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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  Fits people of all sizes - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Canuck366 - June 26 - 3:13 am

  This car is cheap in cost terms but extremely good quality for the price. I was concerned about buying it because Im a big guy, but it is much more comfortable than a Nissan Sentra, Chevy S10 Pickup or Ford Mustang. The headroom and leg room was impressive in both the front and the back seats. The seats sit much higher than one would expect from such a small car. If you are looking to buy one, make sure it is a Manual Transmission or it will not be any fun. Others have asked for these fancy features like iPod holders and other advancements, it sounds like you need to spend the extra money if you want those features and go with the Matrix.

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  Good Commuter Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By 08LasVenturas - June 25 - 9:56 pm

  Im not a Toyota person at all but family members of mine own it & i drive it all the time. It gets excellent gas mileage and is very reliable. The ride is smooth and fun, it would make a good car to learn to drive in. The design is bland (as are all toyotas) but the interior quality is top-notch and after 6 years its in amazing shape inside and out. The inside is also roomy and comfortable but there arent many cup holders. But overall, I think it;s a great car for the money and would recommend it for someone who just needs a cheap, reliable car to get from point A to B.

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  Its a tank. - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Heinen - June 25 - 7:13 pm

  I bought the car from my father in law who had the car since new. At that time it had 162,000 on the odometer. I now have 255,000. Yes, you read that correctly. I drive on average 100 miles a day, at least during the week anyways. I have had to do breaks several times but not due to a lack of quality. All the service since I have had it has been done by myself (a former Toyota mechanic) and rarely use anything other than factory parts. The car has been hit several times (mostly rear ended) but has never had to see a body shop. The car is a tank - indestrucible. I plan on driving it until there is no drive left in it. Who knows when that will be.

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  Peppy little car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By threesa - June 25 - 3:53 pm

  I bought my 2005 Matrix new and have been pretty satisfied with it. Its comfortable (even for passengers), spacious, reliable, and quite peppy. This car is not 4-wheel drive but it easily climbs dirt roads in the mountains. Probably the only fault with it is it doesnt handle inclement weather well at all (I live in the mountains so this posed a serious problem with the snow). I eventually had to put some sandbags down on the passenger foot areas to provide additional weight. Since my usual passengers are 3 dogs, this hasnt encumbered them but, for older children or adults sitting in the back, this would most likely be quite uncomfortable.

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  16 months of ownership so far... - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By jgilliam1955 - June 25 - 1:24 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I had a VW Jetta Diesel with 200K on it but it was in the shop for eletrical stuff all the time. So I wanted regular gas car with diesel type mileage PLUS a back seat for the grandkids. The Prius fits the bill. Gas is 75 cents per gallon or more cheaper. I now have 28800 miles in it. On weekend trips I get low 50s mpg at 70mph & higher if I go 60 mph. Overall I have averaged combined MPG of 49.9. When I fill up its $26. I take a ferry to work & it is nice to sit in a car with the AC or heater on & the engine not running. I carried my Garmin GPS for back up but the Prius GPS works great.

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  Love my Tundy!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bmc4041 - June 25 - 7:13 am

  Traded in a 2002 Tundra that I never had a problem with. The 2007 has all the little things that I wished for on my 2002. Ride is great but stiffer than the older one, which I like, but I do have the off road suspension which makes it slightly stiffer. Get all kinds of looks and thumbs up on the road. Interior comfortable and easy to operate controls. It is definitely full size and the 5.7 is sooooo much fun to drive even when you are not towing.

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  Almost perfect Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gary - June 25 - 5:56 am

  After 14 months my only problem has been having to have the computer screen replaced under warranty. I am probably averaging about 44 miles per gallon. Incredible.

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  2009 Sedan automatic - 2011 Toyota Yaris
  By dadinfo - June 25 - 3:44 am

  We have had this car for 2 years now the only thing I do not like is the Hard dash the layout is great once you get used to the cluster position

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  Great MPG - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By dakotaduffy - June 25 - 12:13 am

  This makes my 39th vehicle. My wife says that I have a problem! I just purchased this car in hopes to have a dependable, good MPG ride. Guess what, that is exactly what I have. Of course dependability is yet to be seen but from what everyone says I should not have to worry. Now, for the MPG. The sticker said I should get 31 on the highway. I travel rural roads (2 lane) to work 48 miles each way and so far I have been getting 33-37 MPG (wow). I fill it up until it is just to the neck so I know exactly how much is in there. The computer seems to be about 1 mpg off (on the high side) but actual numbers are still outstanding. I am 63" and have plenty of room. So far, LOVE IT.

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  Converter/trans Shudder 4cyl 2014 1/2 Camry SE - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By festus3 - June 24 - 11:34 pm

  after owning well over a dozen Toyotas, I decide to purchase a new 14 1/2 Camry. I drove it less than 400 miles and it was shuddering (vibrating) so bad the windshield was moving. Wrecker had to tow it. Ask for refund, was offered another Camry identical to the 1st one and I took it. I drove 2nd 64 miles and the same thing happened again, although not as severe. Dealer replaced converter and ? to transmission. Go for arbitration and/or Lemon Law is the Toyota Presidents position. Please Ukier or any other person who has had experience with this, post comments and suggestions from your exp.to help me through this ordeal.. I am a very sr. citizen and this is really a problem for me.