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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  Awesome 4x4 and towing vehicle - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joshy - May 31 - 1:43 pm

  Ive taken the car everywhere. From my first 2000 miles where I towed from TX to ID, to me taking it off-road or driving in some serious snow, this vehicle has done it all for me. And everything without a single problem

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  toyota matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By jimcaringi - May 31 - 1:46 am

  I find the 2004 matrix XR with auto trans a very sporty, attention getting vehicle. I bought it used with 6000 miles on it and have driven it in city and Highway modes. The only problem I had was a persistent "buzz" like rattle from under the left side of the dashboard. My selected Toyota dealer repaired it under warranty. It has ample power, though somewhat noisy engine on hard acceleration. The seats are comfortable and the driving position is ok as well. I highly recommend the vehicle.

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  This is the truck Ive always wanted - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Greg Phillips - May 30 - 3:56 pm

  I waited a long time for toyota to build this truck. Ive owned several late model domestics and they just dont stack up to the toyota product. I dont frequently tow and when I do the loads are well within the limits of this truck. It is quiet, refined and the engine doesnt strain to pull it around. Build quality is much better than on my last two domestic full size trucks.

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  Holds it value, cant say anything else positive - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By noneya - May 30 - 12:04 pm

  Im 6 foot tall and almost didnt buy because of its size, would have been a good decision. My knees are right on the steering wheel, nobody could sit behind me and the seat puts me at an akward posture. Its overly standardized; changed a back light and had no way to turn on or off the lights to check it until the car lets me at night. Why cant the human control the lights? Really dumb feature on a regular basis. Windshield wipers have 3 or 4 settings, thats it, no adjustable levels. Accelerates so slowly I might as well be on a 50cc scooter. Electronics suck; only shows track number on display, I dj so it helps if I can see the song titles to remember the song. The auxiliary is broken on my car so thats probably just my qualm but be careful, its delicate. Bought it at about 105000 miles, 09 in 15... owned it 5 months and Ive put 500 in repairs and will be taking it to the shop again this week. Not a mechanic but the front wheels suck. Friend of mine with virtually identical car had to replace whole transmission at just over 100000 miles. Gets great gas mileage but I would have paid for better quality as I thought this car would be more reliable ie less repairs, maintenance expected. Worst car Ive ever owned. Good thing it holds its value, anybody in the market for an oversized go cart?

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  My first hybrid - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Tom H - May 30 - 3:10 am

  My wife and I decided to down size from our 07 Odyssey. We have 2 small children and arent planning on any more. She is a stay at home mom so that means she drives around a lot evidently. We were not happy with the 18 mpg average of the honda, so we decided to try a hybrid. We love it. It is surprisingly roomy for a small car. It is also quite comfortable. We bought head rest mounted tvs for the boys, and they love the car too. We have been averaging 43 mpg this winter, but expect that to improve this summer. We currently have just over 4K miles. I did the first oil change, that is challenging to say the least, but the oil came out clean and clear at 4K miles. Great car. bargain at $23,000

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  8+ years and 111,000 miles and keeps on going - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By dreamer123890 - May 30 - 2:50 am

  I just love my 2005 Highlander. So much so that we cant seem to find a reason to replace it. I bought it used in 2006 with 20k miles and have added 90k+ miles. Getting an average of 25 on highway and about 20 in the city for a v6 is terrific. I have so many memories in this car - we have done lots of roadtrips. Besides the standard 90k maintenance to replace the belts, pump etc. and regular 5k mile maintenance, i have had 1 issue - the fuel cap needed replacing at 108k miles. I guess we will wait another 2 years and then replace it around 150k with either a Lexus Rx or another highlander!

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  Toyota Quality a REAL problem! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By tomc - May 30 - 2:46 am

  Of course all cars have various problems but the run flat tires on this AWD minivan is beyond horrible. Since purchasing new 6 years ago and with only 55k miles, I have replaced all my tires FOUR times at 200+ each not to mention the additional fees involved in disposing and balancing (thats a staggering $3,600+) Toyota service tech would just say,"yeah, theyre not that good". Then the other night I simply go to roll down my driver side window for some fresh air,the window collapses for no reason into the door. I bring the car to Toyota, $600+ because of a defective cable.Technical says "these things happen, sorry". Not SORRY enough to stand behind your product!

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  Very Happy - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Richard - May 29 - 2:26 am

  We have owned Toyotas or Lexus for many years. We have a tacoma, 4Runner, Sienna, and now a 2003 Sequoia. I LOVE this vehicle. It handles great for such a large machine. Steering is tight and easy, breaks work smoothly, the interior design is excellent. No complaints! JBL sound system rocks! Smooth over bumpy roads.

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  My Baby - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Amanda - May 29 - 12:33 am

  A little rattle has turned into a squeaking annoyance. Other than that she rides well. A little bumpy here and there but overall a good truck. And for not being 4x4 she can sure tearup the trails!

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  Why I like my truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - May 28 - 2:56 pm

  I have owned many Toyotas in my life and this truck by far is the bomb. With all of the extra room in this vehicle I am not worried about the new baby that is on its way. And I currently have three boys, so you can imagine what I am talking about. With the powerful engine I am assured that we are not going to be slow on the take-off, or not have enough power to pass someone on the highway. Am looking forward to really taking it off-road. Thank you for making such a fine vehicle.