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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  Mixed Feelings - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Kathleen - April 5 - 12:30 am

  I bought my 09 in July and already have over 9000 miles on it. Gas mileage, the main reason I bought it, is GREAT. It drives well too. I am upset with the Dealer market $ add-on and having to add all the extras, too. I added cruise control, leather, tinted windows, tow hitch, up graded rear view mirror, up graded radio. I wanted power seats, but they werent available. I think Toyota needs to improve the quality and comfort.

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  The reliable, lovable 2007 Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By nargrakhan - April 4 - 11:07 pm

  This was the first car Ive personally owned, bought for a flat 13k from the local Toyota dealer. Its been in my possession for exactly seven years, and currently just under 59k miles. I always got an oil change every 5000 miles. Changed tires and engine tune up at 50k. Let me state she NEVER fails me. Be it flooding downpours, heavy snowfalls or gusting hurricanes: the car always pulled through like a champion. Been hit twice at low speeds (once in the front and once in the rear), but after a quick trip to the bodyshop she runs perfect. Both incidents only caused cosmetic bumper damage, as the car itself is far more rugged than she looks. She has spunk. She has spirit. I love her!

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  Bullet Proof - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By MtnRoad - April 4 - 2:19 pm

  I purchased a used 1999 Toyota Corolla LE with a 1.8L 4spd automatic trans w/ OD in 2014 with approx 150,000 miles on it. It had been well taken care of by the previous owner, and I continued the same maintenance with regular oil changes, etc. I took it to Riverview Toyota in Mesa, AZ for my regular maintenance and they never fleeced me or recommended anything other than the oil changes and other regular maintenance. The brake pads were kind of making a slow grind and I took it into Riverview and they were honest and told me the previous owner didnt install ceramic brake pads (at a non Toyota shop) and the grind was nothing, dont worry about it they said keep driving it and ignore the non-ceramic brake pad sound (they could have lied and charged me for new brakes but they didnt). I only mention the dealership because the honest service I got from the manufacturer was half the experience of owning this car. THIS MODEL IS BULLET PROOF!!! It ran perfectly, was quick in city and highway driving, and had a smooth ride, and the seats were pretty comfortable and like new. The engine uses a timing chain so no need to worry about timing belts coming apart and causing damage. As you know, timing chains typically outlast the life of a car. I never had any problems with a/c, power windows, locks, or other stuff either. The trunk is pretty spacious and the rear seats fold down to extend the cargo capacity with a opening to the trunk. This is the little car that keeps going and going. I just sold it to a neighbor with 180k on it and he loves it too. If there was anything I could complain about it would be the low profile and it is hard to get in and out for larger / taller people. Rock chips on the front were pretty bad and it appears the paint doesnt hold up well over the years but my car was white so it didnt look bad at all. I put a cheap $30 "pleather" bra on the front and it looked pretty good. If you want a reliable car that will start every time, this is the car. I would drive this car to Alaska and back, no problem. Gas mileage in this car is awesome too. I would buy another one, and recommend this car to anyone.

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  Takes a Licking-keeps on ticking - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By You Got it TOYota - April 4 - 5:10 am

  We got this little toyota 99 le 4 door from a party that had got it from a salvage yard. At 72k miles it got hit on the pass. quarter panel, trunk, and rear bumper. It was repaired, you cant even tell it was ever in an accident. It drives like a dream, and dont have to tell you that 30+ mpg is excellent these days. So not only is it a great car, but it can take a hit. Esp. since it has side and front air bags in the le model...Go for it, Toyota !!1

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  my4runner - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Robert Hohlt - April 3 - 9:46 am

  Bought mine second hand at CarMax. Love its all around usefulness plus the confidence that the wife and kids are safe driving it. Have had brakes, many batteries, starter, belts and hoses, wipers and tires replaced since bought.

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  Solid and fun SUV - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By NLEditor - April 2 - 2:50 pm

  Went from G35 to Highlander Sport 4WD - big change, but surprisingly a nice transition. More pickup and power than I thought it would have, nice ride (although coming from a sport car, a little too soft, especially steering feel). My kids like the 2nd row capt. chairs, and Im glad the 3rd row folds flat - hauled home a 46" LCD TV, no problem!

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  Altered Matrix Does The Trick - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By bob2k3 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  My Matrix is a base model. It was sold with 17" rims and sticky radials. I added hi-perf lowering springs, beefy rear sway bar, front tie bar, a cold air induction kit, and a cat back exhaust. These upgrades have put a nice wide smile on my face. The only complaint I have with the Matrix is the odd clutch engagement. It takes way too much throttle and clutch slippage for a decent launch from a standing stop. Once launched Im quite happy with the performance. The Matrix is a joy in the twisties. Braking is great, body roll almost non-existent. If Toyota added these upgradess from the factory it would sell more Matrixs, Im certain of it.

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  Best SUV Ever? - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Barry Bumm - April 1 - 9:33 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 98,000 miles. It has been a machine! Routine maintenance, tires, brakes,and the timing belt and water pump replaced at 100,000 and 200,000 miles. Electric antenna has gone out twice. This has been hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned. Gas mileage with V-8 has been 18 avg with 23 on interstate. Great off road as well. I will miss this as I am handing it off to my daughter as she heads to college. Im sure it will have a good time too!

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  2001 Toyota Prius - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By jmarr - March 31 - 10:00 am

  What first hooked me on this vehicle is when the salesman moved the car forward and backward with no engine sound. The 2nd thing is the cars ability to go up into the mountains on I-70 from Denver to the Eisentower Tunnel while maintaining the speed limit and carrying 4 people. I had one problem, a faulty accelerator sensor. Have had no problems since. Gas mileage is below the quoted amount - Overall mileage averaging @ 41 mph.

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  Great Mom Who Looks Single SUV - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Former Camry Lover - March 31 - 10:00 am

  It was a shock after I bought it because I was used to the comfort of a Camry; however, after driving it for a weekend, I fell in love with it. Now my daughter looks forward to riding in it and it is just too much fun to drive!