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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  Meets most of my needs - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Up-the-River - May 13 - 8:20 am

  My Matrix XR replaced a Honda driven 10 yr, 250k and loved. I have yet to develop same affection for Matrix. After 10k it seems reliable, functional, economical, fun to drive. 5 sp shift is smooth but has a unique click sound each shift. Some design features are at times inconvenient or annoying. Visibility out side and back suffers. Front and rear seat headrests are always in way, same for body/roof posts. Warning signal for unbuckled seatbelts is loud, obnoxious. Why all the noise when passenger unbuckles to remove coat or briefcase or box is on passenger seat? And panic button on the key fob is horribly designed. How many times have I accidentally set it off? Please dont ask my neighbors!

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  Now I grin when gas prices go up! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By SlyMinnesota - May 13 - 7:33 am

  Outstanding car! Ive become a fanatic about driving to get the best mileage. We have 1600 miles on our new red hybrid. We took a 450 mile trip on the interstate at 65 mph and got 38 mpg. Came home on a state hwy at 57 mph and got 43.8 mpg! I drove the whole 9 hours necause I didnt want anyone to ruin the mileage I was achieving. Key to getting this great mileage: the sweet spot is 57 mph, coast up to stop signs and shift into regenerative braking (B) when you have to slow down (it slows you down, recharges battery and saves your brakes), accelerate steadily up to speed then ease off the gas to drop back to great mileage and use the cruise control. It is fun to work at it.

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  Like my older Camry better - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JohnL - May 13 - 3:40 am

  My 02 Camry 4 cyl LE had a smoother and quieter engine. The 07 constantly downshifts when in cruise on the interstate and is annoying. There are also hesitation problems. I still like the car and the reliability, but my old Camry definitely had the better engine even with 170,000 miles on it.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By loco local - May 12 - 4:03 pm

  I bought this car new and now have 134,000 miles on it. I have not had a minutes trouble with it. I have had oil changes at 3000 mi. and do take care of it. It still has the original exhaust system and I replaced the battery last winter for the first time because I thought I was pushing my luck. I keep thinking I should replace it, but its like owning a "free" car.

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  Oldie but goodie but not for us "oldies"! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By KJW - May 12 - 8:39 am

  The passenger does not have full power front seat as the driver does. Very important to have the power lumbar and to raise the seat up! And we do NOT want 3rd row. Make an option for bench seat and only seats 5! Then we would have purchased. We chose the FORD Edge Titanium because it has the features we need!!!!!

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  My RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Tom Cordio - May 12 - 7:38 am

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  Its A Toyota! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Richard A. Klein - May 12 - 5:10 am

  Its a Toyota...of course, its good! I absolutely love my S...traded in a Camry and like the S better. It is easier to get in and out than the Camry.Our local dealership was great also and really worked hard to get me a great deal...along with the extended warranty...and protection package. Since we also have a Highlander, we didnt need a big car....just something to get me back and forth to the office. This car is more than I could have ever imagined for the price.

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  Best vehicle in the world! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By P.J. - May 12 - 12:53 am

  I bought this truck in 1998 with 30,000 miles on it. It now has an unbelievable 217,000 miles! Not once have I had a single engine problem with it. The only problem I have had is with the power antenna which had to be replaced twice but works fine now. The power rear window and wiper recently stoped working but look at the age of the vehicle too. The only thing I dont like about this truck is the ride. Way too harsh over bad roads and still isnt that great on newly-paved roads. My 4Runner is an SR5 Limited 4WD. I have never seen another one of this trim level. I love my truck! I will buy Toyota/Lexus for the rest of my life!

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  Very Solid Family Hauler - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Maddog - May 11 - 10:43 pm

  I believe the Sequoia is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is great for the family, work, and vacations. very reliable and a pleasure to drive.

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  Best car for normal consumer - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Jim W - May 11 - 10:26 pm

  I love my 08 Prius, I have over 215,000 miles on the car, I purchased it with 168,000. While many of these reviews come from folks that have owned the car for a short time, I am Credit Union Autobroker in Portland OR and have owned and sold over 300 of Prius. These cars in my opinion are the most reliable car a normal consumer can buy. I get about 45 to 47 for my crazy all around mileage, and tend to drive it pretty hard. No timing belt, just change the oil and drive. Front brake pads, last forever, most of your braking if your normal, comes from the regenerating braking system. Have seen FB pads go well over 100K miles. I love these cars and give them 5 stars...my wife stole a V which is the wagon, and not given it back...she love it. My daughter is in Phoenix driving an 08 Touring model... Simply the best little rigs you can own. Jan / 2018 still driving this car...and still loving it..