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:

• 

  My 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By TJREY - September 2 - 2:00 am

  So far, I cant find anything I dont like about my 4Runner. It has incredible power and what really suprises me is the GREAT gas mileage it gets, especially for a V8! I thought for sure that since it is an all time 4WD, that it would ride like a tank. I was wrong! It rides every bit as comfortable as any car and turns as tight. There is plenty of room inside and alot of nice features. I used to have a Ford (Found On Road Dead) Explorer, it doesnt even hold a candle to my 4Runner. You can definitely tell the difference, you know you are in a 100X better quality vehicle. Bottom line: I LOVE my 4Runner and I will never go back!

• 

  My first SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Gene B. - September 2 - 2:00 am

  We just stumbled upon the Highlander at the Cleveland car show on March 7th. We werent looking for anything like it. It represents everything I said Id never buy: An SUV, leather, full power. I picked it up on March 17th. I have absolutely no complaints so far. My wife, who is NOT a car person, LOVES it.

• 

  Go anywhere Lexus - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By ex-150 - September 1 - 10:36 pm

  After owning 4 Ford trucks I finally gave up and went with the Toyota. This is the best truck I have ever owned. To be fair there have been several recalls and service programs but Toyota has fixed every little problem Ive had (new front brake calipers and rotors/ new oxy sensors and manifolds/ new seatbelts). Truck tows my boat no problem and is outstanding off -road! It rides like a Lexus on the Interstate and has handled some pretty rough terrain in the mountains.

• 

  Amazing - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Casey - September 1 - 2:16 pm

  This car is just amazing. Thats all there is too it. It has the pep that I wanted along with the style. Rush hour? No problem! This car can squeeze into little spaces. It also handles well on winding roads. I also have take this car off road on a 4-wheel trail in the woods somewhere in Illinois, it got muddied up and performed well. The engine has a lot of kick to it! If you want a cheap new car that is reliable, this is it! Plus the gas mileage! I get around 36 city and 42 highway. I just love the look on peoples faces when a little 4-cyl zips by them. You would never expect so much spirit from such a little car. It is really worth the price!

• 

  Great Truck Except - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Todd Cranford - September 1 - 2:00 pm

  I love my truck; researched thoroughly before I made the purchase. I traded a 2003 Silverado and there really is no comparison between the two vehichles. I have put 4000 miles on it in all types of weather conditions and have to say that the driving experience is a pleasure. Going from the V8 in the Chevy to the V6 was a concern, but it turns out that my Tacoma has power to spare when needed. This is truly a great truck except for one issue that I hope to get resolved and does not cause any long term damage. I notice a tapping in the engine, only on cold starts and it certainly has me alarmed although it quits after the engine is warm. My dealership will resolve this issue.

• 

  Love it! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Cindy C. - September 1 - 1:00 pm

  I really love this car. It is affordable luxury...a pleasure to drive. The only thing I could complain about is the day after a long trip I washed my car and (barely noticeable) yellow bug guts stained the bumper. The dealership said that just happens and if they repainted, it would just hapen again. I would think paint finishes today would not have that problem, so I was disappointed to say the least in product and response. Also, occasionally when the automatic transmission is shifting down it "jumps". The dealership said the cars computer would work it out within 10k miles...not impressed again by the response I got, as it was getting worse at 8k miles. But, its still my dream car.

• 

  The futures technology here today - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Norman Wagner - September 1 - 11:08 am

  For a small car,the new Prius is head and shoulders above its competitors in performanceand features it offers,but at a price. Compared to the Hyundai Sonata Limited Im currently driving,it provides much better mileage with its 1.8 engine,which while quite adequate, lacks the snappier performance of the Sonatas 2.4 engine. Surprisingly,the ride is actually more comfortable than the larger, roomier Sonata. Both handle well. The interior trim does leaves something to be desired,while the expensive add-ons are a negative,however.Still, my research indicates it to be one of the safest, most economical autos to own for the long haul and has superior resale value.

• 

  New RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim and Noriko Rose - September 1 - 8:20 am

  Just bought our new RAV4. We are happy with our decision, but would recommend that people wait for the initial demand for these cars to die down before buying. It is a well made car that is well worth the money we paid. Didnt give the car 10s because we believe that no car is perfect, and it is a compact SUV after all. There are cars on the market that are superior, just not for the type of car and not for the price range.

• 

  Pleasantly Surprised - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By JAR - September 1 - 2:33 am

  Last year we purchased the vehicle out of a five year lease because it had been so reliable and functional. For the first time, I couldnt find anything in the market that I preferred having. With 94k miles, it still drives like new. We plan to keep it for several more years and miles. It is a great road car and very comfortable to drive not only for the driver and the front passenger but passengers in the back seat as well. We have been surprised how often we choose to travel by driving than flying.

• 

  Safe in a crash - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By April - August 31 - 9:33 pm

  Ive driven my Matrix for a few years now. I love the interior. Its very comfortable and the dash looks attractive. Recently I went on vacation with a friend of mine and she drove us in my car. There were some deer in the road which caused us to swerve and crash head on into a tree. This car saved our lives. It was totaled but we are alive and came out relatively well. A few broken bones and bruises later...But honestly for a smaller car it took the hit well. I would recommend it highly. I wish I still had it.