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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  Good All Around Vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By patagoniaguy2 - May 23 - 11:08 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 8 months ago and it had 159,000 miles, it now has 170,000. Overall it has been a great vehicle. The ride is very smooth and the 4 wheel drive has been great. Since I purchased it I have had to have somethings fixed. The exhaust manifolds on the 2003-2009 4Runners have an issue with leaking. I had them replaced with an aftermarket part, and that so far has resolved that issue. I noticed the radiator leaking on the left hand side, and had that replaced. I will have to have the rearend rebuilt since I am starting to hear a whining noise.

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  Major Exhuast & Emission Problem - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Major Exhaust prob.. - May 23 - 5:33 pm

  I have already taken my 08 Toy. 4Runner 5 times to 3 different Toyota dealerships for service... theyve changed my catalytic converter and I still have a problem with my exhaust and emission system of this car. When I drive it in the highway in the speeds of 60 MPH and faster I get a real STRONG and HEAVY sulfuric and ammonia scent entering inside of the vehicle which gives me a headache and bothers my newborn baby. I basically cannot drive this automobile with my windows down!!! Toyota service is the worst that Ive ever seen!!!

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  Tailgate woes - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Dan Young - May 23 - 5:20 pm

  Beware loading tailgates on new crewcabs. I loaded 12 yard blocks for retaining walls (16# each) on the tailgate and crawled in the back to move them forward. This action pushed an internal tailgate beam sandwiched between inner and outer panels out. The movement made four very obvious reverse dimples on the outside of the tailgate. Toyota factory reps. said I had overloaded the tailgate and offered no resolution. I found no tailgate load rating in the owners manual. This tailgate is a new taller design for the crewcabs due to Sequoia based frame and body according to the factory reps. Tundras are not truck material in my opinion. Factory service needs improvement. No more Toyota trucks.

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  Best Car I ever bought - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By melgoodman77 - May 23 - 4:06 pm

  I am sorry they dont make these cars anymore. I just totaled mine after 202,000 miles. This car never had any major issues except the sunroof started leaking. Very reliable. I hate my new car and wish I could buy a new celica.

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  Long Live the Highlander! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By doubleo - May 23 - 12:10 pm

  Compared the 08 Highlander Limited with every SUV on the market, and overall it was the hands down winner. Awesome looks, excellent power, cavernous interior (a real third row seat for two 64" adults), best overall MPG for comparable SUVs, and an awesome vehicle to drive. This is my first SUV and I may never drive a car again! I just keep looking for reasons to get in it and drive.

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  Decent car - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By norcal prius - May 23 - 4:10 am

  Bought this car at 75K miles, now have 115K miles on it. During this time, all the car has needed is gas, tires and oil changes. Only problem encountered is when I start the car, if I have the AC or Defrost on high, the gas engine sometimes conks out and I get the "triangle" warning. I turn off the car, wait a minute and then it is fine, triangle is gone.

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  You cant be told what the Matrix is - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Teebone - May 23 - 4:00 am

  Ive had this car for a week and I dont want to get out of it! I held out for the 2.4L Matrix and it was well worth the wait. Handles great, corners great, steering is a bit numb but the acceleration more than makes up for it. The 4-wheel independent suspension and 18" rims sold me for the XRS model... a real head-turner. This car is the sportiest thing a 63" driver can fit in and still have some resemblance of a back seat left. Getting in and out is a bit snug but once you find your settings it fells like you are part of the car. Vehicle Stability Control does make a noticeable difference. IÂ’ve been too excited to calculate MPG yet but all other features have lived up to the spec sheet.

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  The Swiss Army Knive of SUVs - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dan in Texas - May 23 - 2:53 am

  This is the second Sequoia I have owned, and I could not be more pleased. My first one had 135,000 miles on it, looked and drove like new when traded. I now have 75,000 miles on the 2006, and have NEVER had a service call for any reason. I am meticulous about care and maintenance, but zero issues in 200,000 miles says it all. This one has the captains chairs in the back and DVD, which are the ultimate peacemaker on long trips. Elegant enough for two couples out on the town, yet yank the seats and its a Home Depot special. Have I mentioned I love this thing?

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  Still going... - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Wendy - May 23 - 1:53 am

  Ive had my LE for almost 8 years now. It has over 118k on it and its still going. I bought the car for its cute, sporty look(I added the rear spoiler and moon roof). I liked the price and its fuel efficiency. My next car will definitely be a Toyota.

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  Hit the nail on the head - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By A Real Toyota Truck - May 23 - 1:06 am

  For all the previous tries by Toyota, this is a dead center bullseye to what I was looking for in a truck. Ive owned two Fords and three GM trucks. Nothing Ive owned compares to the power and performance of this new Toyota. The 5.7 and a light foot (which is admittedly hard to do) actually make for a not so thirsty beast. The center console is huge. In my opinion, the interior design, however, is not tops in the segment as the GM trucks have the nicest interiors. Toyota has too many different shades and types of plastics on the dash. Fit and finish is as youd expect a Toyota to be, top notch. However I have noticed a dash rattle from the a pillar on some roads. A true fullsize.