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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  2005 Toyota Tundra Double Cab - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - September 17 - 2:40 am

  Toyota - The most relaiable truck, period. Toyota did a great job on the Tundra both inside & out. This is my third Toyota, and I have never had any problems with them mechanically or cosmetic. My only complaint on the Tundra is that it came with Dunlop tires from the factory, and they are terrible. I only have 9500 miles on the truck, and the tires are shot. I cant understand why Toyota would put crappy tires on this truck. The fuel mileage could use some improvement too. I get 15 hwy - should be around 20 hwy. If you are looking for a quality, dependable truck, the Tundra is the one!!

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  2007 Matrix - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Brianb - September 16 - 6:26 pm

  Bought this car because of Toyota reliability reputation and mileage. Use it mostly for running kids around town. It seems a little cheap inside for the cost but Im used to nicer cars (Volvo/BMW).

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  door and seatbelt chime - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By autofan101 - September 16 - 4:07 pm

  its a nice looking car but toyota should bring back the old ding chime instead of the beep

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  Not sure - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By dbail - September 15 - 10:53 pm

  I bought this on Halloween because I had read all the great reviews. Im looking forward to the reliability that everyone raves about but I do have some issues with it. The seats are extremely uncomfortable. There is a lumbar support bar that sits in the middle of my back and causes my legs to cramp. I had to pull it out during a long trip. Also, the cruise control is awkward over 70 miles an hour. If there is even the slightest hill the rpm sky rocket in order to keep the speed. Not a smooth transition. I love the automatic rear window for groceries and its a 4WD machine. The antenna has already broken but not worried about it. Differential lock a huge plus. Great vehicle horrible seats.

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  Front Seats - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - September 15 - 9:00 pm

  The front seats are most uncomfortable. It feels like a metal rail is in the middle of the seat that presses upward toward the tail bone. Outside wind noise is somewhat abated from earlier models but should be much better since the car has been re-engineered. The JVCs 12-speaker sound system is fair. My 4-year old GM cars sound system puts this to shame.

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  Not Bad - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Alex - September 15 - 5:33 pm

  my first new car. i think i chose wisely, but after a month of driving the car it seemed a tad tedious. seating could have been lower. the door panels from the inside feel cheap and hollow. so does the dash. the white gauge clusters are also dreadful, and the green lights surrounding the stereo buttons and screen is hideous and make the interior seem old. it does not corner as well as a mazda3(feels flabby), but it gets way better gas milage. the drive is also very bumpy and harsh. you can just feel every little pebble while driving. this car was just not made for L.A.s harsh streets.

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  Intellegent Car for the 21st Century - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By SootyOarsman - September 14 - 3:33 pm

  Comfortable, but not too comfortable. Peppy, but not speedy. A vehicle that improves your driving habits and rewards with great gas mileage. A car that evokes envy and also disgust, but to the driver it just doesnt matter! The world is suddenly less dunning and the planet breathes a little easier. In a funny way it teaches us to be more courteous, gentle with the pedal, and mindful of our influence on the planet. Perhaps the biggest change in my driving habits since owning this car is that I now drive less.

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  Ho Hum Reliable - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rick - September 14 - 10:06 am

  Bought the 2002 2WD 4Runner based on reliablity history of Toyota. Nothing spectacular after 52,000 miles. Always starts, no major repairs - except the automatic radio antenna broke and needs to be repaired someday. Car is holding up well. Only regret is that I didnt buy a 4WD and sunroof, both would make the car better for me. Drives/handles like a truck - not the smoothest ride. Good visibility, no blind spots. Somewhat noisy on the road - even with new tires. Sometimes, Id prefer to have a fun car with some pep, but my plan was to keep the 4Runner until I get to 200,000 miles.

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  Toyota 4Runner SR5 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mmerc - September 13 - 8:40 pm

  Wouldnt you know it, finally can afford a 4Runner and not crazy about new body style. Love mid-90s 4Runners and all previous. This one is cool, but almost ostentatious-looking. Also the gas mileage is really pretty bad; so far just driving in town, hope its better on a road trip. Great Toyota quality seems intact. Rear-seat passengers complained about "too much heat" in back seat in winter, dont know -- a little bulky to turn & park. Also uneasy about "push button" 4WD: prefer old lever style in an emergency which is when you would want it. Still love it overall.

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  Corolla Rolls On and On - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris - September 13 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in 1997 and have used it primarily for work trips which are now 66 miles one way. The Corolla has 264,000 miles on it and has never broken down and has received normal maintenance. No engine problems whatsoever though it uses one quart of oil every 2,000 miles, similar to another reviewers experience. Only recurring problem is the exhaust manifold has been replaced twice. Minnesota salt? The car is roomy enough but the comfort level becomes quite average after a while. Still - very economical at 38 mpg in the summer, 30 mpg in the winter (highway)