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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  My First Toyota (always had Honda Accord - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I love the new body style... for the money it the best thing on the road. It has more room inside than you would think. The gas mileage is Great! Perhaps a V-6 is in order. New wider tires,make the ride even better.

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  Another Great Toyota - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Doug Seal - October 18 - 2:00 am

  The only complaint I have is the MPG. Around town, with a 2wd, I average 12-13 which I thought was somewhat low in comparison to GM V8 products. Other than that, its great.

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  2012 camry SE - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By bengal16 - October 18 - 1:35 am

  After driving this car for 15 months I have decided to express my opinion. This car is nice to drive, but a little rough riding. The interior is spacious and the trunk is nice and roomy. The four cylinder engine has great power and acceleration but it is hard to achieve the gas mileage that Toyota claims this car will get. The trip information computer can not compare to my GM vehicles which are more user friendly and offer better user information.

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  Nice Van but a few flaws - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Mike Leonardo - October 17 - 8:03 pm

  Toyota builds a fine van but it is a bit pricy and gets lousy fuel mileage. My main complaint is the run-flat tires on the AWD models. They are garbage. No one carries replacemants and they do NOT take the place of a spare. I got a flat on a major interstate and had to get my van towed because Toyota provides no spare on AWD models. It was a very expensive lesson.

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  2004 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By SMOOTHIE - October 17 - 2:03 pm

  Purchased RW drive SR5 09/03 and have driven approx. 17000. This is an exceptionally tight vehicle. Never as much as a slight rattle over very rough roads. Very stylish desing. A lot of second looks from other drivers.

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  Fixed at last - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Camry - October 17 - 12:53 pm

  We have had the terrible acceleration problems that people have been writing about. We have owned Toyotas since 1985 and this is such a shock to us. Our dealer has been wonderful trying to fix it. Last month dealer informed us there was a new update and it should fix it. They were right - it is behaving like a Camry should. Get in touch with your dealers to find out about the latest fix.

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  Technology Sucks - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Gary - October 17 - 12:08 pm

  If you are paying for, and expect reliable, navigation, auto hi-beam and voice assist....dont get a Toyota. Google "Toyota navigation and voice-activation problems" and read for yourself. If you get one and expect that Toyota will correct them, dont. Your navigation display will lag your actual current location by considerable distance and the voice-activation will drive you crazy. The response you will get from Toyota is, "normal function". If you have your windshield replaced, even with OEM glass, dont expect your auto-high beams to ever operate normally again. Toyota will tell you after testing, "normal parameters". Poor car when you consider what you are paying. Toyota should deliver what they advertise and charge you for in technology.

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  Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By c5 - October 17 - 9:00 am

  Quiet and smooth. Good power and great mileage. I averaged 32.5 on a 1600 mile trip according to the computer. Dislike having to stop to program memory seats and navigation. Overall the navigation system is not user friendly. I always take my Garmin and it gives me much more information and quicker. I still like the car.

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  Stay Away from Toyota Hybrid False MPG estimate - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By suemcsuey - October 17 - 8:58 am

  I had high hopes for the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The claim to get 43mpg city and 39mpg hwy for a combined estimate of 41mpg. NOT! I have had for 10,000 miles 7 months and I average 31.4 mpg. I bought this car because of all the city driving I do. I drive the kids 20 miles each way to and from school. I do a lot of driving for my job. This has been the worst experience ever. I have contacted Toyota Customer Experience Center because this is where the dealer directed me after my numerous complaints. I went yesterday to dealer for yet another test and wasted 7 hours. They say it checks out fine with no problems. I think getting 10 miles less per gallon is a pretty huge problem that is being overlooked. That is the problem. Stay away from Toyota and their false (Estimate) Buy a Honda Ive owned 4 and never had any problems with the cars or customer service. I only chose Toyota because of their history with the Hybrid.Unhappy Toyota Camry Hybrid Owner

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  Best car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Dipa - October 17 - 4:30 am

  Bought this car in Sept. Had it for 4 months now and I have absolutely nothing to complain about. Seats are very comfortable, nice interior and leather seats, compass and big trunk. SUPER quiet and Smooth tranny. Could not have made a better choice than this car!!! EXCELLENT car and will recommend it to everyone.