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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  Happy Overall - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Central Connecticut - June 14 - 2:36 pm

  I purchased my truck (used) to replace a well-worn full size pickup. It was my hope to buy a smaller truck, and still enjoy the higher ride, spacious cabin, and load-carrying capacity of my old truck, but with better fuel economy. Im very satisfied on the first two points, but less so on the load-carrying and fuel economy. When this truck is loaded to capacity, the rear springs are almost bottomed out. And the fuel economy is only slightly better than a full size truck. Overall, though, Im quite happy. Its handling is stiff and glued to the road, like a sports car, but comfortable on long trips. And even for a tall person, the seating and controls are very satisfactory.

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  A Lot of Car. AWD Rides Hard. - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Missy P - June 14 - 12:20 pm

  Purchased June, 2010--driven ~ 700 miles. Upsized from RAV4, which I loved but outgrew. The 2011 feels like this is A LOT of car to drive. We owned a "99 Sienna and its a completely different car -- much heavier. Not sure if due to AWD/run flats, but please test drive AWD/ compare to FWD + Odyssey. I am/was loyal Toyota customer, loved my 99 Sienna and wanted AWD--did not test drive AWD only FWD, and am now regretting. Not smart. Ride feels hard, bumpy,noisy -- especially over roads with bumps (many). Is this the AWD? All 2011? Not sure--and too late for me--but tune into this when you test drive. Also front VERY low to ground--be careful! Only getting 16 MPG city-if that-not good.

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  The Ultimate SUV - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Frank M. Jr - June 13 - 11:26 am

  Traded In 2004 BMW X5 for first Toyota Landcruiser and could not be happier. The Landcruiser is much bigger and roomier. Interior room is spacious and comfortable and build quality is excellent. Fuel economy is fair, but this is expected with a vehicle of this size and weight. The Landcruiser rides and handles exceptionally well for a large SUV. The ride is smooth and comfortable and even more enjoyable on long trips. The cabin is full of driver amenities and the vehicle is built with quality and Toyota reliability. The 275 HP engine is smooth and responsive. Love the Bluetooth capability. Satellite radio is an option that should come standard for the price of this SUV. The best SUV.

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  Sandy - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By sandydianna - June 13 - 10:00 am

  truck runs well color black with cloth

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  A Fatal Flaw - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jere - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Matrix HR would be my choice of an all around vehicle, but for one serious flaw - poor visibility of the instrument panel during daylight hours in bright sunlight, or when wearing sunglasses. This is not a minor flaw, as having to squint, stare, remove sunglasses, or attempt to shade the instruments from the sun is a dangerous safety hazard. Driver attention is diverted from the road for far too long to be safe. Oil and water malfuctions can ruin an engine if not seen in time. The bottom line is that the function of an instrument panel is defeated if it cannot be seen in a quick glance by the driver.

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  class but poor execution - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By ronj - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Looks good; fun to drive. Yet there seems to have been a rush to go from the interior design to the finished product. I have never had a new car with so many rattles. The CD unit rattles in the dashboard. The plastic "window" in front of the odometer rattles. The worst is a constant metal rattling above the front passenger window. I have had this back to the dealer 3 times, and they have disassembled the door frame but have not been able to stop the constant rattling. Without this problem I would be a very satisfied customer, but it continues to be daily frustrating!

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  Reliability - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By eric frasier - June 13 - 6:18 am

  Buy a Corolla for its reliability. Yes there are cars in this class that will give you better handling and a smoother ride, but this car will provide worry free transportation well over 250,000 miles.

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  Something different - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By GaryL - June 12 - 6:40 am

  Overall, a wonderful vehicle. I like: gas mileage, ride comfort, hatchback storage, reliability, price. Handling & performance are good, not great. Dont like: digital odometer, gauges, controls and LCD panel that substitutes for these; complexity of built-in GPS (buy a free-standing one); a too small gas fill pipe; complexity of rear-view mirror, which doesnt open my garage door, as advertised; bar across rear window that limits visibility; occasionally HAL (the computer) gets confused about when to turn the engine on and when to turn it off; Id prefer a handbrake instead of a footbrake. Its easy to leave the car on when leaving it - remember push "off."

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  5 Years and 186,000 Miles Later... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By robertx - June 11 - 1:15 pm

  Purchased new in September 2006 to replace a 1999 Camry LE V6 with 225,000 miles on it that I had purchased used. Ive replaced the brakes once (will need to replace again soon), the struts once, the battery last month, and changed the oil every 7 to 10,000 miles. Ive not had a single problem otherwise (except when a deer ran into it a couple years ago). Not a very exciting car, but a comfortable and reliable one.

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  8.5 yr. review - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By hborgaonkar - June 10 - 3:08 pm

  After 8.5 yrs and 87000 miles the van has been very reliable. apart from regular maintainance, we havent done anything to it. we did a 3000 mile trip west with 7 people last summer and got 35 mpg. apart from a rust spot on the right door, the van looks new inside out. My wife told me that when we are ready replace it, we will get another Sienna.