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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  Most expensive car I have ever bought - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By drayton_cross - October 25 - 2:13 pm

  I purchased this vehicle one year used with 30,000 miles on it. At first, I enjoyed the vehicle but after the brakes went out, the transmission went out at 70,000 miles, and the interior began to peel away, I decided that the vehicle did not meet my expectations. Despite following all suggested maintenance, the vehicle continued to have serious mechanical failures. The day that the brakes went out frightened me pretty badly. Based on my experience, I dont plan on owning another Corolla.

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  Megs Rav 4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Margaret Langille - October 24 - 11:36 pm

  Has some body damage on both bumpers. Engine is in great condition.

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  Very pleased - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Kevin - October 18 - 5:43 pm

  I have a 2005 Camry with 215,000 miles only thing has been brake caliper went out, now starting to have transmission problems but now 215,000 that a lot of miles.

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  good but not great - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Santo - October 17 - 5:21 am

  Capable car but there are others out there that are better. It seems cars are getting smaller on the inside and the passenger is the one who suffers.

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  Advice - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By ready - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I am currently dealing with nightmare of the 2003 AWD Matrix. I do have a warranty. I am looking in to my rights under the lemon law. It seems to me that these cars are coming up with the same transmission problems and the transmission is different in the AWD then from other Matrixs that the trans is Faulty. And Toyota should be responsible. If anyone feels the same way or has any advice for me post on this forum ill be looking out. Thank you

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  Ok but quality not on par w prev Toyotas - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Fred - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Air conditioner failed 6 months after end of 3 year warranty. $900 to fix! Defective AC pipe which went to the rear AC unit. Part was on a 3 week back order because of numerous similar failures! Toyota better get its act together.

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  bummed out - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By katie renfro - October 9 - 7:20 am

  The drivers seat is the worst Ive ever had. No electric seats are available. No leather is available. Extremely uncomfortable. I guess I will have to rent a car when I take a vacation. The interior is cheap with plastic made to look like cow hide. I feel stiff and confined in this vehicle. Not much pick up power when trying to yield into interstate traffic. Headrests block view when backing up or changing into right lanes.

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  Bad car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Toni - October 9 - 4:23 am

  I have had my echo since jan 1 2006 and I bought it with 75000 miles on it it seemed like it would be a good little car to get around in. But I have had nothing but trouble with it within a week the engine light came on so took it in and got that fixed and two days later the engine light comes back on it it keep jumping and jerking while I drive it so I had to get that fixed and a week after that something else went wrong..I have had to have it towed 5 times since I bought it..

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  Not that great cheaply made interior - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By allura - October 7 - 10:33 am

  I purchased this car almost a year ago, put on 3000 miles and did not enjoy driving this car at all. I just traded this car in for a prius (which I love driving). The interior is cheaply made, plastic, the seats were not comfortable. I would not purchase another corolla, the gas mileage was not close to what the invoice stated, paint was not that good, started to chip. I would not recommend this vehicle at all

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  Differential problems - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Hauffmanstuppe - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful quite ride on the road,off road is a pleasure driving also. I dont think it is a serious contender when 4X4 climbing comes into play. Just over 27,000 miles I take it off road a lot, blew out my front differential/and axle. Warranty to cover.