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:

• 

  Keeps on Going, No troubles - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By FreeDeez - December 27 - 8:06 pm

  Buying a first year production SUV scared me a bit and I questioned my decision making process. Boy, was I wrong! Over the last 9+ year our Highlander has never failed or given me any reason to curse the brand. Outside of regular maintenance, out highlander has stood the test of time. I will say that tires wear out faster, due to AWD, but outside of that and the pathetically weak front cup holders I am glad with my decision. If you do a lot of highway driving this car is a pleasure to drive.

• 

  Can you really go wrong with this truck? - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chris R - December 27 - 2:10 pm

  I have the SR5 model of this truck. I really would have liked a manual transmission but that was only available with the short bed crew cab. The transmission shifts smoothly but does seem to hunt in lower gears. The brakes are spongy as others have noted, but you will learn to adapt to them quickly. Very comfortable interior--very car like; but make no mistake, this is a truck through and through and will handle the road well when the pavement ends; I live on a washboard dirt road out in the sticks. Quite a bit pricier than the domestics but it will hold its resale and it will last. I know. I still have an 86 Toyota pickup that runs great. If you can afford to do so, buy one.

• 

  2009 Matrix get a 1.8 engine not a 2.4 - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Dude - December 27 - 1:56 pm

  The Matrix 2009 is a great looker but terrible on gas mileage maybe 17 if I am lucky. If you drive like a old man at 55 maybe get 20. I screwed up and wanted power and bought the 2.4 engine instead of the 1.8 . With a 2.4 the gas goes down these fuel injectors like its no tomorrow. Its really a shame I picked a gas guzzler and it doesnt look like a SUV.

• 

  Poor Build Quality - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By schweizer - December 27 - 7:33 am

  Bought my Camry new and now have just over 70k miles on it. Has been religiously serviced and pampered. Issues with paint. Chips easy, rusts easy(in spots where there is no chips). Leaks through the driver side air bag when washed. Cars interior is noisy. Sounds like a ball bearing is rolling through the dash. On the passenger side it sounds as if the engine isnt even shielded and we get an airy high pitch noise coming into the cabin. Dash rattles in places. No thigh support in the seats. Have replaced several bulbs, front, rear lights etc. Dash control lights are out on a couple(Ive heard of other complaints about this). All issues came about within the first couple of years.

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ed Parans - December 26 - 3:46 pm

  I got my 1st 4 runner in 1995, my 2nd in 2000. This year I decided to upgrade into something more luxurious. I still wanted the room so a crossover was out of the question.I tried the MDX and the RX 330 and was left feeling dissapointed. They were nice enough inside but did not feel right. When I test drove a limited 4 runner, I got the best of both worlds. A great , reliable SUV in the mountains and pretty sweet ride when we head downtown.

• 

  Hot Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Adrian - December 26 - 1:30 am

  This is my first Toyota, had a Nissan Altima 2.5S. The Camry by far is a better overall car. I love the 93hp more and the extra torque. This is an awesome car, cant get enough driving around. Now my commute to work is too short.

• 

  Luvin it!! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By ladalyjaz - December 26 - 12:50 am

  Although I only just purchased the SR5 model, I love it! I previously had an 01 Explorer - what a difference. The handling is much better and I cant believe that is doesnt feel truckish. So far I seem to be getting really good fuel mileage. I repeat, love this SUV!

• 

  Best Luxury Car from Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jane - December 25 - 11:10 pm

  I will highly recommend this car as it is fun to drive, powerful, and very reliable. I will personally rate it 4.8/5. Whoever plans to buy this 2005 model will see that his/her money has not gone in waste.

• 

  Blew a Head Gasket at 85,000 miles. - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By shannon2257 - December 25 - 10:52 pm

  Bought this car new. I am a "little old lady" driver. A few weeks ago at 85,000 miles this car blew a head gasket which the repair shop believes this also ruined the oxygen sensors. 4000.00 repair bill. Needless to say, I am HIGHLY disappointed in my car. Additionally, the front driver seat is not very comfortable. I can feel the springs through it. Probably will not be getting another Toyota.

• 

  2011 RAV4 4X4 4-cylinder - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By windman3 - December 25 - 8:36 pm

  Ive had my 11 RAV4 for 2 1/2 months. There are many things about this vehicle that I like, but two things that I really dislike: first, the gas mileage is less than what I expected. It will give me 27 mpg on the freeway--but only if I keep my speed under 70. If I go 75 the mileage drops to 26 mpg. If I go 80, it drops to 25. City driving it gives me 22. The other issue I have with this vehicle: the seat is set as far back as it will go and I still cannot stretch out my legs. (Im 58"). This isnt an issue driving locally, but out on the freeway the seating position Im forced to maintain gets old fast. If I had to do it over I would not have purchased this vehicle.