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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  Run flat tires - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By oscar3cat - August 4 - 9:06 pm

  Do not buy any Toyota with run flat tires. You do not get a spare tire you get a harsh ride and short tire life there is no place to put a spare tire. Replacement run flat tires are very expensive !

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By mike - August 4 - 7:50 am

  My wifes vehicle, she loves it. Looked at Honda CRV, no comparison. RAV is much sturdier and roomier. Great utility, Camry reliability, pretty good gas mileage (for SUV its great) and lots of room. I cant imagine a more space efficient vehicle. Takes me a while to find a comfortable seating position for a long drive - Im 62". Wife is 53", says the RAV is even more comfortable than my Camry for her. Swing-out back door is a little awkward at times, but you get used to it. Tire pressure sensor is a pain at times (cold weather), but you can disable it. Overall, weve had the RAV 15 months, couldnt be happier.

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  this one is almost dead but my bad - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By jste - August 3 - 2:00 am

  i sold this car to my mom in 95 and bought it from her after it was run over by a truck and rebuilt in 98 it only had 120000 miles on it when i traded it in for a 2000 camry le v6 i got 2000 trade, i am sure who ever gets it next will fix it and get another 120000 miles it run rough but i never took care just time belt and oil.

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  Squeeky - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By stew - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We love this van except for the squeeky brakes ,we have taken it back to the dealer numbers of times ,but they say they are OK.The cruise control tends to accelerate to much. Power door is touchy.

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  Not too shabby - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By karatekid099 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  My dad got this car for me for about 1k under invoice, which makes this car an absolute steal. Got the sport plus package, adding good looks. Performance isnt spectacular but it is suitable for everyday use. The interior appealed to me much more than the Sentra did to me. Overall, its not too shabby.

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  My TRD.. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rick Respicio - August 2 - 8:00 pm

  Maybe you’re wondering why such an odd- looking SUV became my next toy after driving a 2006 Range Rover Sport Supercharged. Rather than choosing another luxury SUV, I went for something different – the total opposite! A bare bones waterproofed scuba suit-covered seating, Rubbermaid flooring w/ all-weather cargo mats & an interior w/ a harmonious blend of nylon, plastic, rubber & metal. Only 3,200 TRD units were made & I was fortunate enough to have #100. I was always fond of the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) team since childhood & this was one way of driving one of their latest creations, just wished I could do it at the Baja but nevertheless, it is fun to drive anywhere.

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  Matrix 08--so far so good - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By matrixdriver - August 1 - 4:13 am

  I needed the most fuel efficient car I could find that could still carry a bunch of stuff. There were some good hybrid options, but they were too pricey and Im unsure about the battery technology. So, I checked out the Matrix, Fit, and Mazda 3. They are all good cars that would have worked, but I went with the Matrix because I got a pretty good price, got a long warranty, and it had all the features I needed. Had a little more space than the Fit and was more comfortable in the driving position. I was also hoping to have something very reliable, and Toyota along with the Corolla this is based on, seemed perfect. 23,000 miles in it still seems like the right choice.

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  too early to give accurate review - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By tom - July 31 - 6:07 pm

  have the car about 1 month- i believe most people will be satisfied- i think it looks good, has a nice interior for its class and was reasonably priced- it seems to me it is truly a car that is really not a luxury car but is also a step up from the ordinary

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  I love my Matrix! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By WeatheringC - July 31 - 11:06 am

  I had a little Honda before I bought my Matrix. When it came time to purchase a new car I had a tall list of things I wanted. I wanted to get my skis in the back, the ability load it up and haul things, and great gas mileage was essential since I was making an 800 mile round trip at least once a month. The Matrix was the only car to satisfy all those needs. I looked for a month before I found a hard to find used Matrix in my area! As soon as I test drove it I knew it was the car to get. The enginering of the interior is exceptional and makes it very versatile. I show it off to everyone. Its enginered well and the styling is classic. I love my Matrix!

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  A bunch of 4s - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By billiebad - July 31 - 10:43 am

  1500 miles and three weeks since purchase. Black with Terra Cotta - I like the interior colors versus all black. Just finished a road trip. Milage since purchase 26.8 - estimate highway at close to published 29. It is not a race car but I knew that. Wanted the range of milage we are getting. Enjoy the wide storage in the rear. Better than competition. Front seat comfort is good - visibility is good using mirrors. Interior style is appealing. Challenges - none of which would change my decision. No Homelink - even in Limited trim. Didnt realize and would like. No rain sensing wipers - spoiled with this on another vehicle - and had a very rainy road trip.