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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  My Matrix Jewel - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By lover of the Lord - November 25 - 1:56 am

  The Matrix I purchased has been a complete joy for me to own. I have had absolutely no problems with it whatsoever. The only thing i had happen with the car is to bottom out in a pot hole and mess up my front bumper. Other than that Id buy another one, no questions asked, unless they were to make changes to it that I didnt like.

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  All this and a bag of chips - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By keith - November 25 - 1:06 am

  This is my first non BMW car in 10 years. This is also my first Toyota ever. I am very surprised about the quality. Ride is a little noisy but its a convertible. Other that that I love this car, smooth ride and with the top down it is the most fun car I have ever owned. Fits a family of four comfortably & I am lost without the nav. Besides normal maintenance have not had a problem since the day I rolled it off the lot, and I drive 150 miles a day.

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  New options at a comfort cost - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By ron - November 25 - 12:00 am

  Ok, Im disappointed. It appears as though the comfort of the rear seats has been compromised because of the extra features that they had to come up with because of the competition. Am I the only one who has seen a change between 2008 to 2009?? Yes 2009 has newer features, finally side airbags! But, if you seat in the rear on the 2008 and then seat in the rear of a 2009 you will be shocked. I guess those new features need to be offset by compromising on the comfort? Anyone else seeing this?

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  rav 4 bursts into flames - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By lmcvey - November 24 - 11:58 pm

  I loved my 2008 rav 4....until I hit a deer going barely 25 miles an hour and the car burst into flames. Luckily, I got out of my car immediately after hitting the deer to inspect the damage. I honestly thought there may be little or no damage based on the minimal impact (airbags didnt go off and there was only a dent in the drivers side headlight area) but the car almost immediately started smoking and then promptly burst into flames. Toyota has been extremely non-responsive to my questions and I would never buy another one.

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  2009 Base Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By balkania - November 24 - 7:00 pm

  Bought the car brand new (3 miles on it). Currently I have 130,000 miles on it and Ive had zero issues. I drive mostly highway, very little stop and go. Out of boredom I changed the spark plugs and the PCV Valve at around 80,000 miles. Been changing my own oil since the 50,000 mile mark. The only issue is the oil consumption. From the 50,000 mile mark to now the car would consume 2 quarts out of the 4.5 i put in over 5000 miles. On the most recent oil change I only got back 1.5 quarts of the 5 quarts I put in .(added 1/2 quart at around 3000 miles). Seems like the car has turned a corner

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  Great Investment, Great Quality Family Sedan - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By causti - November 24 - 1:43 pm

  The Camry has a smooth and quit ride and it feels like it was made with high quality features. The Camry feels extremely stable on the road and you cant beat all the room provided in both the front and back seats and in the trunk. The Camry has excellent fuel economy. We felt very comfortable and confident in our choosing the 2006 Toyota Camry LE. We expect our Camry to last for many many years to come.

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  Good SUV for the money - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By William - November 24 - 11:40 am

  All SUVs are overpriced in my book, but if you need the size its a good purchase. Has good power. Not as much cargo room as one would expect. Rather noisy. I am average build and I feel like a midget trying to reach for everything. Person who decided where the heated seats button was placed should be shot. Solid feeling, makes one feel very safe. Well put together. Mileage is awful in general, but good in its class. "Toyota Quality" is overrated as Ive had a rather long list of things that have had to be repaired (under warranty of course) like rear window, tire pressure gauge and rear wiper.

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  Perfection? - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4 Driver - November 24 - 10:46 am

  This was probably the best car that Ive ever owned/driven. The Rav4 has everything that you would want or need in a vehicle! Excellent gas mileage at 23 mpg, the best in its class. Very peppy and a tonne of fun to drive! We had a Subaru Tribeca before this, which was OK. But this Rav4 has really shocked me. I want to drive it just for the fun of it! This car really makes the 2 hour drive into work to downtown Ottawa really worth it. Thank you Toyota for designing the perfect car for mostly everyones needs and all of their wants!

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  The most sensible car purchase ever - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Fabian - November 24 - 10:21 am

  I got this car with 12k miles back in 2009, used and barely broken in but in top condition. I drove it pretty lightly the next few years and pretty much babied it. It has 118k miles now, with 50k of that during what was a very busy and important year for me. The waterpump, alternator, and battery had been replaced from the extreme conditions it endured. Did the spark plugs at 60 and 118k and oil changes every 5-6k. Did the brakes at 110k. All regular maintenance done myself that could be done without too much effort. Its been through a lot but every day it reminds of the reason why I got it. Yes its noisy, simple, and offers minimal comfort. However, to this day it still gets 40+ mpg easy and is roomy enough to carry tools and materials. It never gives up on me and Ill never give up on it. Update July 2016 Still going great, probably needs some work but it never chokes! Starts and runs every time :)

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  Sequoia 2003 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By spcp1230 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Recently purchased, Very pleased so Far.