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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  Nice SUV but poor Performance - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By B George - November 9 - 4:42 pm

  I own this SUV since Feb 2017. I had own 2010 highlander and decided to go for new. Worst decision. The performance is extremely poor on 8 speed gear box. The vehicle is hesitant to start or accelerate from a stop signal, people will overtake you and look you like what the f*** you are doing. RPM goes all the way to 5000 still the car doesnt move. I heard about a new software released from Toyota for this issue and updated it, slight improvement but I hate it. Vehicle is stalling at lower gear and too quick gear change. I was really surprised Toyota is releasing a car with such worst transmission. I like everything else about this car, but whats the use when the heart of the vehicle is a failure. I am thinking of selling this car. I definitely think, the transmission issue would be really slow down highlander sales. Please be aware before you purchase.....

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  Boring Car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Bxx - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Very Boring vehicle , terrible get up and go, not advatised gas milage...

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  2005 sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By jrodgers - November 4 - 1:40 pm

  Very comfortable drivers seat. Have a back problem and traded in my 4Runner on the Sequoia. Big! Lots of room! Gas guzzler, but that is to be expected. Reverse detent not easy to get into. Gear shift on the steering column not a plus. Terrible turning radius. Excessive idle speed for about three to five minutes when first started. Could prove dangerous. Vibration at 30-50 mph when climbing a gently hill.Feels like a missfire, but the dealer here said all is ok. Park distance warning a must for this vehicle. Tires seem to lose pressure more quickly than other I have had. Have tire press. monitor system.

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  Toyota 2000 - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By John Zhang - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I leased Corolla 2000, now is near expire. I like Corolla and I am planning to return the leased one and buy another new Corolla 2002. It is reliable and economic especially for me communiting 50 mile per day.

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  U cannot judge with one bad experience - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Guest - October 30 - 5:53 pm

  How can u beleive the car sales guy. I think this vehicle is an excellent city ride and freeway ride and good off-road ride with 4X4.

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  Poor Fit and Finish - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Ed - October 30 - 5:00 pm

  I had a Sienna before this Matrix. The Sienna was the best vehicle I ever owned. I cant say the same for the Matrix. The first 6,000 miles were great, no problems. Then it got cold and the noises started. There was an air leak on the drivers window, the dash made noises, and it sounded like the windshield is going to fall out. Finally, the strut on the hatch failed. The dealer could not fix anything and they even made the problems worse. Toyota said they could not make the dealer fix the car, so now I have to make a several hour trip to get the car fixed somewhere else. I wish I would have bought a Honda!

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  Hindsight is 20/20 - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Kim - October 29 - 5:20 pm

  I hate the hesitation that happens when you need to take off quickly. I was told that this is only a second hesitation and that it seems longer than it really is that it has something to do with the way the engines are made now. I hate the crazy blind blind spots. Not very roomy inside. Really scary and the tight space causes angst. Constant vibration in steering as though the wheels are out of balance (Toyota always says its the road) they "balance" it for $$$ and send me down the road - - still vibrating. Was told that they retain their value, but so far this is WAY wrong. Owe at this point $19K and highest offer has been $10K!! Never, never again.

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  I got rid of it! - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Kana - October 28 - 2:50 pm

  I purchased Corolla on the basis of staunch quality history. Unfortunately, I got nothing but issues. No Kidding! Here they are: Exhaust manifold flange gasket, all 4 power window motors, rear engine main seal, instrument cluster lights went out, inner tie rod, and huge vibration at 65mph. Yes, the car never got me stuck on the road, but I think Ill stick with other more reliable quality vehicles out there.

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  Corolla CE with Enhanced Convenience Pkg - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Micheal - October 24 - 3:06 pm

  Corolla is quiet, smooth, pleasant. This car is not really designed for tall people, and people of average-and- above girth. Im 62" and 180 pounds; the leg space is acceptable (just so- so), but my left elbow is passed the door elbow rest, with the seat all the way back; the seat cushion is too narrow - its side bolsters dig into my behind, making longer drives very uncomfortable. There is no lumbar support. The steering wheel telescopes and tilts, which is good. Controls are logically placed, simple, and easy to operate. Amber back-lighting of the instrument panel looks great, but the red needles badly crash with it. The stereo system sounds very basic.

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  20 Mpg City is unacceptable. - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By wmacgavin - October 24 - 3:36 am

  Beautiful Inside and Out. Fun to drive, great ride. Excellent interior and exterior design. The 20mpg in the city for my typical soccer mom wife is unacceptable. Let see if the fabled Toyota Engineering department can figure out what the problem is? I assume that unless a Factory Toyota Engineer gets involved it will be 3 trips and out for this beautiful lemon.