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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  Loving it - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Cole - July 4 - 9:16 pm

  We traded our 2002 Avalon in on this car. I am very satisfied with the fit and finish. We love the way it handles and fight over who gets to take it to work. Love the keyless ignition.

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  Another Bad Transmission - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By B Rowe - July 4 - 11:20 am

  I have the transmission problem. I have had the car back to the dealership several times, as well as having the factory rep working to fix my problem. Finally they told me there was nothing else they could do for me. So I am stuck with a product I am not satisfied with and they dont seem to care. I can assure you I will never own another Toyota product just because of the way they (Corporate) treated me. They want everyone to believe there is no problems when Toyota knows full well there is. I will seek to unload this problem onto someone else and go back to products I never had problems with.

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  My therapy - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Htees - July 4 - 7:43 am

  My Solara conv. has been the perfect crisis vehicle for a family guy that wants to cruise, enjoy the fresh air, and still have the ability to take company along. The design draws compliments, the performance is adequate, and the comfort is outstanding. It could use a little more structural support and better suspension components, but other than that no real complaints. The top has proven VERY reliable and sound for a seven year old cloth top, and I have only treated it(water proofing)and had it retightened twice for minimal cost. So far reliability has been outstanding and I just turned 90,000.

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  So far, mostly great - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By TFarnon - July 2 - 6:21 pm

  Why I bought this car: I wanted a Toyota. I wanted a hybrid. I wanted heated seats. I needed an automatic transmission due to a shoulder injury. I wanted a compact or subcompact car. I didnt want an SUV. Things I knew going in: The acceleration would be pathetic, not at all zippy like the manual transmissions I have driven for decades. I knew this would be a very tech-y car. Im a scientist. Of course Id like that. Things I have found to be pleasant surprises: The car is quiet. It has a smooth ride even on a street that is notorious for its potholes, rough patches and "tank traps". Its quiet compared to the manual Toyota I drove on that same noisy street for years. The climate control is great. I set it and I dont have to mess with it. The backup camera is cool. I like the eco savings display. Its fun to monitor. The things I dont like that sort of surprise me: The rear window is really small. It doesnt matter much because between the backup camera, the mirrors and my own cautious habits I dont think its a problem. The cornering is a lot less stable than I am used to. Ill adjust. Im used to tighter handling. The cargo space is tiny. On the other hand, that means I wont load the car up with junk I dont need.

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  Juds machine - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Rick Nelson - July 2 - 3:03 pm

  This is and has been a great vehicle. My wife loves to drive it, I seldom get a chance to drive it. The only negative I can think of (and this is a stretch) is that on the doors of our car (cloth upholstery) Toyota has put fabric right up to the glass, this material is easy soiled, If you clean the windows, if you rest your arm on the window sill, if the dog stands in the window, dust settles there also. For being a four cylinder, the car performs well, and the four wheel drive is great.

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  2nd Best - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Tess - July 2 - 7:53 am

  This is my second Highlander, and I am still keeping my 2003 Highlander. After 13 years from the old model, I am confident that my new 2016 Highlander is the 2nd Best SUV if not the 1st. The legacy of a Highlander performance has been outstanding, and all the bells & whistles of the new models for an excellent ride and excitement to both the young ones and/or the "young-once" are value added without costing you an arm and a leg.

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  Not A Bad Drive - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By MCavallu - June 30 - 7:36 am

  I bought this vehicle mainly because of an earlier family purchase of a Celica back in 1985 when my 2 brothers & I beat the heck out of it. This version however isnt exactly what I expected. First, the paint had chips at delivery, then one fog light was out & EVER since I owned it, the automatic shift isnt so fluid & the city gas mileage isnt near the "average" at all. A/C on a hot day just doesnt get cold enough! The car is indeed fun to drive but the drivers seat seems to tilt too forward almost making one feel like theyre falling off the seat. Having said all of these things, I still feel its a good, highly rated, vehicle.

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  Engine Oil Problem - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike Herlihy - June 30 - 7:26 am

  AC light began flashing and I smelled burning oil. All of the engine oil had drained. I took it to a dealer who informed me that they needed to replace the oil line. This is a defect with this engine that really needs attention. I would not recommend Toyota or purchase another one since the quality is not there. This is the first time in 35 years of owning and driving cars that I have ever had such a problem.

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  Good truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ericm - June 30 - 12:16 am

  Bought brand new in 02. No mechanical problems, only issue was rattle in dash. 4WD is great! Decent MPG for a v6 4WD ~19 overall.

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  Solid Vehicle - Great Mileage - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By MukMan - June 29 - 8:40 am

  Bought this a year ago. Already owned Escape hybrid. Mileage is much better than advertised in mixed driving. Car has full package with leather, heated seats, sunroof, Bluetooth, nav, etc. Nav not as user friendly to program as the 2002 Acura TL it replaced. Drives a little more bloated around curves like my 93 Taurus SHO, but a very quiet, solid ride. In the summer months, 50-50 driving will net 39-40 mpg; cooler fall and winter 36 mpg; minor flaws are that the tire pressure maintenance sensor went goofy and some brake noise that Toyota will take care of. However, for a $30K car, loaded package, its well worth it over Prius. This is the best eco friendly sedan.