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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  Toyota does not stand by its owners - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Dabear - July 22 - 3:20 pm

  I have owned the car and it was a great fun car could ignore the minor problems such as a defective battery in the first week and minor fit and finish problems. After 3 years and 37k my clutch went and looking on the internet I found out that 03 and 04 Matrix have hundreds of reported problems with early failure of transmissions.BTW,many of those posts are on the Edmunds forums Toyota has refused to acknowledge there is a problem Now at 79K I find the clutch and transmission is going All my previous standards have gone over 100k

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  TRD Double Cab Off Road 6 bed Review - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave Visse - July 22 - 6:28 am

  This is my first Tacoma, and I purchased it based on reputation for durability and strong resale. After 800 miles consisting of commuting, couple trips to Mt. Hood for skiing along with some light duty hauling, I would recommend this truck. The Pros: Off-road ability, there is just no other "off the shelf" mid size with this trucks capability and although I have yet to challenge the truck, i am looking forward to it. The cabin is excellent with simple switch gear, dials and easy to read gauges. The tech package, with the 7" nav/audio system is fantastic. Easy to use and intuitive, it puts my fathers Jeep Grand Cherokee infotainment system to shame. (still trying to figure that one out!). And the other big "Pro" for me is the quiet ride. The engineers really made the cab a nice and quiet place where you can have a conversation or listen to music in a nice acoustic atmosphere. The Cons: The 6 speed tranny is constantly on the hunt....its annoying and Toyota should address it. The Power ETC button....WTF Toyota? Its as if the engineers knew the FI mapping was all wrong so they settled with a "Power ETC" button which seems to remap the fuel delivery to give more power???? Im clearly speculating here, but the point is dont have a button for "power etc"...just give us the damn power. Lastly, its true on the front seat....very limited adjustment. Make sure you take a good long test drive and you are happy with the seat. For me, the seat is quite good, so it wasnt a deal killer, but I do understand the complaints out there on the lack of adjust ability. In the end, every car/truck/SUV I have owned over the years has some compromise, so does this truck. However, overall I am quite pleased with the truck,and I really enjoy driving it. It will haul my dirt bikes, get me to the mountain skiing, and I have zero concerns of driving it right onto the beach and not getting stuck....and in the end, this is why I purchased it.....to use it....and again, what truck in this class can do it better?

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  Hate a perfectly good car! - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By ally123sport - July 22 - 5:33 am

  I bought a 2013 Camry. I and all passengers bump our heads on the handle bar above the seats in all seats. I am only 53 so it is not a height issue. Can not put a baby seat in back seat and put anybody but a short person in the drivers or passengers side upfront because of the length of the vehicle. Do not like entune navigation system! Everytime I plug up my phone to charge, it starts itunes with the very first song alphabetically on my playlist. Research shows this can not be fixed. I have to fumble on the touchscreen to turn it off and back on the radio. If you turn of the entune bluetooth for the itune issue you cant make calls obviously. Seat adjustment is also excessively slow!

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  I am so very happy with our choice!!!!!! - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Wines - July 22 - 1:43 am

  We spent many months studying what was available in full-size sedans (I wanted a Cadillac). After 18 months of ownership, we are so pleased about our beautiful Avalon! We get compliments all the time. We live in mountains, but still maintain mid-20 mpg; a road trip easily gets us 35 mpg! I get the comfort of a Cadillac, but for considerably less cost, and definitely better mpg! Im still not sold on leather upholstery, but that is just me. We would recommend this car to anyone looking for a full size car: beauty, great gas mileage, comfort, luxury feel but for less money; A great car!!!!

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  BRAKES A PROBLEM - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By TEVA - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Brake vibration has been a problem.Rotors replaced pads replaced(three times).Dealer was going to start charging me til I found a service memo about this problem from TOYOTA at this site.

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  High Expectations Shot Down - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By krell - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I was completely surprised that after 10,000 miles there were noticeable problems. The service technician misdiagnosed the problem as a bad power steering pump only to find the true problem being a bad pulley that caused the power steering problem. On the 2nd attempt to fix the problem a new ticking noise in the engine started and I am currently waiting for yet another diagnosis. I drive approx. 30,000 mi per yr, have owned this vehicle for 6 mos, and I am disappointed in these problems so early in my ownership. Luckily it’s under warranty – it is just a pain to have to be w/o a vehicle while waiting for repairs.

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  08 Yaris - everything I wanted - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - July 19 - 12:40 pm

  I wanted a reliable, fuel efficient vehicle to get me to work, store, etc. This is it. Ive had this car 10 months, put 16K miles on it, and it hasnt given me an ounce of trouble. On an average tank of gas, combination of highway/town, I get between 39-41mpg. I run 80mph on the interstate with plenty left, handles great. The dash in the middle takes getting used to, and the corner posts are too thick, impeding vision, especially backing out of a parking place, I would like to see a tach, temp gauges. Besides that, this car is great. No regrets.

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  No Complaints - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By peakcoach - July 18 - 10:03 am

  My 2004 Highlander has 170,000 miles on it, is running strong, and not one problem This vehicle has served me well. Only general maintenance like fluid flushes, filter replacements and tire replacements.

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  Great Vehicle/ Questioable Price. - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By G .A .H. - July 18 - 10:00 am

  Loved it but,If I new That just driving a new one off the lot automatically dropped the value of the vehicle to 25,000 or less.I would have searched and found one a year old and would not have spent more than 23,000.Shame on Toyota for ruining yet another lifetime customer. P.S. Im still going to keep my old toy trucks though. Must have had real engineers (or not Harvard,or Yale). You get the point.

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  My Matrix Design Saved My Life - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By staylor80 - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Martix for its carrying capacity & for my dog. BUT, it was destroyed two days ago in a 5 car collision. I was rear ended 3 times at 55 mph, & struck pick up in front of me. I walked away with minor injuries. EMS & police all commented on the quality of how the vehicle stood up under that assault and the EC nurses were amazed. So, I will be replacing it with a new 2010 model later this week with NO hesitation. The only thing is, Im looking for way to keep cargo contents from flying around in a crash (things too big for the net that came with the car).