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:

• 

  Excellent and fun - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - June 21 - 4:56 pm

  Just drove our new Limited Avalon home from an 1000 mile trip and think its one of the best cars Ive ever owned. Just got out of an Audi A6 which was an excellent car but the Avy beats it in almost every respect. The nav system is as good if not better than my old Garmin or the Audi built-in unit and can be set for fastest, direct or other routes which may be an operator issue with previous reviews. Lateral support is not as good as the Audi but that seat was unique among automakers so its not a fair comparison. Seat adjustments are almost infinite making it hard not to find a comfortable setting and the lumbar support and vented seats are a real plus on long drives - during which we got 34 mpg.

• 

  Great Car Coming From An SUV Owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Sparky - June 21 - 1:00 pm

  This car runs great and in some ways has more power than my Nissan Xterra did. I am currently getting around 48 mpg and love passing those gas stations! I first thought my gas gage was broken because I had driven 170 miles and my fuel gage was still on full! The fuel gage does drop faster one you get to 200 miles but currently I am over 300 miles at a half a tank. I expect to get 500 miles between fill ups. I wish the trunk was bigger because I have to drop down one seat to put my golf clubs in. The auto climate control is great! Living in a cold climate (lots of snow) I can see the interior getting dirty fast. Overall it is a great car. I am converted from being an SUV owner.

• 

  Toyota Hybrid is a Winner - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By homertcornish1 - June 21 - 9:16 am

  After 4 years of driving I have found the 2003 Toyota Prius an excellent auto in every category except for comfort. The newer models are 5 inches longer which should improve the comfort. My average highway mileage is over 50 mpg regardless of speed. In town mileage is closer to 45 (Toyota claims you get better mileage in town but its not true). It has plenty of power to go up mountains and can keep up with the best of cars and trucks on the Interstate. I have had only one minor glitch during the 4 years of my ownership and that was a minor computer that was replaced free by Toyota. Maintenance has been comparable to a regular gasoline car, except for the $700 cost of the 60,000 maintenance.

• 

  Pleasantly surprised - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Ray - June 20 - 10:20 am

  I have never considered a Toyota ever. Ive had almost every make, Honda, Nissan, Volvo, VW, Chevy, Ford, BMW. A Camry was the least likely. I must admit Im blow away. The exterior is beautiful, the interior is laid out elegantly. The ride is firm and supple. It isnt super agile, but agile enough to be fun. Overall its a lot of car for the money, I couldnt be more satisfied.

• 

  Excellent car that is underestimated - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By cdig - June 20 - 6:56 am

  I feel like Im driving a much larger car than it is. It feels solid and smooth. It handles more like a sedan than a hatchback. I dont feel like Im driving a tiny plastic toy like the Honda Fit that my wife drives. It has good acceleration for passing on the highway, but not as sporty as a Honda Fit. Stability is excellent on slick pavement. There is very little engine noise while cruising on the highway. The acceleration is smooth and quiet without any jerky gearing.

• 

  The Best Bang for the Buck RAV4 V6 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jimmy Drew - June 19 - 11:13 pm

  Only had the car about 3 weeks now. The vehicle is really impressive with the fit and finish and the room inside. Love the design also. Quality all round is noted in this vehicle. Mileage is impressive for such a potent engine. This vehicle cruises at 80 mph and you feel you are going 50 mph. The upgraded radio is even worth the extra bucks.

• 

  Best auto - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By lynda - June 19 - 7:16 pm

  Driving a Toyota Sienna is like owning a Lexus. The seats are made for real people. The pick up is ok I wish it had a little more power. I do hwy and rural driving. I would buy another one.

• 

  Best Car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Orin Beitlich - June 19 - 10:33 am

  This was my first Toyota ever and I wished I had done it sooner! I now have reached 100K miles and it runs the same as when I bought it. I have never had any major problems with it. Front brakes around 50K and regular maintenance at recommended mileage. Original Tires replaced at 36K which is better than expected. BF Goodrich now have 64K and still good tread. I have never done a wheel alignment on this vehicle. I have tracked my mileage and it was exactly the 24 MPG overall that Toyota said it would be. It is only FWD so in winter I take it easy but this has been a very reliable vehicle for us. The utility has been great and removable seats are wonderful. I am very satisfied with it.

• 

  Camry.com (not real website) - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By 3rdcamry - June 18 - 7:49 am

  This is my 3rd 4 cylinder Camry 89, 98, and now 2006. The previous ones reached 200k miles with ease. The 2006 now has 144k miles. The real treat about this car is that the 4 cylinder 06 Camrys have a timing CHAIN, not a belt--which is a bargain for those of us Camry owners than run up the mileage. This is simply a reliable car. The spark plugs are platinum so you dont have to change them unless you are having a problem with performance. The 98 camry had the original plugs and wires when I traded them in (I have an honest mechanic) and the car ran smooth as ice. I need a reliable vehicle for commuting to work and this is it. Fun, safe and reliable, just keep fluids changed and fresh.

• 

  Camry Great NEW - SO SO Used - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By JJ - June 18 - 7:40 am

  I bought a 96 Camry brand new and sold it Aug 2005 with 45,000 miles. Never hit, paint/interior perfect. The resale value of $5,500 is great for a 9 year old car. However, the car had some repairs, the motormounts went, cracking the exhaust pipe, the flimsy door handle cracked off in the cold and the drivers seat belt stopped working. Now at 60,000 miles it will need a timing belt, tune up plus the 60,000 binding U joint camry defect and in a few years an expensive exhaust and strut issue. Camrys are great, but dont believe the hype, they break a lot less than a similar american car, but with the added price and expensive parts they are not a good used car choice.