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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  just a nice car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By penny - October 6 - 10:56 am

  The car was affordable and very comfy. It has plenty room for our 4 person family.

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  Best gas truck on the market!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Tim - October 6 - 7:33 am

  I was very close to buying a diesel pick-up for hauling and longevity but after much research and many test drives I purchased the Tundra. It has TONS of power, rides as smooth as a car. I have hauled very heavy loads in the bed 1000+lbs and I really cant tell the difference. I do a lot of hunting in the mountains (Colorado) and it has done everything I need and then some. 15000 miles and absolutely no issues!

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  "Okay" car overall, but wouldnt buy again - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By burrowsb - October 6 - 2:43 am

  pros: edgy body style, roomy interior, auto-up/down on all windows, fun "gadgets" (i.e. push-button start, voice activated phone, remote open/close rear hatch, touch-lock door handles), panoramic roof, reclining rear seats. cons: pretty bad rear and side/rear visibility when changing lanes/passing (a consequence of the edgy body style mentioned above). Blind spots have led to close calls more than once. This alone is enough to make me regret my purchase. Rear view camera is too limited to be of much help. Mileage is pretty poopy. No rear dome light when you open rear hatch in the dark (very odd oversight).

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Floyd - October 6 - 2:40 am

  The car is both fun to drive and an attention getter. Average mileage has been 49.1 to 52.6 around town. 55 to 58 out on the highway. Thus far it has been a great experience to own.

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  Nothing but excellence from Toyota - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shirley Perry - October 6 - 1:30 am

  Ive owned a Mercedes Sedan,97 Volvo T5/750, & assorted American Cars. Even an 86 Toyota Supra-Loved it! What power!!!The 2000 Solara has been my most reliable, smooth driving, gas efficient automobile of all time! With its beautiful lines, lots of horsepower & great sunroof. Honestly -- I have never had ANY mechanical problems. I kept the maintenance up to date that they recommended, its as reliable as the day I drove it off the lot. Could have traded for a newer one - but I like the sporty style of my 2000 (w/ the spoiler on the back). Its red exterior glows because I keep it waxed & cleaned. The leather interior has never faded or ripped. Its truly a great car- I Love My Toyota!

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  Lurches forward - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By judy hooper - October 5 - 7:50 pm

  Would love 2009 Avalon except for one major problem. At unexpected times after I brake the car begins to move forward. This has happened to 3 different drivers. I cannot stop this forward movement. It caused me to rear end another car at a band drive through. Toyota dealers will not acknowledge problem since they cannot duplicate problem. Car has 3000 miles on it and I am afraid to drive it. I have been told that I am the first person to report this in the U.S. I feel robbed. This is going to happen again.

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  Disappointment - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By dan kramar - October 5 - 7:43 pm

  Having bought Toyota in the past and knowing of corolla reliability and fuel economy we purchased ours used from a dealer with 60000kms on it. I drive all highway. It has cost us a transmission rebuild (its a manual) for differential bearings and now tranny wont shift into fourth all the time. Wheel bearings go quickly and car is so loud from wheel/bearing noise you have to yell to be heard. Im done with Toyota.

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  Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Toyota - October 5 - 6:06 pm

  Ive had my Yaris for 20,000 miles and love it. I do highway driving and have never gotten below 37 mpg, with a personal best of 45 mpg. I travel on the highway at 75-80 mph with no issues or fears. Im 61" and am very comfortable in the vehicle. No issues at all.

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  love my Echo - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Marika - October 5 - 3:13 pm

  There is no getting around it, I just love this car - and expect a lot of attention when you drive it. Other owners will wave furiously, and whenever I come out of the mall, there will be someone looking at it and wanting to ask questions

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  Great little car!! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By JRhockey - October 5 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this car to replace my Corolla. Its not only a replacement, but a major step up! It handles great, has good fuel economy, and to top it off, is really cute!