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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  Corolla Review - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Frank - November 30 - 10:56 pm

  I have 1000 miles on this 09 Corolla. The fuel mileage so far has been 33 mpg. The car feels very tight with no rattles or squeaks and it rides pretty good on the highway. The car is very quiet with little wind and road noise and the engine is quiet which gives this car a high quality feel. The brakes feel good and the trunk seems roomy. The paint is very nice and looks quality. The steering feels too touchy and it takes constant correction to hold a straight line at highway speeds. If I would have known about this steering flaw I might not have bought this model. Take a long test drive and decide for yourself before you buy.

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  Noisy Engine - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By watsonk - November 30 - 6:20 pm

  The Toyota Sienna LE engine is very noisy in comparison to my 10 years old Plymouth Grand Voyager. I drove my friends 2007 Sienna CE, the noise level is exactly the same as the LE: LOUD. The highway road noise is higher than expected.

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  Excellent SUV - 2013 Toyota Sequoia
  By ryanswisher - November 30 - 7:31 am

  Replaced my 2006 Honda Odyssey with 2013 Sequoia Limited. Was looking for vehicle that would be roomy (have 3 small kids), safe, and solid performance (mainly acceleration, braking, and ride) - and the Sequoia does not disappoint. Performance - the ride, acceleration and braking are all solid. While this is a large vehicle, its very easy to drive for both myself and my wife. Interior - the fit & finish on the Limited is very nice. This vehicle is extremely quiet - didnt expect that coming from such a large SUV. All around excellent choice if you are looking to move up or out of a minivan.

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  Great Honeymoon Period! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Figatissimo - November 30 - 3:23 am

  Ok, this may be a bit premature since I only have about 350 miles on it, but Ive got to praise this car! Exceeded all expectations. Smooth ride, excellent handling, abundant power. Loaded even at the base level. Incredible build quality. Im having a problem getting adjusted to this car, though. It does such a good job of isolating the driver from the road, I sometimes dont realize how fast Im going! Sometimes it feels more like sitting in my living room watching a movie than driving!

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  Decent - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Peter - November 29 - 2:56 pm

  Purchased two weeks ago and so far a fine truck. Moderately powerful V6 (a V8 would be a nice option). Performs better with premium. New generation is a step up from last in size and space. Smooth and reasonably comfortable for a $40K SUV. Good ground clearance and capable with some minor off roading I did. Handles nicely too while suspension is quite compliant. Exterior design OK.

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  New - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By John C - November 29 - 2:38 pm

  More room inside than the older models, safety features are great with cross traffic detection and blind spot warnings. Dealer support has been great through the whole process.

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  How long is forever? - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By in2daark - November 29 - 2:23 pm

  I saw a post that said I wish itd break down so I can buy the tacoma I want. I was waiting for my Camry to pack it in in the past. But at this point (148K miles) I realize that it will be there for me when I need it. Ive only replaced a tail light bulb on this over and above regular scheduled maintenance!

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  Surprised by the poor quality of Toyota - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Angela - November 29 - 8:16 am

  This is the first Toyota Ive ever owned. My husband and I bought this car because we wanted a small, fuel-efficient car to get us around town with the capability of expanding cargo space when needed. Unfortunately, I have been sorely disappointed in some of the features of the car. Within the last two years, both rear door handles have completely broken. The replacement cost for each door handle is $200. The rigid metallic coating of the interior door handles has loosened and actually cut my fingers. Various other compartments (while clever and convenient) have broken or become loose. The bumper pops loose easily and can drag.

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  Rav4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By bb - November 29 - 6:43 am

  Nice car for what you are going to pay. Reliable with plenty of stg and so far I am getting 26 mpg on all city driving. Excellent pick up with the four cylinder and good power steering.

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  Best cars Ive owned in eighty years! - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By fruthaler - November 29 - 5:23 am

  Ive now driven this Prius 4000+ miles in two months. It gives better gas mileage than the other five Priuses Ive owned! And is as comfortable for long drives as any car I ever owned. My first Prius was the 2003 model, and Ive driven all of them 100,000+ miles, around home and on long trips. Perhaps Im small enough to be comfortable, but I really cannot understand the complaints about the seats for long trips. All Priuses have been excellent for driving in mountains, but the 2013 model is the best. No other car I ever owned climbed interstate grades easier in cruise control, and because of the transmission, no car descends steep grades better!