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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  Good all purpose green SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rose - May 4 - 8:40 pm

  I bought my Hybrid Highlander when it had 10000 miles on it. I am a little disappointed with the gas mileage - 25-27 mpg. regardless of city or highway driving. Certainly that is better than the 17 mpg the previous minivan got, but I was expecting mid-30s. The blind spots are bigger for a shortie like me than I would expect from such an otherwise well-designed car. I drove a 2008 model though and that one is too big and the blind spots are worse- couldnt even see approaching cars at intersections due to the huge side mirrors. Also, this vehicle is very safe. I was rear ended by a drunk driver while I was stopped. The Highlander sustained rear end damage but my passenger and I were absolutely unhurt. We could feel my car absorb that huge impact.

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  A mixed opinion... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Leafie - May 4 - 7:26 pm

  Beautiful ride. Crappy tires. On my fourth set. Needed them at 18000 39000 60000 and I know I will be ready for new ones soon. Brakes and calipers went in less than 2 years. Couldnt get in with Toyota, got in somewhere else and they wouldnt warranty it. Had 2 radiators, both under warranty. Driver and passenger doors stick and wont open sometimes. God awful sound coming from front tire, like a rotation sound. Got belts replaced for serpentine and squeal really bad. I love the ride and the comfort, but the little stuff kills you. Happy with the ride for the most part. Tires were huge issue. People who design them blame Toyota and Toyota doesnt do anything about it

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By radu - May 4 - 5:26 pm

  This is a nice looking car, it looks somehow like a sports car. But don’t get misled. The Yaris driving is less inspired than many others. Driving position is simply wrong: the steering is too far for taller drivers compared with any other car on the market, therefore driving pleasure and feeling are much reduced. Good front visibility but dangerous blind spots on the sides. Excellent build quality, however the paint chips easily. Very poor clutch conception, hard to engage smoothly or quickly, automatic transmission it’s a must for this car. Gas mileage is less than expected, especially in city driving.

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  Worth the money - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Brad - May 4 - 11:40 am

  Well built car, excellent mileage and decent standard features. plenty of room and comfortable car. Toyota improve your steering please, its awful. Get better brakes too and give some more low end power to your 1.8. who puts the clock down by the shifter? other than that i strongly suggest buying one.

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  The Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By csmatrix - May 4 - 3:26 am

  I have had my Matrix for almost 2 years and so far it has been a great car but not without faults. The car is a tad underpowered and not as trouble free as I would expect from Toyota but its not bad either. And the suspension needs some improvement because it is very bouncy over bumps, but it handles very well. The interior is the Matrix best feature by far.

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  2002 Tundra Review by Engineer - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Fowler Toyota - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Tundra with the 4.7 Liter v8 engine has more than adequate power and acceleration with an automatic transmission. Fuel mileage averages 19 mpg with no loads and approximately 60/40 highway/city miles. Braking is the best of any vehicle I have driven. HVAC is excellent. Controls are simple to use and those features which are automatic such as automatic headlights off when door is opened are desirable but not

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  great for students - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By miser - May 2 - 10:00 am

  this car is very reliable and cheap to keep

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  Disappointment - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By jamjchir - April 30 - 2:15 pm

  I am on my fifth and possibly last Toyota. The changes they have made have all been a huge disappointment. Toyota changed the navigation and it is a huge step backwards. We have only had the car for three weeks and are looking to sell it already. It is a beautiful car but not worth the price. Car has too much technology and makes it complicated to use.

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  <3 - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lovemytoys - April 30 - 7:50 am

  I bought my Solara over 3 years ago at 50K. Now its at 99.6K and has never left me stranded. Replaced timing belt, brakes, window fell off track once and valve cover gaskets and struts most recently. The car does have a smoking issue still, and has oil changes no more than every 3K (castrol syntec). Just now needing a transmission checkup and probably a flush. The ac compressor makes noise but hasnt died yet. Overall its great, minor maintenance compared to vehicles.

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  Doesnt get advertised gas mileage - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Larry Guice - April 28 - 9:40 am

  The Vehicle is nice, but it doesnt get anywhere the gas mileage that was advertized