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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  Nice - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Car Los - October 29 - 9:10 am

  I bought this SUV for my family last year (wife & 1 yr old son). The style played an important role in the decision. We took it in a few road trips and were very happy with the general performance. Nice handling, lots of power (even for a 4 cyl engine) great traction on snowy roads and good stereo system with iPod/MP3 capability. The cargo area is pretty generous with under floor storage. On the other side the throttle feels a little too sensitive, specially when taking off and the tranny tends to have a delayed reaction when slowing down and pulling into a driveway or parking lot (I am not sure but this could be an issue just with my car; I havent had it checked yet).

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  New Owner 09 Corolla LE 4 dr - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dena - October 29 - 12:20 am

  Just got the car on Tuesday. Didnt want a car but my truck doesnt get 30 mpg and I needed reliable and affordable for going back and forth to work. This is it! Havent finished first tank of gas but its already a winner as far as Im concerned. Already have 200 miles on it and am nowhere near needing to fill up. This is an Automat. and im driving at 63- 65mph. Driving is comfortable and surprisingly quiet. Very easy to get in and out of. There is plenty of room in the trunk. Leg room is great in the front.

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  2008 Toyota Sienna CE - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By billiam - October 28 - 8:56 pm

  This van is well appointed even for the low end model. However, at low speed, the transmission is very slow to shift with a rev that is unnerving. The sliding doors just a few months after purchase have squeaked even though there have been several visits to the dealer. I will be taking my van back to the shop again soon for this problem. If the simple things not being done right bug you. Avoid this vehicle until there is a major redesign. Also there is the interior noise of the engine. I thought I was driving a diesel.

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  color my world - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By BJ Freeman - October 28 - 7:20 pm

  Paint on front bumper has peeled and fallen off, now it is flat back. Service tech told me I probably bumped a curb while parking and that makes the paint fall off. Stated it was a manufacturers defect but Toyota has not acknowledged yet so they will do nothing to correct it. I thought thats what a bumper guard was for. Dumb me. Also milage is not what it is rated. On a good day gets about 24 mpg.Also "tires for life" program sucks. Salesman stated "Free tires as long as you own the car, regardless". Did not tell me I also needed to buy Road Hazard on them. Sooo, I have bought 3 tires. I do have road hazard now. Thanks Deluca Toyota for hiring such ace salesmen to take advantage of us!

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  I got rid of it! - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Kana - October 28 - 2:50 pm

  I purchased Corolla on the basis of staunch quality history. Unfortunately, I got nothing but issues. No Kidding! Here they are: Exhaust manifold flange gasket, all 4 power window motors, rear engine main seal, instrument cluster lights went out, inner tie rod, and huge vibration at 65mph. Yes, the car never got me stuck on the road, but I think Ill stick with other more reliable quality vehicles out there.

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  Wow - 1997 Toyota T100
  By Bill - October 28 - 2:43 pm

  I bought this truck only a month ago, as a weekend toy/home maint vehicle. However, I have fallen in love with it and want to drive it all the time! Its my second Toyota and not my last. It has 193,000 miles on it, but looks great in/out, no leaks, no smoking. I was looking for a Tacoma when I stumbled onto this truck, this truck should have been better publicized!

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  Great Value - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Charles Thomas - October 28 - 1:19 pm

  I cross shopped the Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Honda Civic. With incentives, the Corolla was the best value in a fully loaded compact. This is my eighth Toyota or Lexus product and the previous seven have been bullet proof mechanically.

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  one of the best values - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By skipk2 - October 28 - 12:20 pm

  I now have 24,000 miles on my 2010 base RAV4 V6. Its been a terrific experience. its very powerful and the mileage is good for a vehicle of its size. I get 28 mpg on road trips. i love its handling. this is one of the best values around. I intend to keep it for at least 250,000 miles.

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  Best Purchase Ive Ever Made - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By M. Rae - October 28 - 10:26 am

  If you are looking for a dependable, fuel efficient vehicle this is the car for you! I have owned my ECHO for nearly 3 years and never had a problem! While all my friends were driving gas-guzzlers, I could easily get buy without filling up for 10 days! The ECHO is fun to drive, not overly complicated, and simply a wonderful car!

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  What a great car for the value! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Reliable Car - Great - October 28 - 7:06 am

  I have had this car since 2002, I have 103,000 miles on it and I have had NO engine or other problems except in the beginning which the dealer fixed asap since it was just off their lot so no problems. Great space and room!