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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  I like it. - 2012 Toyota Matrix
  By jimbob_seeker - August 27 - 11:00 pm

  2012 Matrix 4speed auto/1.8L bought new. Logged 1,600miles and so far and I like it. Ride is firm but pleasant. If tires are over-inflated, the ride can be harsh Excellent cargo room with the rear seats folded down. Decent acceleration, smooth, stable and quieter than I expected on the freeway. The steering does not provide as much road feel as I would like but its quite acceptable. On 1st tank of gas I got 28.7 MPG (US) [8.2 L/100Km] driving around the burbs. I noticed an occasional buzzing sound from the interior trim close to the passenger A-pillar. This is only complaint I have so far. With the cooler fall weather, the sound is hardly noticeable Would buy again.

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  So Far, so good - 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rgw54 - August 27 - 9:30 am

  Have about 1,000 miles on the Highlander Hybrid Limited. Very happy with the vehicle so far. For spending so much money on a car, I miss a few things that seem like they should be standard: Memory seating/mirror position. One tap (three blink) turn signal lane change indicator, to name a couple. Not exactly deal breakers, but would be nice. Only other frustration is directed at Toyota in general...not being able to change navigation settings or use telephone phone book while moving is maddeningly archaic. Passenger should be able to input without coming to a complete stop.

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  Tacoma 5-Speed SR5 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Millsy - August 27 - 7:00 am

  This is the first pickup Ive owned and I generally have high marks. I imagine its as capable as any other in its class, and IMO it rides extremely comfortably. One major disappointment is the chintziness inside. My gearshift knob swims in place, while the gearshift itself shimmies endlessly in the front gears (1-3-5). Theres also a cheap plastic compartment next to the steering column that doesnt shut properly (and Ive never used it). Ive also been disappointed by the fuel efficiency. While it reports 23/28, I have yet to get anywhere close to 20 mpg from a tank. From a drive standpoint, the manual 5-speed seems essential for responsive on hills, turns, tough on-ramps, etc.

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  Excellent commuter - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By FredJ - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The Corolla has generally been a strong car. Its smooth, refined and suprisingly quick. The fuel economy is outstanding, over 37 mpg on the highway with an automatic. The interior is comfortable, although rear legroom is an issue. The feature list is . . . odd. This is probably due to the practice of adding packages, but my wife often chides me for having a car with power doors and windows, cruise, a/c, alarm and keyless entry, but no tachometer or power mirrors. The cruise control stalk occasionally brushes my knee during low speed turns, but this isnt dangerous. Taller drivers may encounter this problem.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner4Life - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Very solid well built SUV. The 4.0 engine is very quiet and smooth with plenty of power. Very nice cabin with lots of extras and well thought out.

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  Get Your Hands on a Toyota... - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Kyle S - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Great bang for the buck

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  Practical and Functional - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Seth - August 26 - 8:40 am

  I traded in my 2001 Celica for this, mainly because I wanted something with more utility while maintaining the fuel economy I had become accustomed to. Engine is weak in low revs, better as they build, and the transmission upshifts way too soon when merging or passing. The interior makes this car worth owning, for sheer cargo space, youd be hard pressed to find something this light and economical with this much space. Handles well. Id gladly buy the upcoming replacement, as long as it gets more grunt, a better transmission, and disc brakes in the rear. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone, knowing that my only hang-ups are its lack of sportiness.

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  Not very satisfied - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Scott C. - August 26 - 1:50 am

  Overall probably the best truck in its class but for a $30K truck I would expect more standard features such as an illuminated glove box, illuminated console, illuminated sun visor mirrors, cargo bed light (the Tundra has it), heated mirrors, outside temp. and compass display (only available on sport or off road models). The transmission is extremely shifty and in my opinion rough. It often feels like I got rear ended when coming to a stop. My 2004 Jeep with 180K miles shifted much more smoothly. The stock stereo system is absolutely terrible. Virtually no highs, muffled lows and no midrange adjustment. Stereo in my 2000 4 Runner is 5 times better. Again, I would expect more at this pricepoint.

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  Nice Car--Lousy Manufacturer - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By arbella - August 24 - 2:48 pm

  Had tro decide between a Subaru, Honda CRV or the Toyota. Picked the RV4. had some problems with the Navigation. Couldnt see the darn screen dealer couldnt fix so I asked if I could talk with factory Field Rep who was coming to visit the dealer. Field Rep came & said he doesnt speak with customers. He also could not fix screen. So, what do Ido? I called the factory service complaint phone number and i couldnt believe it. Said they only talk service with their dealers. Finally got an email from same department that said I couldnt complain abou ta problem if I didnt even know which engine I had!! I was stupid. Again, attacking me. . Why argue with me? Forget theToyota

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  Good family car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By anhdao - August 24 - 8:43 am

  Traded in my Acura RSX for this prius when I was 6 months pregnant because I wanted something more family friendly that would also be easy for me to drive late in my pregnancy. This car runs well, is very comfortable and practical. Now that I have had my baby, it fits my car seat and stroller and I even have