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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  Fun to drive - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By What a car - October 21 - 7:03 am

  I love this car its small fun to drive.The fuel economy is great.The interior is simple and nice the seats are soft.On are matrix xrs we did the TRD racing shocks the ride is firm we also did cross bars on the car because there was a lot of body roll. When geting on the gas pedal the car has a very hard time finding traction you think when toyota was building it they would of put a limited slip in it. But once you get passed that the car takes off once out of first gear and into second when you get over 61000RPM the second cam opens the car takes of. Its fun to drive easy to take care of and its fun to drive

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  Longitivity on parts - Brakes - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By cirandousti - October 21 - 2:54 am

  I purchased a 2010 new model less that 2 years ago. Now at only 32,200 miles the brakes are gone on my car. When I called the dealership I was was informed that some New vehicles are being sold with brake live span of 15,000. This is seriously the reason Toyota is having horrid experiences with this vehicles and after the recall incident you would think that they would sell more "reliable" parts on their vehicles. I am so mad that I have dish out $$ on a 32,2000 mile car, that I will be seeking to trade this vehicle, recommend to ALL those who listen to NEVER purchase a Toyota vehicle. I regret ever purchasing a Toyota and will NEVER purchase another.

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  Hunter - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Smokey - October 20 - 6:20 pm

  Steering is very stiff at highway speeds causing the feeling that it has locked up, and trying to make a minor adjustment always results in an oversteer or over correction situation. The result is a weaving left to right as you travel the straight-aways. There is no room for any extra stuff in the front for the driver or passenger. Difficult to get the EPA rating of 24 Hghy.

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  Everything you could ask for in an SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Vectorw8t - October 20 - 12:53 pm

  From snow storms in the Northeast to the deserts of the Southwest this truck does it all with ease. Even pulling a loaded 12x6 trailer cross country managing 17 mpg @ 75 mph didnt phase this truck. Rock solid engine, combined with exceptional ride and great efficiency for an SUV. My last SUV was a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 4Runners build quality and handling is significantly superior. Dont waste your time with a Ford or Jeep, buy the 4Runner youll love it. The bottom line is that this truck outperforms in build, quality and performance all of its competitors. If youre in the market for an SUV new or used it should be on top of your short list.

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  engineering marvel - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ray - October 20 - 10:16 am

  The first thousand miles have been positive. Drives well, about 40 mpg, quiet, adequate power for any situation, engineering is a marvel, and the most important feature, it is a small contribution to solving our global warming problems. Only the ideologically moribund can deny it is happening, and it seems to me that each of us must do what we can to reduce our carbon use and carbon dioxide residues.

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  Built to Last - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By KC Jones - October 20 - 8:56 am

  Purchased new with 17 miles on Odo. Currently at 74K miles. The main electrical fuse blew once when car new cutting out all electrical. Replaced in no time by dealership. Car has never needed even a single repair since other than oil changes and new tires. Only two things will survive the end of the world. Cockroaches and Corollas. Seats not supportive for O/N driving. Otherwise nothing to complain, everything to applaud. This is what a car should aspire to be.

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  my sweet baby - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Judith McCausland - October 20 - 8:37 am

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  2009 Toyota Corolla S - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Daphne - October 20 - 8:10 am

  I love my corolla! Its fun and easy to drive. The car handles well, gets 30 mpg routinely, has cold ac, and the JBL stereo is great. I think the interior dash design could be upgraded, but thats my only complaint. With the reliability of Toyota, Im sure I will be driving this car for many years to come.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By judyc135 - October 20 - 7:53 am

  This little Toyota wagon is a jewel. Ive got 160k miles on it and it runs as well as the day I drove it home. I, too, had to replace a water pump in the first year or two of ownership and also had a leak in one of the CV boots in the 3rd or 4th year. Other than that Ive only had regular maintenance done on the car and replaced normal stuff when it wore out. It is the perfect size and gets good mileage with an automatic transmission. The only thing I would change is I would like a little less road noise and a little smoother ride but then its not bad for this price car. My friends with big maintenance bills for their BMWs and Mercedes are envious!

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  Greatest Truck I ever owned 2018 Sequoia Limited - 2018 Toyota Sequoia
  By William Joyce - October 19 - 6:25 pm

  This is my second one and love it. Almost 5,000 miles and trouble free. Milage to be expected 16 average Suburban driving and 18 average on highway. I did get 20 + MPG on one tank couldnt believe it. My last one was a 2013 same model and only one problem in 80,000 miles door hinge got broken with a real strong wind. I recommend this truck very strongly and will buy another in 80,000 miles. I have nothing negative to say about this vehicle.