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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  practical commuting - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By pulledover3ice - November 23 - 12:43 am

  The exterior is great, sporty, yet classy (best looking economy hatchback) - thats something many modern models cant get right (even the new matrix). The interior is roomy and tasteful, the only problem is the low quality storage compartment under the shifter, it kept falling out. Auto on/off headlights are a must. Seats could be more comfortable (01 elantra was very good). This car does not accelerate very fast and has a noisy ride. AWD shines on the snow. If you go over 75 mph, the car starts vibrating and otherwise complaining about the speed (although once you push it over 80 it can be smooth). Handling is fine, suspension too soft for sharp turns. High winds push it around at 75+

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  Great Truck! - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By ALDO - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle - can definitely do better on gas mileage. Ultimately reliable - smooth quiet ride. Would definitely get another one.

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  Surprised - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By vitamingiant - November 21 - 2:00 am

  we drove new Ford F-150s, Chevy Silverados, Dodges, and were absolutely surprised how good the Toyota Tundra looked and even more surprised with the handling. We live in the mountains of western North Carolina and the off road package is by far the best on the market. You will not be sorry if you buy this truck.

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  Good Reliable Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By The-Body - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This can be a fun car to drive if you get the V6 in a 5-speed. Has plently of power and gets the job done. Ive put almost 60k milies on the car since 1999 and its 2003 now and no problems at all.

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  2002 Tacoma Crew Cab 4WD - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Doug I - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great truck so far. I have had no problems with it at all and the crew cab is very handy for hualing the grandkids around.

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  Navigation Disaster - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By navdisappointment - November 20 - 9:13 pm

  Purchased my 08 Camry Hybrid in late 07. Previously drove a Honda Pilot with nav. Cannot live without the navigation, would not consider any car without it. The 2008 toyota camry hybrid navigation system is completely useless. There is NO ability to program or reprogram the navigation system unless fully stopped. Old models had overrides, but no more! This dirty secret will soon be well known and poof goes any value for the nav on re-sale, which by the way for me will be within two years. This is a huge problem and not how the majority of these systems work.

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  Best SUV ever - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By toyoglide - November 20 - 6:02 am

  Bought the 4runner when it had 70k miles on it. Have done a lot of long distance driving and now have 397k on the suv. Have only done normal maintenance. No valve jobs or other major procedures. Recently replaced igniter, plugs, and fuel injectors and it runs good as ever. Had Michelin LTX tires on it and got 150k miles on one set. This is an amazing vehicle and is built to last. I am sure I can get to 500k miles. Engine is not overly powerful but not a big issue. You can also chew through brake rotors quickly if you are heavy on the brake. Overall I love this suv.

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  Overall Great, Dependable and Fun - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Broeheem - November 18 - 4:20 am

  I bought this truck about a year ago, and am pretty happy with it. The 3.4 has more than enough gusto for me, the trans feels solid, and the suspension is a perfect balance of smooth ride and tight handling. SR5 has nearly all the toys standard and the factory option packages take care of the rest. I was determined to find one with all the options that you could get (except auto - would never own an auto). Exterior is the last decent-looking one before the headlights got massive, interior is not as sweet as the last model (and that hideous exploding steering pillow had to go immediately), but at least Toyota figured out that the speakers ought to NOT be pointing at the floor.

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  good vehicle - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Sandra Holstine - November 17 - 10:04 am

  Really like the vehicle but drivers seat could use more padding. It starts getting hard sitting after few hours of driving.

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  Disappointed first time Toyota owner - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Disappointed Owner - November 17 - 1:56 am

  When I first saw the Venza I just had to have one, I really like the look of it. Ive had it not quite 3 months and am very disappointed, I have loud wind noise that drives me absolutely crazy. I work around a lot of noise so when I get in I dont like to have to have the radio on, but its the only thing that will drown out the noise. Ive taken to the dealer three times and their best response is, all we can tell after driving yours and another new one on the lot, the wind noise is inherent to the Venza, to me this is unacceptable in a brand new vehicle. And here I thought I was spoiling myself by buying it. After yrs of owning a Honda, I bought this. Big message, going back to a Honda.