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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  1999 Toyota RAV4 - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By oble95 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Being a Toyota, it has definitely been reliable. The handling is excellent; you really dont feel youre driving a truck. Gas mileage is also excellent.The only complaint I have is the lack of power. Changing lanes or passing other vehicles will require some planning.

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  Shouldnt have bought early production - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Jason_C_VP - April 17 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 rattles big time (in the engine and transmission). I took the Camry back to dealer 4 times, and they couldnt find the problem. I suspect they didnt want to do the work, and just gave me some lame excuse. I learned my lesson, which is to wait until Toyota (or another manufacturer) works the kinks out of the production. I will never buy a new model until the second year. If I had spent an extra 5 grand, I could have bought the Lexus 300, which is practically the same car. Yes, my Toyota Camry still rattles.

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  When you find something you love - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Laura - April 17 - 1:40 am

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  Corolla Club - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By casey c - April 15 - 12:47 pm

  After watching and reading many reviews I purchased a 2016 Corolla LE Plus.Corollas reliability is why.Exterior color is black pearl.Its amazing in the sun seeing all the vivid pearl colors.Toyotas LED projector headlights are the best headlights for visibility at night.The dash controls are well thought out and easy to use(love the back button on the steering wheel).Stereo sounds good and is plenty loud.Car horn sounds like a duck sliding down hill on his butt.Drivers seat is comfortable for the one hour commute to work.You have to adjust the seat and the steering wheel a while to get dialed in,but once you do its all good.Acceleration is adequate,actually peppy when in sport mode.CVT transmission is very smooth and seamless,love it.One professional reviewer said "the car wanders on the highway and the steering wheel needs constant correction" I disagree.I would agree with another reviewer saying the car "floats",which is not a bad thing in the Toyota world.So far I am getting a combined MPG of 38 plus.Happy with the purchase.

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  Nice little car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By 1st Toyotabuyer - April 14 - 5:00 pm

  With just a little over 1,000 miles on the odometer am getting about 27 mpg average. This is a nice quiet little car and seats five easily. Runs smooth and handles well. I like the cruise and all the power options. It does ride quite low to the ground, which is nice on clear dry roadways, but not for winter driving conditions. The AWD is fantastic. We can rely upon it to keep everything moving in slick conditions. I am hoping that the mpg will increase a little over time. But very satisfied so far.

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  Great Overall - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Doug Schmidt - April 14 - 5:50 am

  Just took it on our first long trip - quiet and comfortable. Roomy inside, quiet ride.

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  Good Van, Bad Dealership - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By DJ - April 13 - 6:26 pm

  We purchased this van in Nov. 2002. We have had no major problems with it just wear and tear items. The Sienna has been great to us we will definitely own another Toyota.

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  Ill Keep My 4-Runner Thanks! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Happy 4-Runner Owner - April 13 - 10:00 am

  My all time favorite vehicle. Never any mechanical problems and have had lots of fun driving it. Looks much sharper than the new style 4-Runner.

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  great truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By kingdmn - April 13 - 10:00 am

  i put ladder racks on my truck and use it every day for my construction business

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  Tacoma issues - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoma10 - April 13 - 12:29 am

  This is the six Toyota I have owned......probably the last. Toyota dealerships/service has always been the weak point in my experience with Toyota. I am currently driving a 2010 Tacoma double cab. Nice truck, but has a couple issues. Number one is the transmission; it always seems to be "searching" for the right "gear", not a big deal, just slightly annoying. It has done it now for almost 15,000 miles. Second issue is the AC/heater blower motor. It has been making a ticking sound for months. I took it to the dealer in December. They told me the motor is bad and it had been recalled. A replacement was ordered, but as yet has not arrived at dealer. I have given up talking to dealer.