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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  my 2004 4 runner 2 time around - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By odie - November 8 - 8:13 am

  this is my 2nd 4 runner, the first was a 2000. never had a problem. best vehicle ive owned.

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  Totally pleased - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Chuck H - November 8 - 7:16 am

  I love this car! It is smooth, fast, and very quiet. I feel wrapped in comfort and luxury. Driving through hazardous conditions on I-80, the car was sure-footed. When I arrived at my destination I was relaxed and rested. It has amazing pick-up and go for a car its size. Back seat passengers are happy with the legroom and comfort provided by its ability to recline. The appearance of both the exterior and interior are well executed. I have had lots of compliments on both. If I had it to do over again, I would buy this car in a downtown minute!

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  If it breaks down i will go buy the SAME CARE AGAIN SAME YR! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By asad9 - November 8 - 5:10 am

  bought it from a used dealer, 137k in 2009. 4yrs later its at 230k. Good on gas, no break downs, just needs gas and oil change. Manage your fluids. Toronto (401 and VP) to niagra on probably 6-7 gas. Friends tell me its ugly, but i tell them there ugly!

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  Toyota screwed up the Corolla this time - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By RegretfullyToyota - November 8 - 1:06 am

  I was Toyota loyal fan for so many years. This time, I hated it because I did not do a good research. 2010 Corolla oil filter, acceleration pedal, steering problem, and maintenance requirement light within only 5000 miles. It is very bad design on oil filter. Not to mention the recalls. Toyota really screwed up this time. I want my money back.

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  I bought two of these for taxis, beware people - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Curtis Becker - November 7 - 8:04 pm

  I bought two of these a 2011 and 2012 and put them in to service as yellow cabs in San Diego. So for the two colors have gone through two hybrid batteries and three engines My total repair bills on the two cars of been $17,000 EachHybrid battery was around 3500 Each hybrid battery blew out at about 150000 to 190,000 miles Blew the head gasket at 200,000 miles Replace the heads then blew them out a month later regular driving nothing crazy I was in the car and the block cracked Replaced the engine with a junkyard engine and blew it out a month later Had to order any engine from Canada remanufactured but the real me almost $3000 and my taxi was out of service for almost a month because of that. The dealerships treated me like garbage and did not give me any leeway considering the fact that I had bought two of these cars All of my friends that own taxis in San Diego are blowing through the engines especially in the heavier V model at about 170 to 250,000 miles you can expect to blow through your engine and guaranteed youll blow through your hybrid battery before 200,000 miles. Keep in mind that even at a junkyard these engines are going to cost you about $1500 on the low-end because theyre in such short supply because of the engines blowing out The 1.8 L engine is too small for the weight of the heavy vehicle its not a light vehicle by the way. Steer clear of this core or dump it before you get to 150,000 and youll be OK also one thing to note I have been driving Taxis for 24 years 100 hours a week. The blind spots are terrible out of this car and its terrible backing it up in a parking lot. Also youll be slamming on the brakes a lot in traffic because youre sitting so low you cant see whats going on in front of you its a very very dangerous car please do not buy one of these spare yourself the agony that I have gone through

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  Better than Professional Reviewers Say. - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By CarParker - November 7 - 7:40 pm

  I read a lot of tepid & dismissive reviews before I purchase the Matrix S. Ive driven many of the cars recommended as alternatives. I think the problem is perception. The look of the Matrix is a bit sportier than its performance. But the gap between its main contender, the Fit, is even greater. If you accept that no one really cares what you drive, so dont rely on your car to define your personality, what you get in the Matrix is Balance. I think this balance is what confounds the automag pros. A little sporty, a lot practical, amazingly reliable. Design is Clean & Simple, Driving is Balanced & Poised. Quick & smooth without being completely lifeless. A sport hatch for the pragmatic.

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  Great First Car for 17 yr old Driver!!! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Yolanda C - November 7 - 6:20 pm

  We purchased this car for our daughter who is a senior in high school and getting ready to go to college in the fall of 2016. She hasnt had it very long but so far so good except its so quiet and smooth that she doesnt realize shes speeding sometimes!! Other than that well definitely know after she runs up and down the highway a few times.

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  Dont believe mileage claims - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Herb - November 7 - 4:43 pm

  I have had the Prius for a month. I love it except for two things. I am 6 foot 3 and it is hard to get into the vehicle because the steering wheel does not tilt up high enough. Once inside it is fine. To get 60 mpg you would have to fill up at the top of a mountain and then fill up again when you got to the bottom... there is no way. I am a very conservative driver and I am consistently getting 40 - 43 mpg. That is twice what I got in my previous vehicle but it is not what was advertised.

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gary Reding - November 7 - 7:26 am

  Outstanding car in all respects. My wife drives it often and wants one for herself. My 15 year old son also likes to drive it. Our family is disappointed if we have to take our minivan or truck instead of the Prius. Easy to drive, excellent technology features, plenty of room, wonderful gas mileage.

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  My first Corolla and really like it so far - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By donovan1983 - November 7 - 6:17 am

  I traded in a Chevrolet Sonic for this and my fiance and I share this car. I have the "no regrets" model with the Entune system with navigation, moonroof, and keyless ignition. Ive only had it a few weeks but I can definitely say I like it. What attracted me to the car in the first place is the huge number of features for the money. I also wanted a car with a CVT if I had to have an automatic. Fit and finish are excellent and above what I expected for the price. The interior is comfortable and surprisingly spacious and attractive. My fiance and I both enjoy driving it very much. It also looks great, especially in slate gray, which I thought Id never say about a Corolla.