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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  The good the bad and the ulgy - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By Knute Strander - December 21 - 10:00 am

  The good: comfortable ride very quiet no rattles the bad: too much black in interior too much front end rake. I have to drive with bright lights on because front end is too low. I will have to install leveling kit. Other manufactures have trucks are level. Get with it Toyota. The ugly: 4.6L 17 mpg on hwy. @ 70 mph

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  Excellent 2011 Sienna - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By steve - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased Sienna from Fremont Toyota with $1000 lower than the invoice price through corresponding e-mails. The newly designed 2011 Sienna has enough room fitting a 6 Ft body comfortably. I had my head banging on the door frame in 2010 Sienna. 2011 Sienna has lots of power with very fast and smooth acceleration. It drives solid with sharp turns. Bluetooth in the car functions very well. People canÂ’t tell IÂ’m using the speaker phone while driving on freeway. 2011 Sienna is very quiet on freeway. The two- step rear separate seats up-down is very lovely. Satellite radio is excellent, clear with high fidelity. All the designs are going through thoughtful process. I can even compare 2011 Sienna

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  Navigation deliberately crippled - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By captpayne - December 20 - 8:41 pm

  Know that you will still need to have your garmin on your dash. Many of the Navigation systems features wont work unless you STOP THE VEHICLE. I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED IF I HAD KNOWN THIS. BEWARE. Also, the engine turns off at stop lights. This feature must be disabled EVERY TIME YOU START THE CAR. IT CANNOT BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED. THIS VEHICLE HAS TOO MANY NANNY FEATURES THAT CANNOT BE TURNED OFF. Update, 8-7-2017 The vehicle is now 4 months old. The radio/navigation system died today, 6 days before we are to drive the car to Florida for a vacation we have planned all year. The dealership says the entire radio and nav display must be replaced and the parts wont be available for 3 weeks. They gave me a national number for Toyota. They said to go to different Toyota dealerships to see if the parts are available there. They said the dealerships dont share parts. I bought the platinum service agreement and a 6 year prepaid maintenance plan; all apparently worthless. I deeply regret buying a Toyota. It is a mistake I will never make again. I will trade in this garbage as soon as I am financially able to do so.

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  Great Truck - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By donwe3 - December 20 - 5:13 pm

  I bought the vehicle used with 105000 miles, it now has 122000. Built like a tank, very reliable and sturdy. Not a spot of rust anywhere except on the rear bumper (see other reviews) – nothing major though – clean it every few months with chrome polish and it’s hardly noticeable. Put new Michelin CrossTerrain tires on it, which perform very well and are extremely quiet. Also installed a K&N air filter, which increased power noticeably. Otherwise, have done nothing to it besides change the oil (synthetic blend). Based on other reviews and the way its run the last 18 months, I would be very surprised if it doesnt go to at least 250000 miles.

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  Retired - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kai Nielsen - December 20 - 2:26 pm

  Absolute reliable car and easy to get in and out of,never had any problem with the car.

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  Super Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Blazer - December 20 - 12:53 pm

  The V6 engine is way more powerful than the average driver needs, but I love it! The acceleration is incredible. Handling on the SE is much better than the weaker LE suspensions.

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  Wow - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By dman777 - December 20 - 8:35 am

  I just bought a 2013 Corolla S loaded. I am still in the high from it. I can tell you that thing is nice! Its not a boring ride at all. I have plenty of power for traffic maneuvering. I love how it has a luxury ride feel and how spaciousness the cabin is. I think it looks very cool and hip...especially at night. Not plain like some others say. This thing is sharp on the outside also...very sporty. I really made a wise decision buying this. Not only is it cool and stylish, but it will last many years to come thanks to Toyotas quality. I wish I had a garage to preserve it.

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  Could be better. - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By CJ - December 20 - 6:20 am

  Had a 93 Corolla. Decided to buy a Matrix based on experience w/ Toyota. This is a typical Toyota, very well built, drives fine. Driver legroom is not good, Im 6-0. Right leg has very little room between the dash and center console. Drivers seat is very uncomfortable. I seem to fall to the right side in it. Hope it just needs breaking in but fear otherwise. Odometer/trip meter cycles with small button behind wheel that you cant push while driving. Cant see both trip/odo @ same time. I like to always see the odo. Air controls badly placed behind shifter. Cargo cover chintzy. Forced to buy cargo pad as none standard, cargo will shift w/out one. Based on legroom & seat comfort may not keep car very long.

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  Perfect Commuter Car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Arlene - December 20 - 1:10 am

  I really like this little commuter car that my husband bought for me. He drives it occasionally, and is 6 feet tall, and we both find the interior very roomy. We love the fact that it gets double the mileage compared to our Maxima. Its cute and fun to drive. Its nice that the floor in the rear is not divided so its comfortable for three rear passengers. We rented a Prius in California and loved it, but we live in the snow belt and the Corolla actually gets better mileage when you factor in winter driving conditions.

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  2007 Yaris 4-door Sedan - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By KbJay - December 19 - 7:33 pm

  A cute, basic car. I got it for the gas mileage, as I was looking for something comparable to my old Echo (poor thing was totalled last month). Its relatively inexpensive in comparison to its counterparts on the market. The interior design needs improvement here and there, but it drives smoothly.