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:

• 

  Former Toyota...stripped head bolts - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By bizmin - October 4 - 10:00 am

  2003 Toyota Highlander 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine, 108,000 miles, perfect service, until it developed coolant leak on the back side of the top of the engine, adjacent to an insulator pad at the back of the engine block. The back 3 head bolts were completely stripped, allowing coolant to leak into the engine. Toyota dealer says the short block or entire engine must be replaced, with no other option [$5200- $7400+.] Based on the frequency of identical engine failures, faulty factory assembly and/or design assures eventual failure of the engine. 25-year Toyota fan, probably lost forever.

• 

  Fun Factor - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By tom - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought it second hand from US (1 year, 7,000 miles) and drive it in Europe, where RAV4s with 269 hp are very rare. Fun factor is acceleration and faces of the guys from $50.000 branch cars when they cannot get me on the road ;-) Its bigger when it comes to passenger & luggage space then EU model. Good. Very silent compared to cars I had (even Mercedes C-Class is louder inside). Fuel consumption relatively high, but when you check 270 hp competitors you will see, that actually RAV4 isnt fuel hungry really. Interior from stone ages, even 2010 model left it almost untouched. Lack of board computer (EUs have it). Relatively reliable only when properly serviced.

• 

  Weird steering - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By welcomeback? - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2010 Corolla S 2 days ago. Great around town but very disturbing on the highway because it wanders all over. I only test drove the car in town. Now I dont want to use it for a commuter car. Im wondering if it was damaged in transit or something. It will not track straight!

• 

  Solid ride - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By HeywoodJablome - October 3 - 10:20 am

  I cant believe people still consider the Tacoma a "small" truck. This thing grew massively on its last re-design. It is not the same Toyota truck I learned to drive on in 1986. I am a heavyweight myself, and find the truck very accommodating. The interior looks good, great exterior styling, and the bed with all of its features is the best design out there. The economy of the engine is great too.

• 

  2004 avalon xl - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Marie - October 3 - 5:43 am

  Great mileage and very comfortable. Not very stylish though and considered and "old peoples car" around here. I love it though.

• 

  Best full size on the Market - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By mako001 - October 2 - 4:36 pm

  This is t a great full size SUV. Do not waste your time looking at the others unless you are going only for lowest price. Remember quality has a cost and I believe that it will be offset by lower repair bills. The only disapointment is the stereo system, it has something to be desired if you like to crank it up once in a while. When I have the chance it will be upgraded.

• 

  No need to even look at the 09 - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Cignal - October 1 - 8:23 pm

  I have the original 03 XR, loaded, nav, sunroof, 18 inch wheels. Looks great. But the best thing is the mileage. Consistently well over 30 mpg. On a trip to San Diego from Huntington Beach, all freeway, all cruise control, very flat-land trip, right lane, 52 mph, this beauty gave me 41.3 mpg. Not typical, but true. Came w/ factory navigation + 6 CD changer; still cost just over 19K. Great for making service calls and hauling Home Depot stuff. A little weak on HP; Id rather have the MPG anyway. Had to replace a faulty nav, sunroof motor, both under warranty. No reason to even look at the 09s. Only neg is the inst panel: hard to read in bright sunlight; remedy is to replace all gauges.

• 

  A good buy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Todd - September 30 - 12:06 pm

  I bought this truck brand new with 18 miles on the odometer. It now has over 45,000 miles and I still love it. Decent gas mileage for a truck, plenty of power, great offroad capability with the 4WD model, and awesome styling. The only gripe I have is why Toyota didnt include a locking tailgate. Other than that I love the Tacoma, and I get lots of compliments on it too. Will definitely buy another Toyota in the future.

• 

  highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By greg100 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  very happy with car

• 

  Hood defect? - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Debbie - September 29 - 11:20 pm

  Im having a problem that rain and snow gather in the hood channels and the spray the windshield. It temporarily restricts visibility. Also the Bluetooth is hit or miss. Sometimes it connects and I can make calls. Other times it stops and starts the call several times before connecting.