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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  The best economical option out there - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By rsucre - January 10 - 6:10 pm

  My first car was a 2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6 3.5L automatic. After driving it I fell in love with the Toyota brand. However, as a college student, owning a Camry got very expensive in regards to gasoline and maintenance. Therefore I decided to go with a more economic option and trade-in for a 2008 Corolla CE. I felt like it was the best decision possible. I needed a car that was both reliable and efficient with fuel, and the Corolla exceeds both of these requirements.

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  No 60 mpg; has some bugs, but good car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By eyeonthescreen - January 9 - 2:50 pm

  Our Prius averages 44 mpg, not the 51-60 EPA mpg in the ads. It has been in the shop three times now on recalls. The GPS-controls and display software needs some upgrades to be competitive with other makes. BUT, despite these short comings, my next new car will likely be a Prius. It is a work horse, I can pile more stuff in it than in my Avalon, which is a much bigger car on the outside. Interior head and leg room is also better than my Avalon. Prius style is true 21st century; not some makeover of a 20th century design. It has great voice interaction capability and blue tooth connectivity. And despite being hard to navigate around, the GPS does an excellent tracking job.

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  Not too bad but could be better - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By chin 2 - January 9 - 2:16 pm

  Our 1st convertible & although the top down is nice I am very disappointed with the mpg which is 19 not the 22-23I was hoping for. The leather is hard and the kids need to sit on pillows because of that. It has a squeak thats annoying when driving at low speeds. and the paint quality isnt great for a white pearl color. It is peppy and the radio/cd is nice. We had it for 3 months now and only got a valet key with it and now the dealer has to replace the ecm to have new master keys programmed and made. The ecm is free, keys arent. Overall for 7300 price its an ok deal. I just wish I got better mpg, also it does have an occasional puff of smoke on start ups, aka valve seals worn, fun car though.

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  Dependable Tonka - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Thai - January 8 - 9:46 pm

  I have had this truck for a few years. The only major maintenance was the starter. I have started to take it from LA to San Francisco. Tight fit on the inside. I agree I feel the bumps in the road. Mine is automatic and it is starting to feel rough in fourth gear.

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  2004 matrix!best money ever spent! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By pj - January 8 - 2:34 pm

  owned a 2004 Toyota matrix hatch used,had roughly 60k on it,zero problems!Honestly car saved our(wife,and myself)lives. We were struck during construction while stopped by a semi traveling 73MPH.killed both dogs and father in law,broke 3 ribs of my wife(driver) and gave myself a severe brain injury. But 6+ years later-im divorced,and healing wonderfully!Purchased a hylander hybrid last december.absolutely wonderful vehicle! I swear by toyota!never had any issues with the matrix-good car for good price!What vehicle wouldve made out when stopped when struck by a loaded tractor trailer?none that I know of

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  Still a great runner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By RunnerUP - January 8 - 10:00 am

  This is our third one. Last two were 92 and 95. Good looking truck but is somehow missing the quality and content of earlier models. Interior carpet wore through, leather seats started to tear. We treat our cars great, but the 92 was immaculate even after ten years. Did Toyota think we wouldnt notice the drop in quality materials?? Motor is strong. Oil filter is in a stupid location (again!). Paint isnt holding up as well either...lots of hairline scratches. Seats are not nearly as comfortable as the old 92 model. Much smoother though on the highway. Love the rack/pinion steering, longer wheel base & smoother transmission.

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  Great truck! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Nick4597 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  17k miles and still ticking w/ only one problem to date (moonroof rattle). Otherwise a great truck, VERY SOLID, always feel like youre in 100% control. Corners and handles like a dream especially in bad weather or rough (off-road) terrain. This truck never stumbles. Best SUV ive ever driven, previous car was a cushy Durango SLT+ and my SR5 blows it out of the water. Seats are horribly uncomfortable and if youre over 62 like me, legs will be severly punished by these park-bench feeling seats. Get a seat cushion and all is kosher.

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  An excellent car! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Curric - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Two previous cars were 97 Grand Prix and a 99 Chrysler 300m. Enjoyed both of them in spite of little glitches, but my 03 Camry LE (4 cyl., and now with 21000 mi. and 10 months ownership) is possibly the best-built car Ive ever owned - including the 89 V6 Camry I bought new, and which had a tendency to go through front tires, I think due to the added weight of the V6. In these 10 months of ownership have done nothing but routine maintenance, and never back to the dealership at all. Was esitant to buy the 4 cyl. but did on salesmans assurances and have not regretted. "Consumer Reports" mentions the Camrys outstanding 4, and they are right.

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  A Low Down Minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Robert L. Turner - January 8 - 10:00 am

  The car is a quiet, safe, reliable, very comfortable vehicle,however, advertising it as having a "towing package" is disengenuous at best. The hitch is barely 8" above the pavement. With no trailer attached and four people aboard, the receiver contacted the pavement when exiting my garage and had to be removed. The worst part is that Toyota seems to be in denial. In answer to my questions about trailer towing, they send me copies of the owners manual. Not at all what I expected from a world class company! The car also downshifts on the slightest grade. The transmission is smooth, so it isnt too noticable, but for 230 horsepower?

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  Good vehicle, minor annoyances - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By D. ODell - January 8 - 12:00 am

  The RAV4 provides an elevated driving position, good and adaptable carrying capacity and a comfortable ride. Economy, so far, has been very good at 24 MPG in suburban driving, near 30 MPG on the highway.