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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  A very nice truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By EvilTwin - March 27 - 7:43 am

  This is my second Toyota truck, the first was a t100 that I should never have gotten rid of. The T was as reliable as it could be. When that truck was in an accident, I decided to replace it with an f150, what a bad choice. I finally after 3 years went back to a Tundra. Its a very nice truck, very smooth and solid, great build quality. So far my only complaints are: Mileage: only about 16 Stereo sound: No depth to the sound, a common problem on Tundras and this has the upgraded sound system. This is a good truck for people that need the capability of a full size pickup but dont want to be beaten to death by the ride of a ford.

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  Slightly Disappointed - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Sasha - March 26 - 1:40 pm

  First, I think Corollas are overpriced for being as bare bone as they are. Second concern is the quality. 1) Interior - I hear rattling noises every time the car goes over a small bump. Drivers seat is not stable in its position - keeps sliding back/forth when accelerating/braking. I already see the panels that cover side airbags begin getting unglued. 2) Brakes - very poor quality. I drive very carefully and I almost got into a couple of accidents since the time a bought the car. 3) Gas mileage - I do not get more than 25 mph driving in the city. I drove for almost 900 miles and I still see no improvements. 4) Low-beam lights are too dim to drive at night. There is a recall on that

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  Well, it is 15 years old - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By BSS - March 24 - 11:30 pm

  I got my Camry w/low mileage in 2002, & currently it has 117,000 mi. After just replacing cv jt, the starter went out. I knew it was leaking a little oil & power steering fluid--but it turns out I shouldve had those checked first. Water pump, timing belt, entire power steering system, & valve cover gasket all on their way out. I dont expect even a Toyota to run forever, but this is at 117,000 mi. I dont skip oil changes, & am not that hard on cars--tho I didnt realize how serious a pwr steering leak can be. Overall its been pretty reliable--just hate its all going at once. Im trying Honda next.

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  Maybe not too Thrilling but does the job - 2012 Toyota Matrix
  By drsuzuki - March 23 - 2:01 am

  Purchase my Matrix in May . Have about 2000km on it now . I am uninspired.... no excitement with this car . I am not saying I am disapointed with the car it seems big enough , sturdy enough, the milage is no screaming hell but acceptable consider i used to drive a one ton ford 5.4l truck. The car is eaisy for large people to get into including the back seat the roof racks haul alot of weight but sit to far back on the car to be really use full you will have a hard time puting on a ski box on the roof with stock racks. Lacks adjustment on the intermittent wipers (no settable delay feature). Interior color is light grey and stains with a touch

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  Works For Me - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dick - March 22 - 10:36 pm

  I rented at Portland OR and drove the twisty steep hills of the scenic coastal route south to CA and then to Medford OR. I told my wife over and over how nice it handled (owned 2 MGs and presently a 09 Malibu). I didnt thrash the engine but downshifted the automatic on steep hills and drove it briskly in the turns. I had lots of starts and stops and some city and averaged 32+ MPG. No steering wander and well controlled on bumps and swells. A nice car. Cant believe the bad reviews by Edmunds and other experts and public alike?

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  Best truck Ive ever had....Minus the transmission - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Patrick - March 22 - 5:29 pm

  This has been a great truck as far as handling, 4 wheeling, and the amenities inside the cab. My biggest complaint with it is that it spends way too much time gear searching. Especially on the freeway. If this rig was a manual, it would be a 5 star rig across the board. It has sufficient acceleration off the line, but as son as you get to about 30-35 MPH it lugs down. It seems to be geared toward fuel conservation. There is an option called the ECT(electronically controlled transmission) that you can push to eliminate some of that. But it still shifts up way too fast. I just bought it 3 weeks ago so Im still getting used to it. Everything else about it is great. If you dont mind lousy gas mileage you can always use the ECT. However the combined fuel mileage has not been anywhere near 22.5. Its more like 17.5 city, and 20.5 highway. Time at the pump sucks, but the rest of the truck makes it totally worth it.

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  First Foreign Car Buy a Disappointment - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By KB - March 21 - 8:16 pm

  After all of the great reviews on here and on Consumer Reports for Toyota, I was really excited to buy the new RAV4 Limited, my first foreign car. Im not sure Id do it again if I knew a few things in advance - Im 61" tall and I need 1 or 2 more inches of driver side leg room, headlights dont turn on automatically and the electric outlet only works when car is on. Also, the acceleration is excellent, but the transmission doesnt seem to know how to accommodate it from a stop; my tires squeal too easily... and Im not a stranger to good acceleration.

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  Not Bad at all - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By cstulz - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased 30 days ago. Had minor problems with dash installation. Biggest issue with automatic is the idle speed. Dealer says it can be adjusted slightly through computer chip. Overall, I am very happy with the build quality and performance for the price paid. Also have a 98 4Runner V6 with 104,000 miles.

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  Love my car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Dr. Vince - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Luxury car at a reasonable price. Only complaint--23 mpg in town, though its rated about 29. Cant figure out why.

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  Great Truck, Great Value - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Doccruz - March 21 - 1:50 am

  I love this truck, its a true Toyota. I cant wait to go off road. The V-8 is awesome and smooth as glass.