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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  Reliable & good on gas - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By yoski - June 25 - 8:00 am

  I had the car for 6 month and 8K miles. The gas mileage is about 3 mpg worse than my old Tercel. Best was 42 mpg on the highway, worst was 34 mpg in heavy city traffic. I average 37-38 on my commute which is mostly city driving. The car is comfortable and easy to handle, tight turning radius, lots of space once you fold down the rear seats. So far I had zero problems with the car. Easy to work on for do-it-yourselfers.

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  Great Car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Spanky - June 24 - 8:10 pm

  I bought the car to reduce travel expenses and I am electrical engineer and love the technology. I was pleased with how quiet and comfortable the car was on the road. The car has plenty of room and is very usable with the hatch and fold down seats. I get in the mid 50s in warm weather and mid 40s in the cold weather. The power is adequate for most driving.

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  Toyota 4runner is the best - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By zach - June 24 - 7:46 pm

  Bought my 2003 Sport Edition v8 toyota 4runner with 164000 miles on it. It now has 214000 miles on it. It has not been pampered. I spend most of my time off road. It has been on slick rock, sand, snow, mud, water and has powered through with ease. The only big expense was a routine timing belt change. Other than that I have not had one problem with it. Runs strong, no rattles, everything is solid, everything works, no electrical problems and the truck still looks brand new. I have a dog that is in and out and the seats still look brand new. I put a 2 inch leveling kit on it and have been able to be off road and not high center. Not one oil leak. I change my oil every 4000 miles and thatts it. I plan on driving this until it dies. It will easily make 300,000 miles and still run strong. They are very pricey but well worth the money. The Toyota will out last any car you own. Biggest complaint I have is that I cant buy the exact same year/model brand new. My mom also has the exact same year and model. Not one problem with it. Hers has 190,000 miles on it and has not had one problem... Love the toyota 4runner. Gas mileage sucks but worth it. These people saying they get 23 miles/gallon with the v8 or the v6 are [non-permissible content removed] This thing also tows amazing.. I tow a 7000 pound boat with no problem. No swaying and no power issues.

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  one fine auto - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jack d milici - June 24 - 7:00 pm

  The wife and I love to drive this car. We just returned from a trip to N.C. and we averaged over 50 mpg. We didnt nurse it and drove at highway speeds. (50 to 70 Imph) With both back seats down we packed enough clothes, coolers, beach chairs and some drinks for a month vacation. It is a white beauty with most add ons.

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  LOVE IT SO FAR - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By tezra - June 24 - 8:53 am

  I have only had it a day, but I live 25 miles from the closest city and going back home is all up hill. I didnt have the least bit of problem climbing the hill. I am suppose to break it in at 70 mph. Having trouble keeping it from 80 mph, an thats going up 4000 ft elevation from sea level. Handles well, radio sounds good. Gas is barely off top end of gauge, and I have driven it close to 80 miles already. It is comfortable to sit in. Plenty of leg room and head room for me at 56. The engine purrs. Very quiet. A little wind noise but not much. Sporty looking.

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  Kens Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By kennethj - June 24 - 2:00 am

  My car has lived up to my expectations. It has not given any problems for the 15000 miles that I have had it. It drives well, rides good, and is fun to drive.

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  Love it... - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Bishop13 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  After putting in over 100K in just 4 years, the car is still humming along like a trooper. Total vehicle miles is at 215K, no major problems, just regular maintenance and a leaking valve seal in the #4 cyl., otherwise, a great investment!

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  Good truck, a few problems - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jimwhoboughtatruck - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck has 2500 miles on it now, and I have noticed a few problems. The steering wheel is in the way of the clock, and I have to lean over to see it. About half the time, the truck takes two tries to start. I have no idea why a brand new vehicle would not start on the first try. Since I bought the truck, a few rattles have developed in the interior. One is the cover for the passenger side airbag on the dashboard rattling. I havent tracked down the other rattle yet. The clutch petal just started squeaking every time I press it down.

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  Rav4 First - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Donny Boy - June 24 - 12:20 am

  First Rav4 after a Camry for six years with nothing but routine maintenance. Hope to get the same from the Rav. Comparing the SUV to the Camry car is like apples and oranges. They have there own values. Enjoying the Rav as the vehicle it should be. Has some road noise and a rougher road ride because of the Sport suspension and larger tires. There is trade off. All wheel drive, firmer suspension, safer vehicle for us who travel in winter climates and the build quality where it counts is there. You want a Caddy ride buy one. You want quality and a fun road safety vehicle SUV buy a RAV4.

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  You dont need a limited - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By JOHN D. - June 23 - 3:53 pm

  I waited to long to find a 2010 xls with the color that I wanted they were gone but there a few used demo models they had to many miles 3000 plus on them. I guess when Toyota offered a $3000.00 rebate this made the 2010 a lot better buy. My new 2011 Limited has alot of things that most people( myself included) would be better off with out. 1. the vented seats the holes are ugly and get dirty real fast. 2. the new dash gauge is hard to read the gear selection drive (D) is between two small circles. 3. why does the odometer go in large numbers 10-30-50-70-90-110 and so on in twenty (20) mile per hour increments, very hard to judge speed between. 4.The navigation outdated.