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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  2010 Vast Improvement Over 2008 - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Faber - June 1 - 6:50 am

  Sold my 2008 Prius Package VI (top-of- the-line) for the new 2010 Prius Package II (bottom of the line). Best thing we ever did. The new 2010 has much more comfortable seating and more interior room overall. The power, eco, and ev modes actually work (not just an advertising gimmick). With only 2,500 miles so far, we have been averaging about 51 mpg. Toyota dealer installed a Toyota Blue Tooth in the car and it works just fine. The ride of this car is just right--not too soft, not too harsh. Headlight illumination is outstanding. There are just enough graphics to provide the information you want without being over-done (like in my 2008 pkg VI).

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  Love that 40 mpg - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Candy Ammons - June 1 - 3:13 am

  In California I drove in more stop and go traffic and my mileage was 37 mpg on trips 40. Now living in Northwest and mpg has been 40 all the time until they just changed to the summer gas mixture. I have lost 1 to 2 mpg. A relative owns a 2005 Prius and she loses 2 mpg each summer also in Calif driving. It does not handle well in the snow if there is ice the traction control kicks in as soon as you start to slip so you cant use the gas to try and get out of it. It will need snow tires this next summer.

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  Good for Gas Mileage - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By AJ - June 1 - 12:00 am

  The Toyota Echo is gets really good gas mileage and it has a lot more trunk space than you would expect.

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  Keith - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Keith - May 31 - 4:49 pm

  just purchased car two weeks ago and am very impressed compared to the Hyundai Sonata that I traded in for.

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  Keep on making them rollas - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Brandon Wilson - May 31 - 2:36 pm

  My 1997 Corolla has been the only car that I ever owned and no doubt that I will probably let this baby go anytime soon. I had this car for 6 years and its got over 215,000 miles on the original motor and automatic transmission. I purchased this car on 6/2003 with 52,352 miles at a dealership. The only major service work done on my corolla was a valve cover gasket, timing belt, and a water pump. Other than that, this car has never left me stranded on the road.

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  Good Minivan, but not Great - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By GarlicFolk - May 31 - 1:36 pm

  Initial build quality for Sienna is excellent. Engine is a little weak at only 3.3L. However, 5- speed auto produce adequate power and surprisingly good fuel economy. A full tank of gas (20 gal) goes about 450 miles!

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  Uncomfortable seats - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Kim - May 31 - 6:09 am

  I traded in my 2003 Subaru Outback for a 2015 Toyota Corolla. I initially wanted another Subaru, but had to watch my budget. This is a cute little car - sleek and sporty looking. I test drove it once during the day for a short ride. I couldnt pass up the value so I bought it that day. After driving it for two weeks and adjusting the seat and steering wheel in every way possible, I couldnt prevent my back from hurting. When I called the dealer to complain, they said the seats are made more rigid now for safety to prevent whiplash. Then he offered to install lumbar support for about $400!!! That should be standard, especially if they know the seats are uncomfortable. I bought a lumbar pillow but its bulky and uncomfortable. Also, the floor is raised where your left foot goes so it feels cramped. I also agree with others about the line of sight for the headlights. High beams work good but you cant drive around with those on.

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  2009 Ford Flex, with over 100,000 miles. - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By JW - May 31 - 4:26 am

  No memory seat for drivers,no adjustable up, on passenger side, for short ladies, no hot power outlet ,ride not as great as hoped for.Mileage not as good as our other older Flex.

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  i like it - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By dragon - May 30 - 1:40 pm

  taken on 3 long trips over 300 miles each never had any problems w/noise or anything else i find it a joy to drive and still get great mileage approx 28 in town

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  Prepare for TRACTION! - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By ooch owwch - May 30 - 8:46 am

  I replaced a 1995 Nissan pickup. I love this truck for the styling. It is bigger than my Nissan and gets better gas mileage and they are both 4- cylinder engines. The SR5 Prerunner is great for its value and features except for the front seats. These things separate your spinal discs no matter how you adjust the lumbar support. Even turned all the way down to no lumbar hump it cripples you by the time you get to a destination of 15 mins or longer and I am not 70, Im 43yrs old and fit. UGH! I love this truck too much to return or sell it but I wish I had known before hand. Anyone who says it is comfortable is not in the 58" range. Im definitely going to have to spend the bucks on new seats