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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  The Best Minivan Made Today - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ken Y - September 4 - 10:00 am

  After being let down by the Pontiac Montana (engine problems at 81k miles), and then briefly owning a Kia Sedona (small, thirsty, and poorly made), the Toyota Sienna is the best minivan Ive ever driven. Aside from the legendary reliability of Toyota, there is interior room galore, plenty of engine power, a very refined ride, and good gas mileage. Kudos to Toyota for adding the 8-passenger option. Tons of room behind the 3rd row. Feels like a Lexus. 23 mpg on a mix of city and highway driving (the Kia only got 16). Plenty of towing capacity. Look out Honda Odyssey, Sienna is the new #1. If youre considering a suburban, consider the Sienna instead!

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  Sienna XLE Ltd: Lexus RX33 in Disguise? - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By SF Bay Area Owner - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, cruises well at prolonged high speed, blurs distinction between minivans & SUVs. Cargo capacity & interior beat Honda Odyssey. DVD player, augmented by AC outlet for computer games, is great on long trips. All-wheel drive means no chains in snow. Unibody construction lowers center of gravity. SUV performance without endangering others, gulping fuel, or offending the politically correct.

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  Reliable of course - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By beaver - September 3 - 8:26 pm

  Very nice car! While it wont break any land speed records, it does have nice style, really nice interior, really nice all over, but what puts Toyota ahead of everyone else is reliability. I have put over 230,000 miles on it in 8 years (and missed oil changes here and there)! Repairs in that time: replaced the head gasket and have gone through 3 batteries and many tires.

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  No real issues after a year of ownership. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Zak - September 2 - 4:38 am

  I know there are a several people that are not happy with their 2016 Tacomas for various reasons posting here. One of the consistent reasons that come up is the transmission shifting issue. I noticed the same issue after my first week of ownership. Driving from Dallas to Shreveport, the transmission was constantly hunting for gears and if I was using cruise control, the slightest incline would cause it to downshift and stay stuck in 4th gear. This was incredibly annoying, but I knew Toyota would fix it. Now that Toyota has finally fixed this issue, my truck is perfect. If you are having the transmission issue, ask your service dealer to apply the T-SB-0077 transmission update. I own the double cab TRD off road model and it performs very well on the road and trails. If I had it to do all over again, I would probably just buy the 4x4 SR model and do all of my own customizations instead of buying the Toyota upgrade models.

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  What a great Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Taxi Mom - September 2 - 12:26 am

  We just love our Prius. We can get 51 mpg on a whole tank just by paying attention of when to lay off the gas pedal. Other times ONLY 46 mpg. Still better than that gas-hog of an SUV we used to drive. Plus were making a stand (as we all should start doing) to stop the insanity of our dependence on oil.

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  Recently purchased, but... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By rav4 - September 1 - 9:40 pm

  Recently purchased, but...so far so good!!!! I have never been happier with purchasing a new vehicle.The Rav4 is great on gas for an SUV, I have the 4cyl but it still has good "get-up-and- go" on the interstate. I couldnt be happier with my new Toyota!

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  2009 Oregon Camry Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By 2009 Camry Hybrid - September 1 - 8:36 pm

  My Camry Hybrid has been delivering better than the EPA estimate of 33 MPG city mileage at about 34-35 on the first three tanks of gas. Performance seems better than the 2008 Honda Accord EX-L 4 cylinder I also test drove before deciding on the Toyota and much better mileage to boot. The loaded Camry Hybrid is really close in price to a comparably equipped Camry XLE V6.

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  Love it - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Katy - September 1 - 2:23 pm

  Weve owned the matrix for 5 years now and it has over 100,000 miles. Only routine maintenance. Bought for the interior flexibility since we have 2 dogs. We bought ours used but would have preferred the V6 for a little more pep. We have had a very good experience and plan to drive this car for another 100,000 miles.

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  Toyota Mavin - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Penni - September 1 - 10:56 am

  The Matrix is one of the most fun vehicles I have owned. It is quiet, peppy in town, smooth riding, and response handling. My model is a loaded XR front wheel drive with the side spoilers in Phantom Gray Pearl. The six-disc radio has wonderful sound. Even my dog loves the car - she begs to go for rides. Gas mileage is a little lower than I expected, but I am averaging 24 mpg in town and 32 mpg on the highway with an automatic transmission. I just added the sunroof deflector - a good improvement with the sunroof open.

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  A very good move - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Robert NorVelle - August 31 - 3:00 pm

  I was never a big fan of Japanese cars but after reading so many great reviews of the Camry Hybrid I decided to check it out. I drove it and wow what a nice car. I traded my 07 GMC Denali (13.2 mpg) in on a loaded TCH and am getting 36.2 in total comfort! The TCH is a very nice car to drive and has lots of room for my 62" 260lb self to travel in.