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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  2007 Toyota Yaris S - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By RayC - February 14 - 1:40 am

  As someone whos had every imaginable vehicle, this was quite a radical move. My very first foreign car! What a life change this has been. From an overhaul of my driving experience to reducing my monthly gas bill by 60%, its been quite a ride. I love this car.

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  It is what it is, and its pretty GOOD! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Ron N - February 14 - 12:10 am

  First, I am a car enthusiast, and when I purchased my second Corolla, I knew I wasnt buying a sport sedan. My first Corolla was a 2012 S, and was last on my list for what I wanted to buy. It did everything well enough and had the rear space I was looking for in a compact. Power was good, it could have used another 20 or so horsepower, but I wasnt looking for a drag racer. The 2016 Corolla S Plus is a big step forward for the model. Overall, there is more usable room in this generation Corolla than the previous, not counting the substantial improvement in rear legroom, which was one of the qualities that drew me to my first Corolla. Interior materials and overall look, feel and finish are very good. The manual "sport" seats are very comfortable, and have good support. As far as the CVT transmission goes, it is better than most (in the S Plus trim) out there, equal to the Honda. In lower trims, feels very different and tends to keep a steady RPM for acceleration. In the S trim, the CVT has a Sport mode which simulates gear changes which works very well, giving a crisp response for each "shift". When not in Sport mode, and if one keeps a light foot on the throttle, it will go into Eco mode. Eco tends to hold RPMs, although not as bad as lower trims, and "feels" like a slipping clutch in a manual transmission when the CVT "shifts gears". Initial acceleration is soft, but once under way, acceleration is more than adequate for passing and getting up to highway speeds. One of the biggest improvements to the Corolla, mechanically, are the rear disc brakes. These are only available on S Plus and S Premium trims, and well worth any extra expense. The lower trims (L, LE and LE Eco) tend to drive and handle with a bland feel, but the S trims are more sporty and feel different, not any roll or wallow. There are other good cars out there, try them all before you make a decision, but the Corolla is not as bad as some try to make it.

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  Love It - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jor - February 13 - 8:20 am

  Cant understand people complaining about mileage, Ive NEVER gotten under 48 mpg and average 52-60! Roomy, even rear seat is comfortable. Its not as comfortable as my Lexus, but then theres a big difference in $$$. No complaints at all about handling: solid, takes hills well, very peppy, have to watch speed on interstate or Ill be doing 80 without realizing it. I laugh all the way to the gas pump these days!

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  My Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By L Heathman - February 13 - 6:10 am

  If there is one thing, be sure not to leave a door open all night. My son didnt shut my hatch all the way. The next AM, I couldnt start it. And it will not move. You cant just put it in neutral and back it out. You better have an extra long set of jumper cables.LOL. Seriously though, I love the car, its got great cargo space and very comfortable inside. I got the basic model, one I could afford, and find. They are very hard to come by. What you save in gas and insurance from day one will make up the cost.

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  Small car with the speed - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By marti - February 13 - 5:23 am

  I was really surprised at the pickup and go this car has. Great on gas especially when you can only use regular. It sits up high so great when wearing dresses and great for seniors to get out of too. Very comfortable. Surprised at how fast it does go. It has a lot of room inside for my senior parents to get out with ease and comfortable for them. I love this car and so does my wallet when it comes to the gas. And it has a place for my coffee to sit that does not spill.

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  Definitely Recommend - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By WSOjr - February 13 - 2:23 am

  This vehicle (Sport 4WD 3.5 V6) has been nothing less than a pleasure to drive. Everything about it is excellent - From ride to handling and from comfort to style. My fiancee and I researched and test drove many SUVs for six months before making a decision. Absolutely no buyers remorse. The flint mica is a beautiful color that is breath taking before sunset.

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  Best owned low cost, long range commuter - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Gregory Estes - February 13 - 1:56 am

  Bought new to commute 100 miles a day round trip, both freeway and intercity (half and half). Have tracked mileage since new, averages 37-41 depending on road conditions, speed and my patience with traffic. Normally drive 60-65 mph highway. Only serviced at 60k and now have 97k miles. I do my own oil and filter change every 3k miles. I love this little car, hope to get 300k plus out of it. Would definitely recommend this car to anyone! (note, its stick shift).

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  Love love love!! - 2018 Toyota RAV4
  By Krissy Mitchell - February 12 - 11:14 am

  Don’t test drive this car unless you are ready to find your dream car! I love everything about this car, not only is it a great family car - it also can be very fun to drive!

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  Great Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By weesco - February 12 - 5:46 am

  Just picked up our new Camry Hybrid in Chicago and drove it back to our home in Florida without a single hiccup. VERY comfortable road car, rides and sounds solid like a luxury sedan. We got 39.5 mpg driving down at 65-75 on interstate highways and are getting 40.5 mpg puttering around town at home (with 1100 miles now on the ODO). Im an electronics engineer and did quite a bit of research before ordering it. The hybrid drive is an extremely complex and well designed system. My wife is very happy with "her" hybrid and thats what counts most. Our only option was the moonroof. I already have a Garmin Nuvi 350 nav unit that we switch between cars so we didnt order the Nav.

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  Great Small Wagon - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By George - February 12 - 3:13 am

  I just turn in my leased Matrix, and it has been a great small car for me at the time when I lease it. It has a lot of room when the back seat and the front Pass. seat are all folded down to help me move. Great little city car. It was avg. for gas 33MPG traveling to and from work. Only one thing happened, the front right shock was bad when the car was first new and that was quickly replaced for free. No other trouble with the car. I just follow the book when to do all the services.