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:

• 

  Great vehicle with some reliability issues - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By wolfzr2 - June 13 - 2:06 pm

  Bought it new in 2007, I have around 50,000 miles on it now. Im getting my 3rd transmission put in. The original failed at 25k with a cracked output shaft, and the 2nd one is whining constantly due to a poorly honed final drive gear. The steering shafts pop under stress, and the rear diff makes an odd THUNK when shifting into Drive from reverse. Im on my 3rd set of tires, and Ive already had to replace the front pads and rotors. Having said that, its an awesome vehicle in the snow. Great power from the V6, plenty of room for 4. Just wish it had held up better.

• 

  Happy in Texas! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By slisk@grandecom.net - June 13 - 1:41 pm

  Happy as Heck!

• 

  Nice - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By ian - June 13 - 1:40 pm

  Just got the standard XLE two days ago. The car drives great, is very quiet and has sufficient power.

• 

  Be sure this is what you want - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By unixfreak0037 - June 13 - 1:29 pm

  I was pretty excited when we first bought this car. Now that the hybrid novelty has worn off I realize what this is really is -- its a decent family car that gets really good gas mileage. It is essentially the mini-van for small families. So be sure this is what you want. Its pretty boring to drive, and the cheap seats (in the base model) are not all that comfortable for long trips. The engine gets loud on hills, the the noise on poorly maintained roads at high speeds can be unbearable.

• 

  RAV4 Limited Review - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Fred - June 13 - 1:23 pm

  The car drives like a dream and is very comfortable. The V6 provides tons of zip - very peppy. Bluetooth works very well. I like the side-opening rear gate. Test drove the car and it rode rough. I found the tires over-inflated - lowering pressure fixed the problem. The car is quiet and handles better than our 05 Highlander. After 1000 mi., Im quite happy with this car.

• 

  Just what I was looking for - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Ryan - June 13 - 12:43 pm

  When we were looking to buy, we had a few primary concerns: cargo space, being able to park it in NYC, mileage, price, and of course safety. Were thrilled with the Matrix because its delivered on all fronts. Playing in a band, I need to haul alot of equipment around with me- it has more than enough space and the plastic cargo area is durable and eases loading in/out. Its shorter (though taller and wider) than the Corolla, and parking even in tight spots has been a breeze. the MPG has been at around 28-32, depending on where im driving (city or hwy), and this will go up over the next year or two. i paid 15,000 for it, which i was happy with! and its gotten great safety ratings!

• 

  I love my car! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By melinda - June 13 - 3:06 am

  Words cannot express how wonderful I think this car is. The ride is smooth (no jerking from the motor shifting)and I am getting 30+ mpg. After driving the Volvo XC70 the past 5 years the Highlander feels like I am sitting in my living room (very spacious) and the 3rd row seat comes in very handy. It is a bit cramped but adults can fit in the seat for short distances if the middle seat is scooted forward. I am very satisfied with my purchase of this car and love every minute that I drive it.

• 

  Gas Pedal Sticks on 2010 Sienna - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By KJM - June 13 - 12:16 am

  I was shocked when the gas pedal stuck twice on my new 2010 Sienna XLE minivan. All I could think of was to turn the minivan all since pressing on the break pedal did not stop the minivan. Toyota of Knoxville blamed the floor mats. The gas pedal stuck again after they removed the floor mats. I got rid of this mini van in February and purchased an X5 BMW. Now that is a real amazing vehicle.

• 

  Dissapointment in entire toyota nation - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By AKsecurity7035 - June 12 - 9:23 pm

  I was very confident in Toyota Vehicles, starting from my 98 Camry all the way to my 05 Highlander and Toyota managed to completely destroy my confidence and dedication with my current 08 Highlander Sport. The car has a lot of defects; I don’t even know where to begin! Engine’s horse power doesn’t fit car’s handling and suspension, brakes are so soft that you have to power press brake pedal, dash board constantly makes cracking noises that can’t be fixed, JBL audio system has a lack of engineering all of speakers have been blown a couple of times without any explanation, Dealer is not able to find the problem. Wheel size of sport model only fits Toyo tires

• 

  Incredible! Incredible! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By fte - June 12 - 6:16 pm

  Have owned three Town Cars (traded a Cartier). The Avalon is more comfortable than ANY TC Ive owned. Fun to drive, good looking, filled with FEATURES (TC -- essentially zero!). Nav system is amazing and functional. Its quiet. The dash is simply beautiful. The laser cruise is sweet. Ive had three corvettes but Ive never been as excited about a car as this Avalon (The Toyo has 20 less HP than my vettes!). First Japanese car ever and it may not be the last. (Wife just got a Sienna and loves it too!) Were both 59. I feel like Im driving a BMW.