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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  HESITATION problem! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Not happy - June 24 - 3:43 am

  Owned 3 months with 1600 miles now, very dissatisfied with transmission hesitation. After normal slowing down and then reaccelerating, engine doesnt seem to know what to do. Im praying Toyota will recall. Getting approx. 21 mpg. A/C and temperature lighted controls along with clock/passenger air bag monitor hard to see with normal sunlight. Love a breeze from a sunroof; but with Camrys open fully, cant feel any air w/o opening windows too. Performance P215/55/17 tires noisy on rough roads and over $175 each to buy - thats over $700 plus taxes & installation to replace all 4 tires & rated for only 20,000 miles. Front end design seems to attract many road stones and chips paint easily.

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  2007 Toyota Yaris Reliable & Efficient - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Eric - June 24 - 12:56 am

  We bought this car new, our first car, when we just got married. The car has served us well. We have not had one single issue with the car in 42,000 miles. Have not even had to replace the brakes. This car returns mpg numbers up to 39 on the highway, 36 in mixed driving, 34 city in warm weather. In the winter, we avg 33 mixed. The interior design and quality are good, but the seating position front and rear are very upright, which on trips an hour or more becomes quite apparent. It is also very narrow inside. Automatic transmission has been flawless. This car basically needs no major maintenance til 100,000 miles, not even spark plugs or tranny fluid change. A great first car.

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  Wait for the 2006.......... - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By giggs11 - June 23 - 2:30 pm

  My car has 1800 miles and is 3 months old, I have taken the car to the dealer over 20 times. Problem consist of leaking, gear, rear brake and suspention noise. The vehicle I recieved had a defective seat, Shaft, seams behind the dash and even noise from the ignition when the car doesnt start. I would advise any person interested in this car to wait for the 2006 when they fix all the problems in this model. Toyota customer service dont put in the effort anymore thay just dont care, I have been treated very badly by both the dealer (who is 100% loyal to Toyota) and Toyota Corp. The dealers still dont know how to repair this car nor do Toyota. I had this car at the dealer for over 20days out

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  Problems with the seats - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By annemarie - June 22 - 9:53 pm

  2009 Toyota matrix ....Grey interior ....problem with seat staining from getting wet, seats replaced 2 times front and back still having the same problems ....3 water leaks.....replaced the carpets....car still smells mildew...Is this Toyota quality???? Toyota needs to do something!!!!!!! I had a 2005 matrix - good little car, shouldnt have ever traded in.

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  Great truck in need of transmission reprogramming - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco17 - June 21 - 8:31 am

  Ive been looking for a midsize truck. I was originally set on the GMC Canyon but after seeing all the safety recalls and consumer complaints I decided to pass. I ended buying the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off road 4x4 double cab short bed, automatic, towing package and JBL premium tech package. My biggest complaint was the shifting problem with the transmission. After having the 2016 TSB for the issue applied (and transmission fluid filled to the correct level) at the dealer the issue is now resolved. I couldnt be happier with the truck but miss the HP and torque of my old 2004 GMC HD2500 with the 6 liter V8 (but not the gas mileage or rough ride when not towing). I do some offroading, and minimal towing (3000 lbs or less) with two kids and this was a great downsize from the "big" truck. Not to mention Tacoma reliability and resell value.

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  A Great Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Bob - June 21 - 8:23 am

  A real nice SUV. I just had aftermarket leather put in for <1000. Fun to drive and very comfortable on all road conditions.

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  Rav 4 Consistent reliability - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Keith - June 20 - 8:00 am

  Overall, for the money, the Rav 4 is a great investment. I drive 40,000 miles per year. It has great cargo room, and good flexibility with back seat adjustments. The blue tooth phone is a must. Rides good on the highway with some road noise. Street driving in town can be a rough ride sometimes. The smart key is a big convenience. I average 28.6 mpg overall.

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  Reliable Runner - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Reliable Runner - June 19 - 6:53 pm

  This was my first non-American auto. It was the best experience of a car since my 1964 Chev Impala. Very dependable which rates very highly with me as a woman driver. Dont like the fact there are no flat surfaces to hold objects and no metal for a magnet to hold msgs or papers to keep in view for use. This car owes me nothing. It is a bit loud on the freeway and not a "smooth as silk" ride, but all in all its been a keeper.

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  Fight High Co$t of Fuel - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Flyingwest - June 18 - 10:00 am

  My doctor convinced me to purchase a Prius. He had 55,000 miles on his 2000 Prius and found it to be extremely reliable. It was enough for a doctors needs. I had researched the Prius on the internet looking for fault. I found none important. I have a ball each time I drive. I am a commercial pilot.

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  brake noise sometime - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By binh nguyen - June 18 - 10:00 am

  my 2003 rav4 has alot of noise from every time i step on the brake,it happen after two weeks from the i purchase,i brink back to dearler to comppland,i come back after five houres my encer is ,we cant find the proplem sorry,my name is binh nguyen recomment not to buy toyota rav4 untill toyota recall all 2003 rav4 and fix that