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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  Too many problems - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By blondie - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car loaded in August of 2001 for $24,000, currently have 13,000 miles. Have had it in the shop three times. Rear brakes replaced twice, fuel gauge and sending unit replaced. Now have brake problem in front and have problems with the CD player going into error mode. I am not happy with this car at all. Car is now starting to develop rattles. Poor power, fair gas mileage and a bit noisy. Ive owned Toyotas, Hondas and Mazadas, this car is the worst by far.

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  My Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Schotts631 - September 5 - 11:46 am

  I bought this truck new in 2002 and besides a replaced power steering pump (under warranty) I have had no mechanical issues. Toyota quality is second to none. Only gripes I have is the placement of the clock, and a jittery ride over bad pavement, and mediocre gas mileage (18 mpg avg.) but hey, its a truck. Stock tires were crap and after replacing them with bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos the handling improved greatly. This truck has never let me down, and Ill probably have it forever. Its still as solid as the day I drove it off the lot. It always pays to have a great pickup.

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  Great for zipping around town - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sharon devenney - September 4 - 11:50 pm

  I might not want to go on a long trip in it, but it is great getting around town, especially when trying to avoid the interstates. Parking is a breeze anywhere downtown.

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  Good, Dependable SUV - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By RSL - September 4 - 5:13 am

  I bought this vehicle in August 1998 and have put over 113,000 miles on it since then. Overall, it has been a reliable SUV. The fit and finish are still excellent after 8 years of ownership. Mechanically, the car has been virtually maintenance free. My only significant complaints are the stereo and the power antenna. I had the stereo replaced 3 separate times. The power antenna was replaced twice. Gas mileage averages about 15 in the city and 20 on the highway. Power is only adequate. I still get compliments on this vehicle 8+ years later. The paint and overall look still is appealing. I would highly recommend this SUV to anyone looking for a highly reliable SUV.

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  Good little car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Mike St-Pierre - September 3 - 12:26 pm

  Good little car, only a couple small complaints. The fan belt squeaks in damp weather (replaced it twice). And the rear tires seem to wear down very fast. Very easy to get in or out,large cargo area. Fuel mileage not too bad. Getting about 33 mpg on highway.

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  Teenage Owner/Driver Review - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By H2J - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I did not consider buying this car a week before I actually purchased it. I am a Nissan fan myself and originally wanted an 03 Maxima or the new Altima SL. Considering the prices and quality/reliability, I decided to go with the Camry. Toyota has a better record of producing reliable cars and my SE was about $4K cheaper than the SL. My parents have the base LE and there are signifant differences between them that I can not stand driving the LE. The Accord was another good choice, but I liked the styling better on the Camry. SE was also cheaper than the V6 Accord.

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  Second Corolla - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris - September 3 - 8:30 am

  After being hit by a 18 wheeler, and surviving, I decided to replace my totaled 2008 Corolla CE with a 2010 Corolla LE. So far, I am very satisfied with the new Corolla. It feels roomier and more comfortable than the 08 Corolla and has more creature comforts. I have not noticed any of the steering issues that other have complained about, and the build quality is fantastic. I do suggest getting the dealer installed body molding, it makes the car look better and provides protection from door dings. Finally, I got a great deal on the car with zero percent interest.

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  Great car; questionable mileage claims - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By scott_k - September 3 - 12:14 am

  Love the comfort and surprisingly peppy engine (outside of eco mode). Controls are ok, certainly better than our Lexus hybrid with the mouse set-up. Nice and quiet; handles well for a luxury car. Nice design and lines; much more modern than all previous Avalons. Have just 1,800 miles on the car, but dont ever approach 40 or 50 MPG as some reviewers have. I suggest you do the math, and not believe the car calculations. Heated seats heat up quickly and hot; and I like the ease of the climate control system. Stereo is average.

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  2016 prius eco - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By rob weis - September 1 - 4:35 pm

  With the eco trim. No spare tire. Guess I have to watch tire condition to avoid tire problems or keep AAA on speed dial if I have a tire problem

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  One Year with the AWD Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By mick - September 1 - 9:03 am

  I have 15500 miles after one year with the 2004 AWD Matrix. No mechanical problems. I am located in the upper midwest so AWD in the winter is a big deal. Winter came and I had no problems. Summer time I have a boat so we are on the water and at the beach a lot. It is a great beach car. I average about 31 mpg on the highway and 21-24 mpg in town. For a 4-wheel drive, that is as good as it gets. Zippy and nimble in town. Comfortable on long trips. Needs more low-end tourque. Big hills can be an issue.