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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  Cant stop this Camry. - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Rhymin Hieman - September 8 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this car used when it had 94,000 miles on it. It now has 164,000. It is the first Toyota I have owned and I would buy another one again without a second thought. I add between 600 and 700 more miles to the odometer every week and havent done anything other than regular maintenance; fluid changes, brakes, shocks and tires. It is a 5 speed, so it maybe feels a little sportier than your grandpas Camry might. It is not the sports car my ego desires, but my practical side relishes its reliability and economy. Who could ask for anything more? Oh what a feeling!

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  S AWD - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Steven - September 7 - 4:03 am

  Driving experience is fun for a crossover AWD vehicle. Ride is fairly smooth and build quality seems good other than a crackle and pop here and there. The car has ample power for a 158 hp 4 cylinder with all wheel drive, especially when driven in 3rd. Has plenty of room in it and versatility. The car has good looks inside and out, and definitely doesnt blend in with the ugly looks of some of its competitors. The dash layout is very nice and sporty looking, and is easy on the eyes.

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  I used to be a Honda girl - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Julie - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would buy a Toyota, but so far, I only have 2000 mile, I love this car. Its luxury for me, the comfort, beefy look and power are fantastic. I hope it keeps me happy for many years. More than I wanted to spend, mpg could be better.

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  Reliable and Versatile. - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By pmerk28 - September 6 - 10:01 am

  The internet brings out all the strange reviewers: people claiming horrible experiences and people who use this forum to complain about the dealers instead of the actual product. I have had this car new since August 2005. As of this writing it now has 190,000 miles. There are hard Long lsland, NY miles. The radiator finally rotted out. Is this unreasonable? The lift gate shocks failed at around 150,000 miles. I ordered a pair online for well under $100.00 and installed them in 10 mins. Mileage is very good for a huge vehicle. I still get 18 mpg city and 22 or so on the highway. The exhaust system is still all original. Nothing leaks. No problems with the sliding doors so far.

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  A Little Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ray - September 5 - 5:46 am

  After having owned several toyotas in the past Im somewhat disappointed. 1) Idle indictates only around 600 rpm; however vehicle lunges and you find yourself "riding" the brakes. This is especially uneasy in stop and go traffic. 2) Brakes have a "spongy feel" and require a lot brake pedal force. 3) When driving with hand on the automatic transmission shift lever, centrifugal force when making a right turn will cause the shift lever to move from the "D" (drive) to "4" (gear) automatically. 4) Seat position is too low. No adjustment. 5) Steering wheel radio controls designed top/bottom (together) rather than left/right (separated). This causes you to take your eyes of road to use controls.

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  Changing driving habits - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John Schneider - September 5 - 1:50 am

  The most rmearkable thing about the Prius is the changes it creates in my dirving habits. With the computer read out giving mpg and speed information, I am much more aware of driving at maximum efficiency, rather than focusing on getting someplace in a period of time. I arrive much more relaxed and satsfied that I have minimized my fuel consumption.

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  So far so good - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By lomspolo - September 4 - 9:10 pm

  Second time I have purchased a Toyota, other vehicle is an 03 Avalon. Ride is smooth as silk. A/C blows ice cold. This car is geared towards comfort. Transmission shifts smoothly. Gas mileage is great have just under 1,000 miles and so far averaging 23-25 mpg with more city than highway usage.

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  a true keeper - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By praiznhym4ever - September 4 - 7:26 pm

  I bought my 94 corolla DX back in 07, my aunt was going to buy a brand new camery and the dealership was only going to give her $1,400 on trade for her corolla. me at the time was driving a 99 kia sportage wich when i bought it i really thought it was a very nice looking suv. but thats all that was good about my sportage. it was a money pit! so I bought this corroalla from my aunt wich she had bought this car brand new. it only had like 104,000 miles on it and like 14 yrs old at the time. and @187,000 and no plans of trade in no leaks uses no oil how ever i did change the oil from reg. 10-30 to 10-30 synthetic blend. great car not afraid to take it anywhere.

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  Good Commuter car - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By barc77 - September 4 - 2:33 pm

  Have owned this Corolla S for 7 years, purchased new. The car is very reliable, always starts, and runs good with 76,000 miles. Only had scheduled maintenance done so far, except for a broken vent (covered under warranty). The car eats brakes, they have always felt soft, and the rear drums never seemed to self adjust. It also eats tires, and always pulls left even after being aligned. Gas mileage is 25-30 MPG city, and gets close to the advertised 40 MPG straight highway driving. It does well with a small amount of snow 1-3 inches. Not a lot of power, especially with A/C on, and no room in the rear seat. Overall a very good, reliable commuter car. I would buy from Toyota again.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By fanatic - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Great family vehicle for urban adventure. Good vehicle size. Great fit and finish. Comfortable ride for a truck platform based SUV. Great paint. Fair sound system. Love the dual AC with climate control. Sturdy well- built. Topnotch quality. Safe vehicle. But not perfect. See improvement suggestions.