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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  Most Underated of All Convertibles - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Steve - May 24 - 9:46 pm

  Outstanding quality, nice ride, seats 4, looks great. This convertible is a bargain compared to others out there and it comes with the typical Toyota reliability. May not be the most stylish on the outside, but this is a great automobile.

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  A Tin Can - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By adavid - May 24 - 4:56 pm

  I bought this RAV last summer and could not believe the road noise it generated on highways. Didnt matter that I replaced all 4 tires...it was still so frustratingly loud, after a long trip, my ears would ring for hours. Later I find out that the sound/vibration barriers are pretty much non-existent in this car. The v6 engine is very jumpy and gas mileage is a joke. Poor build quality is not something I associate Toyota with but in this case... Make sure you take one out on the highway before you buy...you wont believe your ears!!

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  Economic Commuter - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Iowa driver - May 24 - 3:40 pm

  I bought our 05 CE certified used as a second commuter vehicle...during high gas prices. The gas mileage, build quality, and appearance are all excellent. Top mileage in gentle conditions (mostly highway, around 60 mph) we get 36 mpg. Average close to 400 miles per tank. I like the simple dash layout and open feel of the cabin. I am less happy with the ride quality. Pronounced road noise and jittery ride at highway speeds. On the highway it also feels light and gets pushed around my passing trucks or high winds. Know this is because it has a smaller wheel base and light frame for gas mileage. Considering trading up to Camry or Lexus. Need a better ride as a is suffer vertigo.

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  Beautiful, Classy & Fun - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Audrey - May 24 - 2:06 pm

  I just purchased a 2006 SE V6 3.3L Solara the other day after comparing many vehicles. This car by far is the best out there for the money. I paid $17,500 w/15k on it. The engine is powerful and I am averaging 26 mpg in the city 31 mpg on the freeway. The car is just stunning inside and out. I chose Arctic Frost White w/light tan interior (only offered on SE Model, that is why I chose the SE and not Sport or SLE). Everyone comments on how beautiful and classy the car is. You cant beat Toyotas reputation for quality and reliablity, all while getting a very stylish, sporty looking car. Nothing out there can compete on price.

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  Very Disappointed!! - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By optimusprime1 - May 24 - 1:34 pm

  A new car and the Headliner is already peeling, the dealership gave no explanation and said they have ordered a new one, seriously is this new Toyota standards. Cabin noise is too much on the highway. Took to my dealer, the supervisor of the service center said cabin noise was normal. For a high end car which is comparable to the Lexus ES350 I think the cabin noise is too much and Toyota must do something about it. Anyone else who has the Avalon please put your reviews on NHTSA.gov and Edmunds. AT 75 mph I hear a lot of wind noise around the car and at one point there was a lot of noise coming from the front windshield and Toyota and the dealership are not willing to fix it.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Al - May 24 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this car couple of months ago for my wife. She loves it and I drive it every chance I get (or excuse I can come up with). Rav4 is a fun car and I researched many months before decided to go for a 2WD automatic. Living in California diminishes the need for 4WD and plus I can save more money on gas. So far I get 21 MPG and this is mostly city driving. Curtain air bag was very important for me, so I had to move up to “L” and few other options since this was the only one on the Dealer’s Lot with side/curtain airbags.

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  Lives up to expectations - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jim - May 24 - 7:53 am

  The best car that we have ever had. It has been fun to drive. Great acceleration at all speeds. Mileage has been steadily going up. The air conditioning greatly reduces mileage. We are now getting about 29mpg around town with air off. We are averaging about 27 overall. The highlander is a great road car (great acceleration, quiet and comfortable). Excellent controls and navigation with mileage screen is great. It teaches you how to get better mileage. Electric air conditioner is very powerful and cools the car down quickly.

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  Surprisingly good acceleration and MPG - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Andrew - May 24 - 5:50 am

  This 4th gen Prius is not the same car as older versions. In the one month that I have had the car, I continue to be surprised by the many preconceptions that have been proven wrong. 1) It accelerates well - step on the gas and the electric motor together with gas engine will pick up the speed very nicely. I have not had to floor the accelerator yet when passing or merging onto freeway. 2) EPA gas mileage of 53 is wrong. It is also wrong that highway MPG is lower than local. I have been averging 63 combined and little difference between local and highway. 3) It handles very well, thanks to the new 2016 rear suspension. Coming from a BMW 3 series, the handling is comparable around corners and turns.

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  Going to trade it in - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Rich Maloney - May 24 - 5:40 am

  Electrical system is a problem: passenger side window does not work. Started happening during warranty period, however, dealer, could not find problem existed. Now no longer works. Computer: Problem lights keeping coming on: low air for tire, engine problem, etc. We have had them checked at the dealer and they just reset for a cost. Also, Bayridge Toyota of Brooklyn NY stated that the engine problem was from over filling the gas tank and a repair of $800. Body: This car dents very easily.

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  First Toyota Purchase - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By First Toyota - May 23 - 10:13 pm

  I leased a 2010 Camry XLE V6 approximately a month ago. (coming off 12 years of GM cars). I test drove the V6 SE (love the sporty look of the car) and the V6 XLE. After test driving both cars, I immediately told the salesman that the XLE was the way I wanted to go. The ride is so smooth, but not soft. The handling is quite responsive and the powerful V6 (268) is extremely impressive. I use the cruise control on the car whenever possible on the highway and find that this cars CC is extremely accurate with no noticeable braking and acceleration on hills. Love the comfortable and well laied out interior. The JBL audio system is fabulous. A truly good car.