have had to have the power door replaced( 3 weeks in, and 2 rental cars), the gas tank replaced, along with numerous trim peices, and lots of rattles. The transmission also hesitates a moment between gears(2 other Toyotas Ive driven do this also). The good things: the power, the MPG(25 @80 MPH), the turning radius, and the DEEP cargo well in back. Finally: do your research, and beware of the salesman. We got ripped off at the dealer. PEOPLE BUY TOYOTAS FOR THIS?

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  Very satisfied buyer - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By romana - June 2 - 10:00 am

  After 6 months of daily research I finally have my Sienna LE 8 passenger with option package #6. It is all I hoped for minus the few quirks listed below. Its layout is very well thought out and practical. The ride is very quiet and stable. The turning radius is fantastic and body roll is minimal. 2 long car trips so far were very comfortable for all passengers. Only wish they had put armrests on second row ends. The interior is very spacious. We were able to put 3 child carseats easily across the second row. Overall, I find this van almost perfect when it comes to fitting our needs with 3 kids.

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  the car I wish I had not bought - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By pam cribb - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had to replace the tires twice- on top of the tires that came on my car-I am not pleased- my steering wheel squeeks like mad and my brakes have started sounding off to. I still owe too much to trade without giving it away- I seriously doubt I will ever buy another Toyota.