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:

• 

  Transmission is awful - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By DCguy - November 17 - 1:06 pm

  The transmission is really really bad. It has been changed twice and repaired twice on my car. 1-2, 2-3 shifting is awful and vibrates. Then comes the high rear end obstructing visibility for parking. The front bumper catches parking wedges, which cause it to tear the thin plastic undercarrage.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Grabsback - November 17 - 2:03 am

  When we started looking at all the hybrids, we saved the Prius for last. Its totally different for all the rest out there. It has so much more power and interior space for its class. Everything is well placed and easy to use. The touch screen is really neet in the middle of the dash, constantly updating information while your driving. But be careful and keep your eyes on the road - no matter how fun it is to watch the screen. The only thing that I find is a problem is the gas gauge. Since the gas tank is actually a membrane and not a solid tank, its not 100% reliable. But I fill up when its down to the last bar so its not a problem for me. Overall, I would highly recommend Prius.

• 

  Titanium bullet - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Ti.bullet - November 16 - 10:50 pm

  MT6, BFG A/T KO: Off-roading on 5" new snow, no slippage. Muddy trails and shallow bogs, no prob. Treads 10" rocks with ease. Locking rear differential made climbing a staggered, stair-stepped incline (rated black diamond trail) possible. 34 degree approach angle allows driver to overcome large immediate obstacles. Taking all these capabilities into consideration, the MPG is acceptable. Our MPG has been between 10-15 (wheeling) and up to 19 highway.

• 

  My Toyota Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Janet Fisher - November 16 - 1:47 pm

  I really love the SUV, it handles like a nice sedan rather than a truck. I only wish Toyota would put "Leather seats" in more of their models. I have had those seats in all my vehicles for over 20 yrs and I miss that.

• 

  Fantastic!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By amy - November 16 - 12:36 pm

  When driving the Yaris you feel like an ice skater gliding over the ice. I have only had the car for 4 days but I know its the best purchase Ive ever made. The gas mileage is awesome as a commuter this will come in handy!!!

• 

  Fun Fun Fun.....at 6000+ RPMs - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Mr.Pink - November 16 - 10:53 am

  I am very impressed with every aspect of this vehicle. It has the looks. Its got power. Its exceptionally versatile...and its great on gas. The vehicle handles very tight considering its ride height. The suspension is taught but not rough. The engine (2ZZ Celica GTS Engine) is silky smooth. Its a blast when you hit the 6000 RPM threshold where VVTL-i kicks in...sets you back in your seat. The creature comforts and standard features all play nicely in this very affordable pocket rocket. Highly Recommended!

• 

  Still a great vehicle - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By DougT - November 16 - 5:56 am

  I posted a review back in November of last year after owning my 4Runner for six months. Its been four months since and I have nothing new to say other than this is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Ive owned it for ten months now and it still blows my mind at how well this thing was made. Its now seven years old with over 110k miles on it and everything is functioning fine. I love the 4Runner more and more each day. I got it for a really good price when I bought it and worry that Ill never find another deal like it on my next Toyota (which is what Im sticking with). Those Japanese designers have their stuff together thats for sure.

• 

  Disappointed - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Juamal - November 16 - 2:30 am

  I purchased this vehicle about 1 1/2 year ago for my daughter. After considering several models and wanting a reliable car I went with this model because of its sporty looks and Toyotas reputation. However I am really disappointed with it since it just broke dowm in the middle of the Lincoln tunnel of all places. This vehicle only has 24,000 miles on it. I took it in to Toyota and the service manager says they have been having this problem with some of the 06 model. It has to do with the computer engine. Finally a word of advise if you are not under warranty beware you will be out around $900 if this happens to you. I am very disappointed and seriously considering a trade in.

• 

  Toyota Echo - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Yoter - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Toyota Echo. Its gets me wherever i want to go. It goes ok on the snow too. its a great car to cruise around town in.

• 

  Corolla rocks - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By MyCorolla - November 16 - 2:00 am

  National car dealers hate Corolla and consumers like it. Corolla can easily last more than 15 years. So far we have only fixed Alternator and front brake rotors. Everything else still running. In fact, my corolla still very quite. I do oil change (syntetic) and clean fuel system on schedule. I am confident this car will last 200K.