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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  Really Good - needs a little to be great - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Deanie - March 31 - 9:26 am

  This is a really good car but the build quality is not up to snuff - even though my 05 was the first year of the new model, the build quality was a "B" even though Toyotas typically garner an "A". My passenger front door shouldnt be higher than the rear by 2mm. The rear glass has vertical lines of waviness that are visible even when looking through the rearview mirror. Pushbutton dash panel covers open only after 2nd or 3rd try - it takes 5-10 tries when its over 90 degrees! Needs better choice of exterior paint colors, and definitely needs better choices for the leather upholstery! I guess this is what Toyota does to handicap Avalon so it doesnt embarrass its pricier Lexus siblings.

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  2012 Prius V - GREAT vehicle - GPS terrible - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By rickity1 - March 31 - 8:55 am

  The 2012 Prius V is an outstanding vehicle ... lots of cargo space, 50 mpg [CAN gal] [5.2 l/100km] .. great audio system, heated seats - seriously, a GREAT vehicle. So - why would Toyota put such a lame GPS system into such a great vehicle? Seriously - why? I have a $150 Garmin GPS that is twice as good and that I will use over the Prius GPS every time. The interface is awkward; the software usually does not "speak" street names and when it does it mispronounces them; it frequently is unable to find locations or POIs that are there but it cannot discover in its data listings .... Toyota - PLEASE reconsider [replace] the GPS system in this wonderful vehicle. And PLEASE replace mine!

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  Great Car - few caveats - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Deanie - March 31 - 8:30 am

  My fist Avalon and the only highly reliable Japanese branded car with true seating for three across in the rear - which saved me from having to buy an SUV or Minivan (yeah!). Theres no better car within $5-7K of the Avalon. Great engine, fuel economy, comfortable ride, great brakes, great JBL stereo, virtually every safety feature in existence. But tranny ever so slightly hesitates between gears at low speeds (5-15mph)when stepping on the gas (not flooring it) to get up to 25-35mph in a hurry, though is smooth as silk at all other speeds/situations. Avalon compares favorably with or is notably better than many premium German sedans costing tens of thousands more - seriously!

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  My search is over! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Ladybug - March 31 - 8:23 am

  The Corolla promises to be a reliable, fuel efficient car. It is peppy, comfortable, with storage for everything within easy reach. The air vents provide more directional adjustment for heat and air. Two trip odometers, one for gas mileage and the other for actual trip length. No frills, nothing fancy, but I dont need all that. I need a comfortable, reliable car that wont cost a fortune to drive.

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  Love Toyotas - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By 1yoda - March 31 - 4:40 am

  I have owned Toyotas for quite a long time. Love them! I do a 40 mile commute to work and it is really good on gas. Just have one problem. The rims look rusty! My dads 87 Toyota pickup has better looking rims them mine. Dont know. Bought it brand new with 11 miles on it. Paying a lot of money and the rims shouldnt look like that!

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  Definite Eye Catcher - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bob - March 30 - 11:20 pm

  My SLE convertible is silver with the black top and when people see it coming they take a second look due to the styling. I have the navigation system along with the XM radio and the car is fun to drive around town and the open road. The car is quiet with the top up or down. I previoulsy owned a Sebring Limited convertible but it cant come close to the ride and over all performance of the SLE. Take a test drive and you will see how this car is the best convertible for the money.

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  Still Going Strong - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Moonlight293 - March 30 - 10:03 pm

  Bought mine used back in 99. Have made several trips back and forth from Chicago to Delaware; no problems at all. Now has 155,000 miles on it and starting to replace things. Reliable and dependable, the only 2 things I care about as a single female owner. Good gas mileage, comfortable ride, nice functional features. Only thing is that you have to keep it locked up or even the side mirrors will get stolen.

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  Bye-bye gas station - well kinda - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By PC - March 30 - 4:43 pm

  I have had my Prius for about 2 weeks and love it. I really thought it was going to be lame in terms of speed, especially on the freeway - the car is surprisingly speedy and fun to drive. The freeway driving is much better than my Jeep Cherokee was. All of the cars gadgets are easy to use and do not distract you from driving. When I finally did go to the gas station was so happy it shut off at $27 to fill my tank. I am used to paying almost $70.

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  Great Car Except Float Handling - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By rfcn2 - March 30 - 8:44 am

  When I went shopping in 2008 I really wanted a Caddy CTS or an Acura RL. CTS could not be ordered with blue tooth for phone or laser cruise control. CTS by far drove the best. My Dad passed away about this time and left me a 2001 Avalon. It was a basic one but was very comfortable and got great MPG. So as almost an afterthought I went to Toyota dealer. They had the features I wanted and the car was 15 grand less than Acura. I really planned to hate the Toyota. I now think it is one of the best cars I have owned. Still is floaty and poor on curvy roads. Still overpowers the front wheels if too much gas is given. A great value IMHO. Amazing MPG for something this fast.

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  After one year, love it as much as the day I bought it. - 2013 Toyota 4Runner
  By yngturk - March 30 - 3:30 am

  An extremely solid, truck-based SUV. Purchased new in 2013. After 13-months now has 20k miles and its only been to the shop for oil changes. Ride is better than most trucks, but the build is solid and body stiffness is superb. Seats are quite comfortable, as are heater/AC and the overall ride. My wife -- the ultimate judge of comfort, with a bad back -- has no problem taking road trips in this vehicle. I mostly use this as a commuter vehicle, but occasionally haul stuff or go camping off-road. Average 21.3 MPG in combo city/highway. Engine is more than adequate. Its the perfect vehicle for my needs. A well-engineered, reliable ride.