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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  Did I get a lemon? - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jim - March 27 - 4:03 am

  Ive been looking forward to getting this truck for some time. I am pleased with a lot of it except the automatic transmission. Been told that Toyota is "looking at the problem". It hangs at 1000 and 2000 Rpms - and the engine continues to race harder and harder but it doesnt pick up speed or shift. Very disappointing.

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  DO NOT BUY NAVIGATION SYSTEM - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By nj_jd - March 25 - 7:34 am

  We like the seinna in general. Its comfortable, best driving minivan we tested. Lots of space. What we dont like is the navigation system is one of the worst Ive ever used. Its voice entry is slow and error prone, its display is cluttered and hard to get what is important, it is hard to follow in a city with close turns. Its just bad. My $100 garmin is much better. Not only did I spend 15x that for this system, but they also take out the XM capable radio to do it. Other complaints are gas mileage is only 18-21, the heated seats dont let you turn on back vs legs, and in general the seats are not as comfortable as I would expect in this class. And the tires are expensive!

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  Best little car for the money! - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Leedia C. Macomber - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This little car offered more than I ever expected. Although it was a CE it had many of the power features of the fancier priced models. A big, roomy package at a small price! It definitely moves out on the highway where I do most of my driving, but the milage was always 36-40 mpg. Overall, if not an A+, it still gets an A. I just bought my second one after nearly three satisfied years! GREAT car for the money!

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  Wish I had my 1992 LE V6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JakeMcNew - March 25 - 12:53 am

  I hate to buy a new car and plastic parts begin to fall off or come loose. Shoddy workmanship? The car is still brand new and ride quality decreased quickly. Happy with gas mileage but unhappy with quality. I guess thats what happens when fine Japanese cars are built in the USA.

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  Solid and Reliable - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Grace - March 24 - 1:10 pm

  The only annoying thing about my Matrix is that the "check engine light" has been on for 4 years straight! The dealership always has a new reason for this and the fix they use only lasts for a day or two. I think it has a wonky computer. Other than that my Matrix is terrific. Its very comfortable for a tall person- plenty of leg and head room. But distance from steering wheel (long arms) could be better. Ive had no mechanical difficulties whatsoever. I do find myself wishing for faster pick-up but this not meant to be a sportscar- so for what it is (a beefed up corolla) its pretty good.

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  Horrible Toyota Experience - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Former Toyota Fan - March 23 - 8:40 pm

  The day after paying $48K to the dealer my car would not start. Turns out I needed a new battery. Back to the service depart., waited an hour, got a new battery, & on my way. Over the course of the next 23 months had various problems with the low tire pressure sensor coming on. Also had three other warning lights for the battery lighting up randomly. Eventually, 2-08, got in my car to leave for the morning and it wouldnt start. The battery had been leaking acid and corroded my battery cables. AAA cleaned up the mess and got me started again. In 5-08 car doesnt start again. Battery acid corroded my fuse block. One month later finally get my car back from dealer. Sept. 08 car doesnt start!

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  Keeps on going after 320K miles - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By kenrk - March 23 - 2:30 pm

  Back in 1999, my dad drove his RAV4L off the lot with 50 miles on the odometer. Today it has 320,000 miles. He still drives it everyday to work with no trouble. Throughout the years Ive borrowed it to tow a log splitter and 20 foot sail boat. Ive been in some crazy snow storms with the RAV and it did great. Took it over 100mph a couple times. Put kayaks on the roof rack. It still has the original exhaust system, starter, alternator, battery. Oil changed every 3k. A/C still works. Not a spot of rust. Just regular stuff like brakes, shocks, tires, and timing belt every 100k. Im considering getting my own as a winter vehicle...just figured Id share how great the Rav has been for my dad.

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  2003 Toyota Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By buckeye30 - March 22 - 3:43 am

  My car just surpassed 150,000 miles today. It has been an extremely dependable, reliable, inexpensive maintenance, and overall a great car for its value. Just do the regular maintenance and Toyota never disappoints you. I commute nearly 100 miles a day, but even though my car is nearly 11 years old, it gives me full confidence to start my day. Power is decent although there is a power lag, but you cant expect more since it is not meant to be a sporty car.

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  Good and Bad - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Sal - March 22 - 3:33 am

  This seems to be a good car. My wife has a 2008 CRV and I naturally compare the 2. CRV has a nicer interior, but not as comfortable. The CRV is a higher trim level. CRV has better pick up and, so far, better fuel mileage. RAV4 is easy to get in an out of, has a lower lift to load back, easier folding seats, looks more manly and has better visibility. The cruise stalk is terrible, in the way. 2001 Escort was on the wheel, why cant a 2008 RAV4?. Doors should look when you put in gear. This is more of a runaround then a fall in love vehicle.

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  Big Blue - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By BC - March 22 - 3:26 am

  I have owned Big Blue (clearly I got a Voodoo Blue version) for 3 weeks heres what Ive found: when you walk outside in a blizzard and see B.B. (Big Blue will be referred to as B.B from now on) you will not be afraid to fire her up and go where ever you want to. B.B.s huge tires, large ground clearance and generally toughish appearance lend an air of I can drive in bad-weather that is - well, nice. She growls just a little when idling. Again, this is cool, impresses kids. Although it looks like a truck (I traded in a 2000 Ford Ranger for her), I say she drives more like a car. Maybe the wide wheel base - could be new shocks, not sure, the ride is smooth.