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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  Tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By anthony - April 15 - 8:03 pm

  This is a great truck, I have a 18 ft toy hauler, it pulls it great even in the big hills. I get 11 miles to the gallon pulling my trailer, and I get 18 just about every where else-- very good truck!!

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  Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Patticakes - April 15 - 2:00 pm

  We bought this car with "being green" in mind, and turned out to be a big disappointment. Gas mileage is not what was expected. Battery has failed three times. Seat heaters are mediocre. Horrible noise in car when back seat windows are down or cracked. Where is the Bluetooth option? IPod option? Third seat is for pets -- not sized for humans. Will not own another one.

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  Should have stuck with Civic - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By berkshirebabe - April 15 - 1:50 pm

  I had a 2008 Civic sedan and was getting itchy for a new car. I looked at the 2013 Civics first and almost bought one, but had trouble with the dealership. So Toyota had 0% financing and I went to look at Corollas. I loved the new red SE--cute and more stylish than the 2013 Civic. I test drove it and it was smaller than the Civic and rode OK, but the controls seemed a little "cheap" and there was not much in-dash storage for things like CDs. I ended up buying the car because I made a great deal on it. Well, 2 weeks later--I miss my Civic like CRAZY! I really feel like I took step down in quality and space. The car is super-tiny inside (and I am only 5 feet tall).

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  Toyota has a fix for 4 cyl. transmission - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tom Whitt - April 15 - 1:20 pm

  Toyota now has a fix for the accelerator hesitation and transmission problem! They even had their dealers pull all the Camrys off the lot and update the engine control SW. We are now content with this vehicle that we once hated. Also, be sure to use 0W-20 oil. With the SW fix and using the 0W-20 oil our gas mileage has improved from 26 to 32 mpg (1/2 city, 1/2 hwy). The repairs noted on the receipt were: EG7031 recalibrate ECM (PCM) engine and transmission 9159 Bulletin #EG036-07 .9 OP code EG7031 T1-04 T2-99 recalibrated ECM to improve shifting performance.

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  Excellent Build Quality/Great Fuel Econ - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Jogia - April 15 - 10:40 am

  Just picked it up today. Traded in my previous gen Camry. Needed a better gas mileage car for 100 mile daily commute. I owned a 94 corolla in college and this model is many leaps ahead. Firstly the cabin is almost as quiet as that of a camry, even at high speeds. Build quality is amazing, very solid. Got 30 mpg in my first 150 miles.

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  More car than I expected - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By macungiee8 - April 15 - 10:21 am

  I lease, always get 15,000 miles. Got car in Florida and full pack with 6 months of gear including 2 sets of golf clubs got 50 mpg or more. I was totally amazed. Prior to that I had a hybrid from another Japanese automaker and milking it on a trip I got 44 maybe. The Prius actually does just as good stop and go driving and with the a/c on. I maybe get a tow bar to carry bikes, I know my other car go 10 mpg less with the bikes on, really underpowered dud. I am hoping the Prius can handle them.

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  Sister Salvation - Lil Blue - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Sister Salvation - April 15 - 5:40 am

  My second RAV4! I liked my 2003 RAV4, but was ready to upgrade from the standard model. I love my new 2007 RAV4. After much debating and shopping around, I felt this had more bang for the buck and better gas mileage. The V6/4WD makes a HUGE difference as far as handling. The dealer also told me about making sure you are in D for drive vs 4th and I have not had an issue with mileage (21-23/27-30 depending on ac usage) I have driven/owned other competing models over the years and felt they didnt and still dont measure up to the RAV4. Most small SUVs still had that gocart feel. This is a solid, dependable car. I also really like the darker nautical blue color that is not that common.

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  Love my Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Edith McGlynn - April 14 - 5:23 pm

  I am a Realtor a previous Cadillac prior to buying my Camry. I love the way my Camry handles, comfort, quiet running and affordable ownership. The price of gas is even more reason to own the wonderful automobile. This is the first time I have ever owned a smaller vehicle. Thank you Toyota for your superior service.

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  Celica GT - So far, so great - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By escapevelocity - April 14 - 2:53 pm

  I purchased this car with almost all of the options, and I now have a lot of miles on this car since then. I cant praise it enough, it has performed admirably for my commuting needs. After 24000 miles, it has only required regular scheduled maintenance. Two problems I do have are the rear view (need careful mirror adjustment and good neck muscles) and the stock 1-CD stereo deck w/ limited equalizer adjustment. The earlier 90s models had better equalizers.

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  Best car i have ever had - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Norm Atwater - April 14 - 1:06 pm

  This car was on a lease that a friend of mine turned in he bought a new Avalon. It had about 30,000 mi on it and i now have 207,000 and it is still a great car. Have only put on tires, R&l CV joints and new struts. Have done routine maintenance change transmission oil and eng oil every 4,000 and still get almost 30 MPG. I have no intention of buying a new car and would take it on a long trip today. I have had this car in Drive so much the bulb has burned out on the dash