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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  2006 Matrix 5 speed - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By sprice - January 18 - 10:23 pm

  Unbelievable fuel economy and interior space. Fun to drive, handles well. Not much acceleration at turnpike speeds (which is one reason why its so stingy with gas), but pretty peppy below 60 mph.

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  Disappointing Tranny - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Dissappointed - January 18 - 8:53 am

  Im normally a loyal Toyota purchaser, but not sure after purchasing my new 2008 Toyota Camry. Toyota has always had good reputation for great running, reliable car, but the transmission in this car is the worst ever. Like other drivers have said, its sluggish. Shifts often and hard, especially on an incline and on cruise control. Hesitates when accelerating after slowing down. A nightmare using cruise control when I went on vacation. The driver seat could use more upper lateral support as I tend to lean out of the seat towards the center. Ill keep the car as long as I can and probably trade it in.

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  Good value for an inexpensive car. - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By rrtxcorolla - January 18 - 3:55 am

  I bought my Corolla S brand new in 07. It is 04-2011 now. I put 99.7% of the 65,000 miles on it myself. I have only done routine maintenance to date. Brakes and tires at 59,995 miles, Synth Oil changes every 7,500 miles, engine air filters every 15,000 miles, and cab filters every 30,000 miles. Im planning on replacing belts and plugs at 75,000. It delivers 28 mpg in the city, and 38-42 on the highway depending on how fast I drive. I have had NO problems. None. This isnt a luxury car. It isnt a sports car. It isnt a tiny car. What it is, is a good, dependable small-car with a low cost of operation Everything works like it did when I drove it off the lot brand new.

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  safety should come first - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By bob - January 17 - 9:36 pm

  My two year old V6 awd sport model Highlander with 30k HIGHWAY miles and now Im told I need new tires? I think a car costing over 38k plus would use a better and safer tire? Toyota states safety, well with these cheap TOYO tires they use I say they might want to revisit the tires they use on the Highlander. In March during our nasty rain storms here in MA. I hit a puddle and lost control on the highway did what i call a 160 even with AWD and traction on. I think the tires are failing and so soon. I love everything about this suv, and being my fourth SUV but my first Toyota. Ill be going back to my all american SUV where they use better and safer tires that gets more than 30K out of the

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  great for our off road trips - 2013 Toyota 4Runner
  By feralcat - January 17 - 6:09 pm

  I just picked up a 2013 trail edition. I paid extra for Nitto Terra Grappler ATs as Ive had so many problems in the past with the standard HTs that come with all 4Runners. I realize that most folks dont off-road but we do a few times a year. I traded in a 2011 trail which ran perfectly. This should be exactly the same but it does feel a little different with shift points and throttle response.

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  gas sipper - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By High Point - January 17 - 11:16 am

  Mine came equipped with a/c and staight gear. Gas mileage averages about 39 per gallon. The wind does move this car around somewhat but I think that would be inherent with any 2100 lb. car. True it doesnt come with many extras but I didnt expect many for $11,700.00. Before I bought the Echo I tested a Hyundai Accent, Daewoo Lanos and Kia Rio and they could not touch the Echo in acceleration, gas mileage, ride quality or fit and finish.

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  All Wheel Drive Can Leave You Stranded - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Samchild7 - January 17 - 11:00 am

  The Siennas All Wheel Drive Option is based on the use of "run-flat" tires. These tires, made by Dunlop, will take you one hundred miles if punctured. The problem is that no one, including Toyota or Dunlop dealerships, stocks replacement tires, and nearly no one owns the $50,000 device required to pull the tire from the rim. As such, a simple nail will leave a family on vacation stranded for two or three days while a special order tire ships in. Since a simple nail in a tire is a foreseeable hazard, Toyota has failed miserably in providing any sense of reliability on the AWD version of the Sienna. This is a very sad state of affairs for a company known for attention to consumers.

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  Year 1 Review... Not that satisfied - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Byron K - January 17 - 9:30 am

  Ive had my car for 1 year this month. During the first year the dealer replaced my shocks because they were going bad. I was told this is happening to cars in cold areas. My car makes various noises depending on the time of year. I hear a squeak/crackling noise coming from the radio in the winter/fall, but not when its warm. The car actually makes noises like a house settling. The radio periodically goes from Auxiliary to the FM radio for no reason. I have driven Chevys and Fords that seem to be built better than this car. Now I will either trade it in and lose the 1 year of payments put into it or keep it and hope the engine proves to be as reliable as everyone else thinks.

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  Classy, powerful, and very comfortable - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Boston Terrier Mom - January 16 - 11:53 pm

  Drove the fun but very uncomfortable FJ Cruiser for 6 months which wrecked my back. Checked out BMW/Audi/Volvo - quality not there for the $$$. This car has power, a very quiet ride, handles well, power seats with lots of adjustments, an elegant interior, and its incredibly roomy inside. Mileage has been around 20, lower than advertised. Rear view mirror could be larger. Steering wheel should be power. No iPod/aux jack, but the stereo is really good. Keyless entry is addictive. Car should come standard with side molding!! I had mine installed right after purchasing it for around $200. The morning commute is now serene. Great value vs. Lexus, build quality is right there.

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  Further update - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Brant - January 16 - 12:00 pm

  We are now approaching 30,000 miles and the good news is that the car has had nothing but routine maintenance. Mileage is as advertised but dips into the high 20s in winter city driving. The OEM tires were shot at 22K which is not acceptable. The dashboard creaks like Noahs Ark, especially when cold and the interior plastics and fit and finish are below par. The car is a quiet and comfortable cruiser and is as non offensive as you would expect from a Camry. Power is great for a hybrid in this fuel mileage class. The cruise control in un-nerving in the hills - set it at 75 and it will vary between 72 and 78. Overall we are pleased but this is not a great car.