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:

• 

  Drive it/buy it - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By mike - June 12 - 4:40 am

  I wanted a commuter car as my truck gets 15-16 mpg. My choice was a Honda or Toyota. The Yaris fit the bill. Good fit and finish, turns on a dime, 36-38 mpg around town/freeway and 40+ on freeway driving alone. I figured that in a few years I could drive to work -55miles daily- and purchase a new vehicle with the gas for the same price of just putting gas in my truck and wearing it out. The oil companies will make minimal off my driving. I purchased the arm rest-dealer installed for about $140. This has been great!! worth the money. Car is a blast to drive-co-workers say it reminds them of a remote control toy car. Great value, great car- Ive owned other Toyotas.

• 

  "Toyota Family " - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By doug - June 11 - 9:10 pm

  I have owned at least every car that Toyota has built, from the corolla to the Avalon, That is a Supra, 3 Cressidas, a 4-Runner. This truck is by far, the smoothest truck that I have ever ridden in. It rides and performs like one of my Cressidas. Heads turn when I pass. Its a joy to drive. The interior is great. Its sturdy and rides great. I dont think I went wrong with this truck...

• 

  175,200k miles and still going strong.... - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Halls - June 11 - 6:38 pm

  Purchased used with 30k miles, and put 145k miles on with mostly just oil changes and brakes. At 160k, I had new sparks, throttle cleaning, brakes, and valve cover gasket replaced. I have also replaced the fluids here and there. I am amazed at how reliable this little SUV is. Never a breakdown on the road. I have never been able to put this many miles on a car. I have been test driving newer cars and so far havent found anything that measures up. The new Honda HR-V has slow acceleration; the Jeep Renegade smelled like it had no oil in it after a test drive; the Prius V looked and sounded weird and has no space in the front seat. Even the new RAV4 seems a sluggish old bus compared to my little RAV. Wish Toyota had kept this model the same: petite and sporty.

• 

  Venza 6 months - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By rlionel - June 11 - 4:42 pm

  MyVenza was purchased new. After 6 months and 7,500 miles, it drives just like new! Have not had one problem with my Venza. The ride is smooth, just came back from a 500 mile trip! Gas mileage was 27 mph overall for the trip! I have the 4 cyl. At 182 Hp it is very sufficient! The Venza is versatile, the cargo space is excellent. Seats fold down all or 1/2! Plenty of storage space! Electric back door is great Sound system is also excellent, especially the blue tooth phone and streaming audio from my IPhone. Start button is great! The only issue is with the small back up camera. screen is way too small! I have had many suvs, this drives like a car, but sits up high. I would buy another!

• 

  best truck ive driven - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By catianelite - June 11 - 3:39 pm

  ive had the truck for a month and a half now and just had my first oil change and so far I love it the ride is amazing soft but it is not bad when I had to go on some bumpy roads quiet on the freeway and im impressed with the engine the 2.7 has the power to merge even with cargo but great on gas too if you dont need the V6 go for the 4cyl its a great little engine nice sound system too I was impressed

• 

  Problems with VSC warnings - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By recat - June 11 - 9:54 am

  I have a 2009 Venza. Love the car however now having constant issues with VSC lights coming on. Many other people experiencing same thing. Dealers dont have a fix but they wont tell you that because they want to make some money. This is an issue with Toyota, they know this. I suggest you all do what I did, go to Toyotas website and post your concern, demand a recall. This issue seems to be escalating from the warning lights being on to car jumping into gear on its own. We should not have to pay for constant repairs for something that only Toyota can fix.

• 

  BEST CAR - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By steelerfox - June 11 - 7:22 am

  I have a 2002 celica gt with original action package. i love this car. i got this car as my first car 3 years ago and i will never get rid of it. this car will remain in my garage even after i get a new car. this car is amazing fun to driveÂ… possibly to much fun. it has been extremely reliable and the only problem i have had is an eval check engine light. fortunately i know a mechanic who helped me get that sorted out. this car is gorgeous and people tell me how much they love it all the time. it does very decent for a little car in the snow. i live on lake ontario in NY and we get quite a bit of snow but she has never let me down. the back seat is useless but who cares its not a family car.

• 

  Great Little Car! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By carcarrrazy214 - June 10 - 5:40 pm

  My parents bought this car used when it was a year old and had about 25k on it (bought from a rental car company). It has served us great. The 1.8L has plenty of pickup to really move the car, but still gets phenomenal mileage (30 mpg in mostly city driving). It has been bulletproof thus far, and that will probably not change. I love the size of the trunk (and folding rear seats). The seats are comfortable and easily accommodate all drivers, both large and small. I highly recommend to anybody that needs a trustworthy economical car.

• 

  Love my EchoÂ… - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By bispo1 - June 10 - 1:46 pm

  I now have 216,000 + miles. No major maintenance required. IÂ’ve kept up on the oil changes every 5000 miles and plugs and all the filters every 50,000 miles. I also had the transmission serviced at 100,000 and 200,000 mile marks. Mileage runs about 34 hwy and 28 city. IÂ’m not one to baby a car, I drive it hard (thatÂ’s why the MPG is so low)Â… IÂ’m 6Â’ tall and weight is running a little over 200 lbs. The seats have held up excellent, both in form and material. I have plenty of leg and head roomÂ… Total reliability

• 

  2007 Avalon Limited - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe - June 10 - 11:33 am

  Fantastic vehicle for the price. Power and economy are much better than my previous Cadillacs. 12V power outlets need to be better placed and memory stearing wheel needs to be added on entry and exit. We have had a problem with the windshield washer reservoir leaking fluid on two ocassions during the first year. The hose keeps coming loose from the reservoir. This is an extremely quiet vehicle that gets 27+ mpg on the road and 22+ all around. Fun car to drive and the ride is as good as anything on the market.