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:

• 

  Good car, but - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Umka - June 29 - 5:53 pm

  This is my second Camry. The first one Camry 1996 was much better. Seems Toyota lost quality. Disappointed with my purchase. I chose Camry because of reliability, but things like bad shifting in low gears, poor acceleration, hesitation when starting from full stop makes me unhappy.....Get 25 MPG average

• 

  We have two 2007 Touring models - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By PLM - June 29 - 2:50 pm

  After using the initial Prius Touring for one week to replace a small SUV, I bought a second one. Now we have two and like both of them. Very impressive once one gets over the macho feelings of driving an SUV or large sedan (Avalon). High tech features, quiet ride, great mpg, fine stereo, and the leather aftermarket seats installed by the dealer, all combine to make for a superb experience. As seniors (66 & 62) we think these are good travel cars, reliable and efficient. So far--wow!

• 

  Solid Vehicle - Great Mileage - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By MukMan - June 29 - 8:40 am

  Bought this a year ago. Already owned Escape hybrid. Mileage is much better than advertised in mixed driving. Car has full package with leather, heated seats, sunroof, Bluetooth, nav, etc. Nav not as user friendly to program as the 2002 Acura TL it replaced. Drives a little more bloated around curves like my 93 Taurus SHO, but a very quiet, solid ride. In the summer months, 50-50 driving will net 39-40 mpg; cooler fall and winter 36 mpg; minor flaws are that the tire pressure maintenance sensor went goofy and some brake noise that Toyota will take care of. However, for a $30K car, loaded package, its well worth it over Prius. This is the best eco friendly sedan.

• 

  Breaking in car - new discoveries - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By pearlmomma - June 29 - 5:03 am

  Bought Matrix new. Have 21,000 mi on car today. Mostly city driving with occasional road trip. Beginning to see minor degradation on interior moving parts - the "cheap" is revealing itself. Out-of-control acceleration happened to me 2 times. The accelerator just slams to the floorboard and wont let up. The first time in 70+ mph traffic - the second time 45+ traffic. Terrified me. Panic! Had to yank emergency handle and turn car off. It is a real experience and the dealer cant explain. I think its a defective chip in the master brain of some cars.

• 

  On our 2nd Sienna - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By t1no33 - June 29 - 4:02 am

  We LOVE this van. Just got our 2nd one not to long ago. Our only real complaints are: - road noise on the highway is AWFUL - almost sounds like you have a window open - this was mentioned in consumer reports - no arm rest on both sides of the captains chairs Other than these two things this van is great on long roadtrips and just around town. You cant go wrong with it and our 2011 held its value so much we were able to get a 2012 at lower payment cause we had equity in a car.

• 

  2006 toyota corolla a car made for me - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By lewis.dobkowski - June 29 - 1:03 am

  A solid compact that appears to be bigger than it is. a nice tight solid good feeling drive.

• 

  Beware of inherent problems - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lonnie Thibodeaux - June 28 - 5:16 pm

  Only fairly fun to drive. Dissatisfied with the way it is affected by slight wind which destabilizes the car. The steering wheel is to short and the car reguires constant redirection to maintain a straight path. As an owner of a Yaris, I would not recommend it.

• 

  97 T-00 SR5 EX CAB 4wd - 1997 Toyota T100
  By whatagreattruck - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The T-100 has proven to be a very reliable truck. It is a little smaller than a full size Ford or Chevy, which is nice if you dont need that much room but want something bigger than a compact truck, it also fits in a small garage a little better.

• 

  momstoy - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By butchie - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Besides the air conditioner being replaced the first year we have had very little problems with the sequioa. Some of the covers for the seat to floor mounts have fallen off and wont stay on but it drives quiet, smooth and we get many complements and inquiries on the vehicle. It pulled my 18ft fishing boat and 3 men with all our gear for a week long fishing trip 9 hours one way without any trouble at all. I had the air on, cruiese set and she pulled the boat almost as if it wasnt there.

• 

  Outstanding Car - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Paladin - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The best car Ive ever owned in 40 years of driving. Ive spent about 1,000 in repairs over 6 years. Keep the oil changed, and I think it will run forever. Even today, it feels like the day I bought it.