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:

• 

  Great Truck! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By houcontrol - October 14 - 9:50 pm

  I love my new Tundra, so far. My only complaint is the gas mileage had been about 3.5 mpg less than the posted EPA estimates but thats not unusual. My (sometimes) lead foot may have something to do with it.

• 

  67,000 mile review - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By t h a m - October 14 - 8:10 pm

  After driving 4.5 years I figured I would write another review w/ reliability notes. Following service manual to a T and everything is running fine other than my sunroof which broke wide open at 55k mi with a $2400 replacement bill that I did not fix (just got it closed). Computer read out says Im averaging 20.3 mpg but its 10% off so actual is 18 mpg - reasonable for a body on frame SUV. Replaced tires at 40k from dealer oems to Mich Cross Terrains - nice improvement. At 63", head and leg room are just adequate. 2 prong outlet is great, but only 1 12v is not. Front passenger space is small - friends ride knees up at 61". Good truck overall and would recommend to friends/family.

• 

  Bad Engine - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Tracy - October 14 - 1:50 pm

  I was having some issues regarding quality - replaced ECU and water pump and for the last 25,000 miles Ive had an oil issue and was told last week that I need a new engine. A new engine with less that 100,000 miles. Dont buy a Toyota.

• 

  great truck overall - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By steve murray - October 12 - 2:00 am

  My two wheel drive pickup truck pulled multiple bushes and small stumps out without a problem. It handled loads up to 2300 LB of dirt,gravel,sand and stonedust in the bed. always started right up never gave any hassle.

• 

  Meets my needs - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By truck buyer - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought the vehicle after much comparing between Colorado/Tacoma. I am NOT a foreign car snob--I drive what works money wise and needs wise. If Chevy had been offering 0% when I was looking it would have been a toss- up. That being said: It is more comfortable on the road then I initially imagined. The Dif lock is great--got me unstuck in mud twice already. The ground clearance is nice. I get 19mpg in town and 21mpg on the hi-way in New Mexico. I have 5800 miles on it with no problems. It is tight and fun to drive, but watch the back end. Acceleration is fine, but I am a light footed driver.

• 

  corolla s 5 spd - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By 0351 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Great looking car, and great fuel economy. Good resale value and build quality very trust worthy. Only gripe is that on highway driving at about 75mph and higher there is a wierd buzzing sound coming from in my dash sounds like a bee traped in there very annoying, I plan on having it looked at. Oh yeah and if you go over 45 mph and put your back windows down it sounds like a helicopter is landing on your roof, kinda neat in away.

• 

  VVT OIL hose Failure. Engine replacement - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By West Coast Toast - October 11 - 5:40 am

  Just like the post from Deb on 05/05/2009, last month my 2007 Toyota rav 4 with v6 and 38,000 kms had its vvt hose break spraying oil in engine compartment but no engine light came on. Caused engine failure. Had to replace the engine - wasnt easy but they did it under warranty after pushing them hard.

• 

  Reliable and Practical - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By axiom - October 10 - 3:16 pm

  Im echoing what CarParker already mentioned - he has said the best. It really is a sport hatch for the pragmatic. This car feels confident on the highway and quick in the city. I personally prefer the styling of this Matrix to a lot of its competitors out there. They did a great job with the front grill. The suspension is hard and the ride can be rough in the city, but this is expected from a car of this type. Nonetheless, the stability control works well. Brakes are excellent and the seat are very comfortable for me (Im about 511 200 lbs). Comfort is a premium for me since I have issues with my knees for long journeys. Overall, this matrix gives you a smooth ride and great gas mileage.

• 

  Love it - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Snraek - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Love it. We were prepared to buy another product until we happened across the re- designed RAV 2001. Great in the snow.

• 

  2003 4Runner Much Improved. - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By StephanieandPaul - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I already had a 2000 4Runner, so I was not looking to buy another one. Seeing the new 4Runners exterior did not have a magical effect on me, but after getting in side it, I had to have it. It is so more roomier, the back hatch door closes automatically and has a sensor to open it (no more dirty hands). I love my heated seats and the dual climate control is a must for a happy marriage. The stereo controls on the steering wheel and the new designed HVAC controls keep my eyes on the road. It handels better than the Land Crusier. The acceleration with the V8 is awesome! My insurance rates actually went down due to the side curtain air bags.