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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  Comments after 2+ years of driving - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By BILL - January 27 - 3:43 am

  Great hauling space. Excellent mileage. Terrible radio display. Invisible with sunglasses on, especially on a sunny day. Rough ride, you can feel every bump. Jumps forward when moving from a stop. The PT Cruiser that the Matrix replaced was a better car to drive.

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  Just out of warranty, radio, Nav unit broke - Ugh - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By osfans - January 27 - 12:29 am

  2013 Highlander LTD. We are just out of warranty and the radio and Nav unit started going crazy and would operate on its own. We brought it to the dealer to find out its going to cost $1500- $2000 to fix. The reason I bought a Toyota is so that we would not have these issues. Anyone else have these issues?

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  Should have ignored rep and bought hybrid - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By dvdmllr - January 26 - 9:20 pm

  I was debating about the Limited V6 4wd with the hybrid or just going with the standard gas model. The rep convinced me that I didnt really need the hybrid that the mileage would be just fine. I do a lot of highway miles yet Im still just getting an average of 16 mpg. Ive been told then when I hit 10k miles it will improve but its not even at city mileage right now so not holding my breath. I am also frustrated with the number of rattles in a brand new vehicle that the dealership cant seem to find and fix. Makes it seem like I bought a used vehicle.

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  Corolla LE Premium 2016 - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By lvhb - January 26 - 7:48 pm

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  Transmission Whine 40-60 MPH - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Charles - January 26 - 6:03 pm

  Transmission developed an irritating whine from 40 to 60 mph. This problem seems to be wide spread and Toyota does not seem to be addressing it. The whine definitely overshadows the good points of the SUV. Just another instance of Toyota stonewalling buyers.

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  A perfect 10 - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By eglmainz - January 26 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Hybrid purchase, and we could not be happier. In the first two weeks of ownership, I have averaged about 56 mpg, which is about a 12% increase in the rated EPA average. The fit and finish of this car is better than and I have owned before. The comfort of the Heated Leather seats are a vast improvement from the last Prius. The entire cockpit redesign of this car make it very unique and logical. As for handling, this car rides like it is on rails. I feel no body roll in the car, even when taking turns sharply to maximize my fuel economy. If you have been on the fence for a new car, its time to jump off, and jump into a 2010 Prius! Toyota really got this one right!!!!!

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  I Love My Camry SE V6!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Canadiandad - January 26 - 12:33 pm

  I researched this car so thoroughly before buying that I drove my wife crazy. I have NO hestitation buying the car even after reading the problems for a very few customers about tranny flare and drive by wire hesitation. I absolutely love everything about my Camry SE V6 so far. I only have 1200kms on the car so far and yet I cannot fine one single problem with the car. I have owned over 14 Toyotas in my life and this one is the best so far. It looks, feels, sounds and smells fantastic.

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  Love Our Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Al - January 26 - 5:56 am

  We really love our new Yaris! Its solid and quiet, yet fun to drive. The interior and exterior fit and finish is outstanding. Now I remember why I loved my Camry. We have driven other cars from full sized vans to mini vans and sub-compacts, this car beats them all! (except our Camry.) I was a little worried about the Bridgestone tires but they have been fine.

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  My First Toyota - But My Second Hybrid - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Chassy - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Was going to buy a Prius - but for the same price - you can get a Camry and get, as the sales man said - a real car! LOL I just liked it better - although the mileage is 35-40 but for that you get more room, quiet and nice ride and handling.

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  Great Car - 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Brunilda Garcia - January 25 - 7:41 pm