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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  Great Mileage - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By sidelinedude - September 13 - 9:24 am

  Bought the car because we are downsizing in our lives. Went from a Silverado HD pickup getting 16 mpg to the Prius V to get the great mileage & have some room for hauling stuff. It fits the bill on both counts. Currently averaging 45 mpg & have gotten as high as 54 mpg. Pretty good ride for a small car. The fit & finish are excellent as is expected from Toyota. I would sacrifice a couple of mpgs for electric adjustable seats & a more adjustable steering wheel. Toyota really dropped the ball on driver comfort with the V. Would also like to be able to adjust the Smart Key locking features without having to take it to the dealer. Overall, the car has met our expectations.

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  Another Great Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By arjay - September 13 - 2:36 am

  This is my second Camry, trading in my 97 after driving it 179000 trouble- free miles. The 06 is much more refined - smoother, quieter and more comfortable seats. Beautiful, tasteful interior.

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  Cost Cutting? - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By OOMPA - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We finally got our new 03 SR5 Sequoia. We did not think it would ever arrive, especially since we ordered it over 5 months back. We formerly owned a 2001 Chevy Tahoe. Wow, what a big improvement over that clunk. We were a bit disappointed with all the dealer gouging on this particular model. If you want the Sequoia, you will pay a small premium. The engine is smooth and torquey and the ride is quiet. We especially like the dealer installed TRD supercharger and the power rear hatch window. The Engine compartment is also well laid out and very spacious.

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  Its a Toyota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By odelrio - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck, sturdier and more power than the Nissan and Ford counterparts. 6 yrs and 68k miles later, I have no regrets spending a little more for a Toyota. I expect this truck to be in the family for years to come. If I were to find flaw in anything it would be the stock goodyear tires (rear traction in the wet was very difficult) and the ride is a bit too harsh for my liking (typical truck ride).

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  Watch the wind. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Davkuy - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a Toyota in the past, and felt comfortable buying another, after having owned a 99 Neon. I bought a stylish looking 03 Corolla, and was not disapointed... Until I drove it home. I commute 164 miles a day round trip on a highway that is quite windy year round. I hit a wind gust of about 35 and it blew me a lane over. Holding onto the wheel (which could be a foot closer to the driver) was a white knucled affair. Ordinarily this wouldnt be a problem, but putting 50000 miles a year on it, I need it to feel right. Unfortunately I had to return it and get my old car back. The car is just too tall for its wheelbase.

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  This is only my view - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By krissy - September 12 - 1:43 am

  Performance and Reliability are perfect and it looks great, but I have found the Interior Design to be poor, the color is very light, the seating is not at all comfortable, the sound system vibrates in the seats when turned up. If youre packing to go away and you fill up the back, it blocks the radio reception because the antenna is on the back side window, so bring some CDs. Some more of the things I have found not to like is on the stick shift, 3rd is next to drive (same link) so you have to always remember to push it into drive or youll always drive in third. Finally the third row of seating has no floor space for your feet, it is flat. Other then that its Fun to Drive.

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  A cowboy car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Bearcat - September 11 - 10:00 pm

  I didnt know what I was getting into buying a used high performance car. The shift/clutch was so difficult I had to go back and get lessons from a mechanic (after 42 years of driving stick). Then I had to get new brakes and new tires (costing twice as much as for a standard Matrix), because the previous owner in Jersey had apparently driven fast and slammed on the brakes a lot. I am concerned that in the not-too-distant future Ill be forced to replace the clutch to the tune of $700. So even though its cute and fun to drive, Im seriously considering turning it in on a "regular" (not sporty) Matrix.

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  Wrong engine choice - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By FBC - September 11 - 8:43 am

  This is my first Toyota. The Camry is a great deal for the money, but this engine does not perfom at all. The transmission is weak, you need to think twice before jumping into traffic. Sometimes when you push on the gas the car doesnt accelerate. I get 24/26 MPG, driving 80% highway at 75. I love the design, I really regret the engine. I tested the hybrid but I had the same feeling regarding the performance. Everyday driving is different from the 30 minute test drive.

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  over all a very solid SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By sonny - September 10 - 8:16 am

  The SUV has so so interior, but overall the build is very solid, typical TOYOTA quality. I have also looked at Honda Pilot, although also a very solid SUV, the build quality did not seem to be as solid as the Highlander. My previous car was a 2001 IS300 and the Highlander, SUV class, is more comfortable and quiet. The JVC stereo is great and the control buttons on the steering wheel are easy to use, although I can reach the stereo with my right hand easily. The third row seats are meant for two kids or a 6’ tall person for a short trip. I longest trip I have done so far was a three hours (one-way) trip and I was not tired at all. If the gas price remain high, I may switch to Hybrid model.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Doug - September 9 - 7:53 pm

  Excellently designed vehicle, great (like every toyota I have ever driven) interior design. Dont believe the 60 MPG, around town I nominally get 50 during summer, and 45+ during winter, on the road drop that a mile or two.