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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  Love my Corolla - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dan - January 17 - 12:06 am

  The Corolla XLE is a great car. I have been getting 36 mpg in stop and go traffic. Highway mileage as been 47 mpg with the AC off and driving between 55-60 mph.

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  2016 Highlander Limited Platinum - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Saeeda K - January 16 - 11:01 pm

  Like the style of car. Hate that Toyota nickels & dimes you for everything. My only negative review is that the cabin is much louder than I expected on the highway. I came out of a 2007 Toyota Avalon & the difference in the cabin noise is surprising. I would definitely recommend test driving on the highway. Other than that, overall is good. Wish there was a way to have Waze as an app instead of toyotas nav system. Its not as efficient as Waze. The third row is definitely for kids. No adult would ever prefer to sit In the third row, let alone three of them wouldnt fit in the third row.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Leon M - January 16 - 10:40 pm

  First Toyota Ive owned, and its a beauty! Researched a great deal on this purchase and it came down to Ford Fusion, Honda Insight, and this Prius. Prius won hands-down after the test drive. Fit and Finish is excellent. JBL sound system is tops. Interior is roomy and comfortable. Exterior styling is unique.

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  Terrible - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By k - January 16 - 10:16 pm

  2008 4 cyl rav 4 is the worst vehicle I have ever owned out of 15 toyotas. It rides like a tank especially in the rear. Why dont people tell the truth about this vehicle so some poor buyer wont be hurt? Cant wait to get rid of it. Ive been with Toyota for 30 years and have been treated very well but the ride of this vehicle makes me sick and I will rethink my next vehicle.

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  Dont know how they did it - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Lee Mariano - January 16 - 10:10 pm

  I wish I knew how they got 60mpg. We drove from South Florida to central New Hampshire and back up and down the Smoky Mountains, on freeways, small towns, fully loaded (by the way this car holds tons of stuff) in cool-cold weather, in high heat, with and w/o a/c during the gas shortage. travelled 3100 mi---paid $210 for gas the entire month we were gone! Still, mph for the month was 44.6 We use cruise control as much as possible, everything we can think of--still cant get to the 60 they claim. Great comfort, great bells and whistles. Love the car.

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  Must have picked the lemon - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By chosepoorly - January 16 - 4:13 pm

  Bought the car new and am a very careful owner. My last car, a Chevy housed outside in the elements, was 12 years old when I traded it in with very little problems. After 2 years, the fuel pump went. After 2 1/2 years, electrical system and sensors failed. Just after the warranty expired, multiple systems failed, requiring a new battery and $400 worth of repairs. I have to drive long distances for my new job and have to trade it because I dont know when or where it will fail next. Disappointing, considering Toyotas supposed quality.

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  The Black Jet - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By The Black Jet - January 15 - 11:16 pm

  This is my second Avalon, and it is an incredible driving machine. There is simply no comparing it to the 3.0 liter models. The 3.5 liter, 280 horsepower engine delivers incredible pickup, and the 5-speed automatic transmission shifts smooth and quick. The steering is responsive and the suspension is tuned to take curves without any sway. I really like the ergonomics of the steering column, telescoping, and fully articulate. Radio and climate controls are embedded within the steering wheel, which greatly reduces driver disorientation while cruising down the highway. I would recommend this car to anyone who enjoys the value of a stylish and responsive road machine. Its a Toyota!

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  50mpg - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By toyota prius - January 15 - 8:40 pm

  The best car I have owned. Its comfortable, reliable, great fuel economy. No problem on the highway. Have had no problems in the snow. I love the fact that its a green car.

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  One tankful so far - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Dr Deuce - January 15 - 8:16 pm

  I just got 37+mpg on the 1st tankful of gas. Like others, I am starting to notice the wander. Maybe needs more caster on the front end. It seems peppy enough for a 4. It does have a 4 cyl mild buzz during acceleration. I like the D to 3 shifter and it shifts quickly when asked using that. The door armrest seems to be a little unusual. Cup holder in the center will not accept bigger cups. It is quiet. The radio does have some bass boom to it with some music. MOVE THE CLOCK TO THE RADIO! This is my 1st Toyota.

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  My Best Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Alex - January 15 - 6:43 pm

  I like big sedans with comfortable driving without any extreme with good fuel economy, I found it, its Camry XLE 4 cyl. It has all features I ever needed (except navigation), riding is very comfortable, though it makes me a little sleepy, but at the end I never want to go out of the car. And I dont need acceleration of 6 cyl 3.0 engine, 4 cyl just enough for me, just a few times I wanted it to be a little faster. I like that its just like sitting on the sofa watching TV, something like this, easy. It doesnt make you to think, the car just does its job perfectly almost without your help (on cruise control Im forgetting who is driver). Its perfect family car.