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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  72,000kms in uncomfortable driver seat - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By tip4u - January 8 - 6:42 am

  I have asked to replace seat with a better one but toyota didnt t have that option.I offered to buy the seat at my expense. Windshield is cheap .middle row is a bad design I am 6ft1" and have trouble lifting the seat out.then the rails are exposed .I would go back to north americian van for comfort. Tires are cheap . Van looks good performance is good . Cargo space and fuel economy are both good. Cabin filter ? Who needs that expense? Chevy bring back a 8 seater with your comfort.

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  Best Car I have owned - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By geroge - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The Prius is an experience. I had been gett blaise about cars. This one I love. But it isnt about performance or interior comfort. It is about doing the right thing for our lungs, our country and the planet. Cut smog, reduce use of non-renewable resources, save money, and enjoy it.

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  Great Vehicle - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jeff Buck - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 4Runner for 8 years and have loved every minute of it. Im in the process of deciding whether or not to sell it (only 115,000 miles). Its in great shape and has been great for our family.

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  brakes - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By pamphil@vvm.com - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. My only complaint is the brakes. I think the brakes arent strong enough for the vehicle. I can drive 55 mph with the emergency brake on! that is after it being adjusted.

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  Good small car with huge trunk - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By jim - January 6 - 8:00 am

  Have driven our base RAV4 for one year and 16000 miles. Drove it 1300 miles to Florida in fall and back again last week. Vehicle was fully loaded inside w/18 cu. ft. cargo carrier on roof. The 4 cyl was amazing in cruising, passing the big truck rigs on the interstate and just flattened the mountains of Virginia and Pennsylvania, very imressive power for a 4 cyl. Handling is crisp and nimble but not harsh. Driving between 70 and 80 fully loaded, we averaged 27.4 MPG. We get 28.7 around Florida . All in all its a decent small car with a huge trunk.

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  Wont buy another - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By doberwoman - January 5 - 12:26 am

  I purchased my 2007 Matrix XR brand new, no one else even test drove it. I have 30,000 miles on it and so far at less than 20,000 miles they had to resurface the rotors, but the pads are just fine. They then replaced the belt. Then, they replaced the water pump and the belt again! Today I was driving down the road and it just died. Its in the shop right now. I dont know yet what this latest problem it, but of course it is out of warranty now. The car style is great for hauling stuff. Love the fold down back and passenger seats and love that the window in back opens without having to open the entire back.

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  250,000 miles and going strong - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Lauren - January 4 - 1:25 pm

  Great reliable car! I have had this car for 17 years and it has had minimal problems, besides the normal wear and tear. Cheap to maintain, but must be kept up to get a fantastic lifespan. The power is not the best, but if you are buying a Toyota sedan you are buying for durability not power. Only problem arising is that I am starting to smell a burnt oil smell. Overall, a great first car with a lot of storage!

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  Disappointing - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By D - January 4 - 7:30 am

  The best thing about this car is the drive train. Interior is awful starting with the electronics. No tire pressure monitor, no satellite radio, no backup camera. Nav system is primitive. Dash is out of the early 1990s. No two zone climate control and silly 3rd row seats. Toyota blew it, this could have been an awesome vehicle.

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  Small details to get to great - 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  By Magoo - January 3 - 11:24 pm

  Interior lighting when you open your car door at night should be better. This is a safety concern because getting in quickly can be an issue. Trunk needs space for emergency kit. Everyone needs to trade with car supplies and the trunk has no notched out space where this makes sense. Had to get velcro commercial grade tape to keep our safety box from sliding around all day.

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  Most reliable car Ive ever had! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By sockem_dog - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Theres nothing fun or flashy about this car... but it holds up so well you dont care about that. I had the original brakes replaced at 115,000 miles and there was still plenty left on them. This car has been through hot and cold weather and never a problem. If you want reliability, get this car.