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 ride quality for truck based SUV. - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tyler - September 4 - 9:48 pm

  I shopped the 4Runner against a G. Cherokee (unattractive/low quality interior), Pathfinder (superb ride quality but felt too much like a car - CVT transmission also a no-go - google Nissan and CVT and see what I mean), and Explorer (a little bland) and the 4Runner won out for superior styling, fit and finish, and third row seat. Ive had it since August of 2014 (~15k mi.) with no significant problems. I did have to have the navigation system program updated by the dealer who performed this service free of charge and promptly. It has ample power (I rarely tow but it is up for the job), decent acceleration and relatively good fuel economy for a SUV. I average just over 18 mpg in largely city/suburb driving but it doesnt go up much on the highway if you have a heavy foot in particular. Mine is two wheel drive but Id take it anywhere any other 2wd in the class may venture and then some. Good ground clearance (running boards are suggested if for looks if nothing else) and traction control performs well in light off road duty. Sharp truck. I was also sold on safety when my wife pulled across the path of a police dodge charger with push bar and under 2k miles and the impact totaled it but not her 2010 Highlander that were it not for a busted radiator and blown tire probably could have been driven away.

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  Better than my Corvette and turns heads - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By OVER - September 4 - 2:36 pm

  This vehicle is beautiful, quiet, smart looking, very enjoyable to ride... and a sound system that is 2nd to none. While I could use another 50 horse power, the vehicle is very responsive, and fuel effecient... compared to my big Block 8 cyclinder chevy. I would put door guards on to prevent door dents... but the color is bright RED, and the interior is quality. I love to drive it... and so does my wife.

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  Disappointed with Highlander - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By kraley - September 4 - 4:06 am

  Purchased the Highlander about 2 weeks ago and ready to trade it in already. Vehicle makes a weird, rattling/vibrating noise when accelerating from a hard stop. Doesnt go away til you pass 40 mph. Interior visibilitily at night difficult. Cant see buttons etc. well. Worst of all, there are no A/C vents in second row. Passengers sitting in the back row are totally dependent on front seat passengers for A/C vent control. This means front row passengers freeze so that the back seat passengers are getting enough air. This is such a basic oversight I cant believe I spent over $31K for this vehicle.

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  My Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Lexie - September 3 - 11:20 pm

  Id recommend the Matrix to anyone, for one, the AWD is fantastic (I live in Upstate NY and the AWD was spectacular this winter), even with the AWD, I average 32 mpg. I love the 60/40 split seat, and the hatchback room is impressive. What is also great is that the front passanger seat folds into a desk which is great if you are porting your laptop (which can be powered by the AC outlet in the dash). Everywhere I go, I get compliments on my car.

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  1st Toyota - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By zotos - September 3 - 11:10 pm

  This is my first Toyota. I drove the 07 Camry, but I found the LE Corolla to be more my fit. I love the looks, I love the economy and I love the price. You could get more with other vehicles, but I bought this for the reliability and name. Not disappointed yet.

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  Slug! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By John - September 3 - 6:06 pm

  I bought this car for my daughter. I purchased it for its size and safety features. Its built well and am sure it will have the reliability that Toyota is known for.

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  No Doubt! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CAMODO - September 3 - 3:10 pm

  I have owned 2 Fords, 4 Chevys and a Toyota and this is the best truck I have owned to date. It is stupid fast and shifts smooth as butter. Mileage is about 15 in the city. My only compaint would be it is a little hard to get into and rides a little on the stiff side for a 1/2 ton. Brakes, comfort, tranny, motor and initial quality is near perfect!

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  The Good Bad and Ugly - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Judy Limburg - September 3 - 7:00 am

  We bought our 2009 Toyota Camry XLE in the winter of 2012 with 30,000 miles on it. We now have 77,500 miles on it. We are a bit disappointed at the amount of work weve had to do on it . . . we had to have the fuel pump replaced. The struts were next. New tires and, if memory serves me, a new battery as well. And now the ABS module is on the fritz. Fortunately, the first two repairs were under warranty. But, of course, as soon as our warranty runs out, we have the MAJOR expense of the ABS module to deal with. Its at the dealership now being diagnosed. We are anticipating a repair cost of $2000 or so. Not fun. The good - the car is comfortable, reliable (mostly) and gets good gas mileage. The bad - the repairs weve had to do. When you buy a car at a reputable dealership, you dont anticipate having such major repairs to make. The ugly - the $2,000 we will most likely be stuck with when we get the call from the dealership later today.

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  Great little Car! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By gran1 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive only driven big vehicles and when we moved to the country, I had to re- think my gas mileage. I decided to "get as good as I could get" and that was a Prius. I hate little cars that make you feel like youre in a little car. This one doesnt!! Its great! Rides great and very comfortable! And will run like a scalded dog when I need the power to pass. Im very pleased with this car. I still miss my 4Runner, but I love the mileage in my Prius!

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  Toyota Tacoma 2000 - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By jonnebony - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I love our Tacoma this is the second one we have owned, out first Tacoma was a 1997 Tacoma Single Cab, EXCELLENT!! But sold it to upgrade to a newer and "bigger" one, well at least we needed the extended cab. But I have nothing bad to say about this vehicle, it runs and is a great looking TRUCK!!