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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  After 2 1/2 years but only 14000 miles.. - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By jerber - May 29 - 10:00 am

  It is very sporty and handles like a sports car. After 2 1/2 years, but only 14000 miles, I know why we drive the 98 Expedition everywhere. The ride is not very comfortable, and on the open highway, the kids in the back seat were scared for the first month because they felt like they were riding in the back of an old pickup. It is loud and has lots of wheel and highway noise. Also, there are 3 loud and irritating trim or structural rattles and noises that are relentless in all driving conditions. It is great for around town, but after 2 1/2 years, its not for me.

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  Excellent Choice - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By dkolstedt - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable and handles well in snow and ice. 4WD immediately available when needed. 63000 miles and no repairs so far.

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  Easy choice - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Daviddgc - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Great value. very roomy for a small car, great fuel economy and I feel comfortable with toyotas reliability! I have always had problems with timing belts in previous cars, its just my luck. The new corolla has a timing chain!!!!! I give this little car a solid 10. The only negative would be, traveling over 80mph in high wind, its a little skidish but the pros outway the cons by leaps and bounds. I have read others complaining about the sulfur smell of the new car......It fades away in a few days, this is normal for almost every car!

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  RAVI! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By carman - May 29 - 9:30 am

  This SUV rides somewhat firm, but handles like it is on rails. The handling is great, I get the same feel as driving an Accord. Just took a mini road trip and avg mpg was 25, was hoping for better, but would trade for the AWD performance. The AWD system is awesome, have driven in serious snow/ice and feel like I am invincible, unbelievable traction. Plenty of power and tranny is smooth, overall this is a pretty fun vehicle to drive.

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  Awesome MPG and comfortable ride, no cargo space - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By jakeh56@gmail.com - May 28 - 11:52 am

  We bought a 2013 Highlander Base because it is the only model with a 4cyl. It gets great MPG for a Crossover, and has surprising power for a 4cyl. The front seats and back seats are really comfortable with the exception of the middle seat in the back row. It is seriously about a foot wide, so no more than small children will be able to sit in the middle. The third row seats are not comfortable. The Highlander handles and drives great. After 6 months of owning the Highlander we are selling it to buy a Honda Pilot. The only reason is the storage space in the hatch. The Highlander appears to be designed with the idea of only using the third row on occasion. When you are using the third row we cannot even put a 24 pack of water flat in the hatch. You have to turn it sideways. We were willing to sacrifice luxury for the MPG, but when using the third row the cargo is almost completely useless.

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  First Toyota - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - May 27 - 9:43 pm

  This is my first Toyota, after always owning GM, Chevy, or Ford, along with being a truck and SUV guy. I needed a reliable car for a family of 4 that was comfortable and fuel efficient. I found it! Its just a base model Camry, but its definitely serving its purpose. I would have like to have gotten a few more bells and whistles by at least moving up to the LE model, but I was on a very tight budget. Overall, Im happy with the quality, peformance, and comfort of the car. The 4 cyl engine has more pep than I thought it would. I have less than 400 miles on it, but no complaints. Its going to serve its purpose well.

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  Nice, but not quite there - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Trevor - May 27 - 5:26 pm

  We were very excited about the DVD and navigation in our Toyota - however we have been very disappointed with the amount of babysitting Toyota does. There are a lot of little things that make owning a Toyota annoying. - You cant dial a phone # or look up an address in the nav unless you are completely stopped. Also you cant control the DVD for the kids unless you put on the parking brake! The laser cruise control puts about 10 car lengths or more between you and the car in front of you and you cant change it. The placement of the oil filter and where you pour the oil is poor - you have to pour VERY slowly or goes everywhere! Also the back tail gate has had 3 different problems!

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  Bad paint - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By william knerr - May 27 - 6:10 am

  Bought my new 07 Toyota tundra crewmax in june 07. Three weeks after I bought it small paint chips started comeing off it. Toyota said all they would paint the two passenger side doors. I said I didnt think the paint would ever match. Besides its only three weeks old. They said take it to your dealership. See what they can do for you. When I did that I noticed pen size chips coming off the drivers side. So now its the whole truck. By now a month has passed the people in California customer service center said your thirty days are up theres nothing more we can do for you. Its yours now.

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  Reliable, practical, its been a great car. - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By thomkatt - May 26 - 8:13 am

  I bought my Matrix used in 08 with 52k. Its currently at 103k and I still havent had any problems with it, aside from regular maintenance (oil/filter changes, replaced tires/brake pads). Its my first car and Ive really enjoyed its mix of practicality, fuel economy, and relative sportiness. Thats sportiness relative to a camry or corolla; its relatively fun to drive around town, but the fun is limited beyond that. Im a college student, so the flexible cargo area is great for the frequent moves, group trips to the grocery store, and weekend getaways. As far as style, the asymmetrical dash is cool and the exterior is sporty enough (the solar yellow paint helps). Its been a great car.

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  Review after 17 months of ownership - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Bill - May 25 - 11:53 pm

  I wanted a new car that I could reasonably expect would be economical (good mpg) & reliable (no problems). After 17 months of ownership & 15,550 miles my cumulative gas mileage is 42.7 mpg. Ive not had ANY mechanical or electrical problems with the auto. Ive taken it in for the 5K, 10K, & 15K routine maintenance & that is it.