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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  2009 Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By gowron67 - April 29 - 5:35 am

  Purchased in Nov 2009 and for the most part have loved the vechicle. AWD in the snow and ice on the city streets has been excellent. Transmission did have to be replaced at 16,000 km. Gas milage not great but expected with a V6 and AWD.

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  Best Little Car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By rickolano - April 29 - 2:14 am

  The car aint sexy, it isnt good for Christmas shopping cause boxes dont fit in it like a 26" TV nor in the trunk. BUT BUT BUT>... Its the most reliable car Ive ever had. I have owned Chrysler New Yorker, VW Jetta, Ford Capri, Ford Mustang, and Ford Pinto. This has outlasted all of them and cost the least in all areas. At just over 100,000 miles I had to replace the two drive belts, flush the radiator and transmission (never done before now). Easy to change your own oil and spark plugs. On my 3rd set of tires. Now a low droning humm indicates I need a rear wheel bearings replaced. Gas mileage is awesome and I wont give this car up nor sell it. The cost to own is just too damn reasonable

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - April 28 - 9:56 am

  I purchased the car new two years ago and have put 55,000 miles on it. The car is equipped with the 6 disc CD player and sunroof. Mechanically, the car is flawless. It has not been in the shop once, no rattles, adjustments or repairs. Longest road trip was 8 hrs - this is not a luxury sedan but not too bad (Im 6). I drive in Texas and the air cond. keeps up fine in 100+ degree summer days. I commute about 100 hwy miles a day roundtrip and get 33-34 mpg. Maxed at 36 mpg on the 8 hr roadtrip (upper 90s temp and air on the whole way). The only thing I would change is adding a telescoping steering wheel, the driving position is awkward.

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  Good but not great - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By RaymundoIrvan - April 27 - 12:00 am

  The Toyota Tundra is a relatively good truck, the 5.7 is powerful and the 6 speed auto is excellent. It is very quiet and roomy and quite comfortable, however it does have its drawbacks. The climate controls and radio controls are hard to reach. The side walls of the bed are too tall making it hard to reach things in the bed. The gauges are too deep making it difficult to get good info quickly. Bottomline is that once the competition adopts a bigger engine and a new 6 speed auto the Tundra will not have anything to brag about. It is a good truck but I would prefer a F-150 or a Silverado anyday.

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  205,000 Miles and Doing Great - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Flyover Land - April 26 - 4:03 pm

  As a traveling sales rep I put a lot of miles on a vehicle. I also like to keep my vehicles until they are either no longer reliable or require repairs that exceed the value of the car. This van has been an excellent companion. I purchased it used with about 45,000 on it. I am now over 205,000 and it is running fine. The ride comfort and utility can not be beat. So far I have put 1 set of brakes and two sets of tires although one of these are winter tires mounted on steel rims. The only item that is a concern is the power sliding door. at about 150K the passenger side cable broke. I understand this is common in these years. I have not fixed it and I may not.

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  excellent vehicle for my purpose - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By radar17 - April 26 - 11:34 am

  I bought a 2013 Prius new, largely to drive on country roads with an annual cross-country trip. Vehicle currently has 40,000+ miles on it with zero problems. On the cross county trips I stick to the freeways and it stays above 70 all day long and fully loaded with luggage, average about 48mpg (unless big head wind) as measured by fuel used. Around home I consistently average above 50mpg. Impressive amount of interior space for size of vehicle. Before buying I checked with several taxi drivers who told me they often see Prius cabs with over 300,000 miles on them with no major problems. Im 62" @ 210. Plenty of leg room. Very happy with car and would buy again.

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  A GOOD AUTOMOBILE - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By jacknhill - April 25 - 8:57 pm

  The 2015 AWD RAV4 XLE I got is a good car, has a sound system that cranks and 3 months free XM/SIRIUS radio and free maintenance for 25,000 miles.PLUS the 6 speed transmission is factory sealed and never needs to be checked.The deal I got was good as I traded in a 2013 CRV.The XLE w/17" alloy wheel are sharp but did not come with locks,WHAT?The 65,000 Michelin Latitude Tour tires are a must have as well.Comfort is great,ride is smooth and 24 MPG is good enough for now that the price of gas has dropped 50%.The running boards and trailer hitch and harness made the deal I got a darn good one,and no one else could beat it.Sport mode/econ mode/regular mode offer variable performance too.GOOD CAR!

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  Hoped for more - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Emma - April 25 - 2:53 pm

  I shopped for months for a new car & picked the Camry. I originally loved it. I thought great mileage & I loved the look of the new Camry. Now I am second guessing myself. Terrible mileage!! 23 mpg in the city & tranny seems sluggish or hesitant. Some of the thing inside seem cheap. If I had known then what I know now I would have bought an H3. If Im going to get mileage this bad I may as well look good doing it.

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  Love my Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By roatd - April 25 - 10:00 am

  First SUV I have ever purchased. Glad I did. More room that expected and rides smoother than the Land Cruiser. Braking is a little soft but then again its a big vehicle.

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  To drive it is to love it. - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By ex-jetta gal - April 25 - 10:00 am

  When I first saw commericals for the Matrix, I thought, "God, what an ugly car." Then I got inside one. Wow. The seats are so cushy, the dash is so fun and so bright, and the car feels so spacious. Even my tall friends seem to have plenty of room. Also, the car is loaded with little storage cubbies and power outlets. The clutch is very easy to ride, and the overall ride of the car is very smooth. Lots of compliments... this car has a little something to appeal to everyone. Plenty of space to tote around all my junk. Great price and gas mileage to boot.