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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  2004 Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Rick - February 28 - 10:13 pm

  Another excellent Toyota product. I owned a 2000 corolla and the 2004 adds a bit more sportiness to the equation. It handles better and is a bit more refined than its predecessor. Mileage is still excellent and power from the engine is above average for its class. Overall I am very happy with this car.

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  Almost Worth The Wait - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jack - February 28 - 9:50 pm

  After researching both large and small trucks for the last few years, the decision came down to the Tundra because of its build quality and price. Overall the truck is great. Great to drive, really comfortable and very quiet. Ive only had a minor problem with the brake light sensor keeping the brake lights on. Im extremely disappointed in the gas mileage, 12 in town and 15 on the road (its only a 2WD). I would have been happy with 16/18. Makes me wonder how this may affect the engine over time. Got 20 years out of my last truck, but Im not sure yet how this Tundra will fare over time.

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  Got Clutch? - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Got Clutch? - February 27 - 2:30 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for about 9 months, put 10600 miles on it so far. And just lost my clutch. Luckily my friend with a ram was following me and could tow me to a safe place. Im disappointed. EXTREMELY! I had a rav4 before this which had the tranny drop in it. I just figured it was the luck of buying a used car. I bought new this time in hopes that it would be more dependable... not so much. I take long trips and take my truck off road. I cant be breaking down in the middle of no where when i dont have reception. I would suggest the tacoma... but good luck.

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  almost perfect - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mencken - February 27 - 10:16 am

  I have had the vehicle for over six months now, and it is flawlessly executed, and easy to drive smoothly, even if it never hides its size. But there is a glaring flaw that might get me to return it when the lease is over: Cargo space. You buy a big vehicle like this if you have a big family, so the third row is always in use. Cargo space is minuscule behind that row, barely a foot of floor, with the seatback angling back, taking away space as you move up. If the vehicle were 18 inches longer, all of it in the trunk, it would be perfect for its mission.

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  Beware of Body Integrity - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By zachsgah - February 26 - 9:46 pm

  Ive had my Toyota for 8 months and the paint is chipping . Dealer wont do anything about it. Its up to the Toyota rep. Also, I am very disappointed in the mpg. Im lucky if I get 32 mpg and I drive more than the speed limit. Since the mileage was the main reason for purchasing the vehicle, Im sorry I bought it. The ride isnt the greatest, but I can live with it. I cant live with a vehicle that is 8 months old that has paint issues nor the mpg for a hybrid.

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  Prius C Three with Navigation - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By merlinl - February 26 - 9:14 pm

  We went to the dealer prepared to buy the Prius C One with no extra features. We also had a TrueCar certificate for the One. We test-drove the Three and then quickly realize the features that would be missing on the One. The price difference was about $2k and being the 4th of July weekend and all other incentives we went for it. We still bought it cheaper than buying just the One on a regular day. Thanks Toyota!

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  Prius C Three with Navigation - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By merlinl - February 26 - 9:14 pm

  We went to the dealer prepared to buy the Prius C One with no extra features. We also had a TrueCar certificate for the One. We test-drove the Three and then quickly realize the features that would be missing on the One. The price difference was about $2k and being the 4th of July weekend and all other incentives we went for it. We still bought it cheaper than buying just the One on a regular day. Thanks Toyota!

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  Good All Around Car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Landric - February 26 - 12:16 pm

  I bought this car new in 06. I traded my 02 Mazda Protege ES in on it when the Mazda had 115000 miles (trouble free). I got the automatic because I was living in a high traffic volume area where its less fun to drive a manual. I got the base model with power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise, etc. Its a great looking car with lots of interior space and a mostly well thought out interior. Ride is smooth, nice driving position, clear gauges, etc. Im at 90k now & I need to trade it on a minivan because I cant fit a rear facing child seat behind me & still have enough space to drive (twins!). The throttle body went at 70K (covered by extended warranty) and the CD died at 80k.

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  Love this Car! - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Christy - February 26 - 6:20 am

  We bought this car used and honestly have had no problems with it. It now has 130,000 miles on it and all we have had to do is the standard maintenance. I love the roominess (I have two small children and lots of stuff to haul!) and the way it rides is outstanding. The turning radius is spectacular for an SUV, even better than my hubbys sedan. I plan on keeping this car for as long as possible.

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  Wildest car Ive ever owned - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ana - February 26 - 1:03 am

  I LOOOOOVE this car! Its beautiful to look at, great stability in the driving, outrageous pick up... just cant say enough about how pleased I am.... so far