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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  As close to perfect as you get - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Darin - September 19 - 4:00 am

  Ive had my 98 Camry for 4 years now. It still runs smooth, gets decent mileage, and drives nicely. The only things I have had to fix are the front shocks, a activated charcoal fuel filter (fluke), and I had a problem with starting it the only time I filled up with premium fuel. Go figure. Other than that it runs flawlessly, even with 115k on the odometer.

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  transmission update - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By jack - September 19 - 1:16 am

  I have 5000 miles on my 2016 Toyota Tacoma and was not too happy with the way the transmission shifted. On my first oil change I mentioned a transmission update, and my dealer was surprised I knew about that. They told me there was an update available and I am a lot happier with the shifting. I got my information reading these reviews. So people do read these

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  Instruments VERY hard to read - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - September 18 - 8:00 pm

  Generally, I really like this truck. It does take a little getting used to as it is very large and it is quite a challenge to look over the hood for any type of parking manuvers. Overall performance competence is strong and capable and I use the Tundra primarily for pulling a large trailer which it does admirably. My first tank of fuel gave me 19.7 MPG overall, while not pulling a trailer. This vehicle is rated at 16 city and 20 hwy. I am actually pleased that I went ahead and got the Double Cab option as I have found that it is kind of nice to be able to carry not only "stuff" but passengers as well. This truck is tall, even though I am 62", I still need to stretch up to get in.

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  Im ashamed of my car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By lily - September 18 - 2:10 am

  All the problems we have encountered seem to be my fault not TOYOTA. Can U believe that? Run flat tires were replaced at 20km. Rims destroyed while replacing new tires. Side doors are rusting even though theres tape for protection. Sliding door wire snapped off because of rust, (2mths before end of warranty). Paint job on van must be poor quality because rust is showing through. We have changed our front & back brakes & wheel bearing the 2nd time in 4yrs. Really frustrated! Not to mention all the recalls. No one wants to acknowledge there are problems with 2004 awd vans but me

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  I love it! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By DH - September 17 - 10:40 am

  Although Ive only own this SUV for 4 months, I must say this is probably the best SUV Ive owned so far. (Ive had a 95 Jeep Grand and 07 Honda Element.) I originally thought the XREAS suspension was some hokey-pokey nonsense but after driving my friends 05 SR5. WOW, what a difference. this thing has plenty of power, the interior is almost as quiet as my sisters 08 RX350, I love the black interior, the power seats are comfortable. I can go on raving about this SUV for hours but Ill just keep it short. Bottom line, go drive one and experience this great SUV for yourself!

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  Not a race car - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By yoski - September 16 - 7:20 am

  The Yaris is definitely not a performance car. If you want to burn some rubber, look elsewhere. Highway miles going 60 - 70 I got 42 mpg while running AC. City only I got mid 30s with AC and driving conservatively. Comfortable and handles well. Had a Tercel before that was still running well @ 177K miles. Tercel gave me no headaches ever, hope this car will be as reliable. Stereo system is so-so but does the job. Radio reception is poor. Interior is roomy, seats are nice, instruments are clearly visible. Everything is manual (windows, locks), so theres less stuff to brake. If youre looking for a reliable economy car that gets great gas mileage and doesnt brake the bank look no further.

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  Zero Remorse Factor - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By AustinJim - September 16 - 3:53 am

  Very satisfied after 500 mi in-town, 500 mi highway. All expectations met or exceeded. Get 18+ mpg city; 25 hwy. My previous car was a 91 Acura Legend Coupe and yet I dont feel any let down in handling, acceleration, comfort or quality. The 05 is MUCH nicer than the small-truckish 96-02 body style in ride, comfort, room, performance, and quality of materials. Handles all types of small and large bumps and potholes with a muted, rounded little THuB-THuP. None of the old porpoising after a high- speed bump. No XREAS (SR5) but dont regret it.

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  Ok but gas isnt cheap - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By fyreman - September 15 - 8:33 pm

  Its supposed to get 25-32 mpg. but in reality, it gets 21-33 mpg depending on the driving you do. It revs about 3k rpm at 70mph and stays relativly quiet. Ive yet to drive it in snow but well see this winter. Its got a lot of room for stuff in back and the seats fold completely flat. It hauls my 69" fishing poles inside with ease between the bucket seats or with the front seat down. If I only had room to haul drywall, it would be a great value.

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  Nice Car, But... - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By CW - September 15 - 5:10 pm

  I recently purchased this certified pre-owned vehicle. Smooth, quiet ride, but gas mileage isnt what I had hoped. My 1998 Oldsmobile seemingly got better mileage. I purchased the car for reliability, dependability, more importantly, for fuel efficiency. I did a lot of in-town driving & it was less than the advertised 24 mpg.

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  Happy Matrix Owner - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Happy Matrix Driver - September 15 - 12:16 pm

  Bought to replace my wifes 1995 4-Runner 4X4 with many miles on it. Although we knew we were giving up power (from 6 cyl to 4 cyl), the Matrix has performed well for us. During wet roads or windy conditions, the AWD keeps the vehicle on the road. The windshield and windows provide excellent visibility. We have averaged about 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway (2500 miles on the car in the 1st month), which is at least 50% better than the 4-Runner gave us. Overall we like the Matrix because it provides us flexibility: we can haul 4 or 5 people with decent leg room, or haul loads where the front passenger seat folds down. For the price, we enjoy driving this car.