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:

• 

  Best fun car w/o a doubt - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By DRM - November 3 - 5:56 am

  Took the spyder to Victoria, BC. A management challenge in fitting both mine and wifes luggage into the small box behind the seats. Even stuff a small suitcase into the well where the top folds in. 1000 miles up and 1000 mils back. Besides getting by with minimal luggage, this car was fun and I believe safe as it can outrun any truck or suv on the highway. Around town, no one can even come close. Attracted lots of attention as this car is not available in Canada. Good mileage on top of speed, handling and style. Have not had this much fun for a long time.

• 

  Need Real Tires - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Jon Sutterby - November 2 - 6:03 pm

  The 05 Sienna we have is a great vehicle. Lots of room, quiet, good looking and lots of power for a mini van. I love driving it... you dont know youÂ’re in a van unless you look in the rear view mirror, its awesome. But I dont know what Toyota was thinking with the tires they picked??? The Dunlop SP 4000 tires are total junk!!! We have 2200 miles on the van and they are wearing like they have 12,000-15,000 on them and are already cupping @ 2,200 miles. What a joke!! If it werenÂ’t for the tires it would be perfect for us!!!

• 

  tiptoe steering & then bliss - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By pleased_as_p - November 2 - 4:14 pm

  Have had it two days....mileage started at 10 mpg at 10 miles and is now up to 33 mpg at 150 miles. Steering better than 1998 Camry or 2005 Tundra. Acceleration about the same as 1998 Camry (V6). If you have the transmitter in your hand the door unlocks. EV plus ECO mode for economy. 600+ miles per tank of gas. Brilliant sharp headlights. Excellent interior temperature control. Put seats up high to get more elbow room and better visibility. Comfy driving position/adjustable steering wheel. Pass through from trunk for fishing poles/lumber. Mirrors well situated. Some wind noise at 70 mph. Almost no motor noise until accelerator is floored. Less wind down sound than 2011.

• 

  I love it! - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By kendra - November 1 - 4:10 pm

  This SUV is amazing! I have the limited version, so it has everything you could possibly want! I will keep this SUV until it dies! But that wont happen for a long time, just because its a Toyota! Highly recommended!

• 

  Second Time Owning A Camry! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Mirac - November 1 - 1:36 pm

  I first purchased a 2001 Toyota Camry LE back in 2012, when I was 16. It drove comfortably, handled perfectly, and performed 5 star rating worthy. About three months into owning the car, I actually totaled it. I was hit by a 2013 GMC Yukon that was going 65 mph down a residential speed road and t-boned me. I walked out of that accident with bruises and aches, nothing else. My Camry TOTALED that BRAND NEW YUKON! What does that say about a Toyota Camry? Everything. I now am in college and I bought a 1999 Toyota Camry LE, because I knew that the Toyota Camry was reliable and worthy of a second run around. The car runs, drives, handles, and performs altogether... yet the same! I cannot complain, and if anyone is looking to buy a reliable, first time car, or a car for a college student who cannot afford something newer, then this is the car for you. The gas mileage is better than the site says, my car can drive to Tallahassee and almost all the way back without needing gas. That is not an exaggeration, and the insurance is inexpensive! Great car, and I definitely suggest buying this car.

• 

  I couldnt ask anymore of a car. - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By L.Roy - November 1 - 12:36 pm

  This is my first Toyota and I have to ask myself why it took so long for me to buy one. Ive owned just about every other car make on the planet at one time or another. At one time I even owned a Fiat. But this Toyota has a jewel box build quality about it. Its large enough to be comfortable. It has a large trunk. It rides quiet and smooth. And it gets great gas mileage. Im averaging over 35 mpg. Ive had no problems with the car and after reading other reviews I dont expect any. Another benefit is the resale value. This is a great car and I highly recommend it.

• 

  Will always love my Camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Kim - November 1 - 6:32 am

  If youre looking for a great car this is it. Ive had this car for 4 years (bought it off my brother) she has some bumps and scratches, but overall shes a bad MF!!! She has 180,000 miles and still a champ!! Im gonna miss her when she goes. (Not anytime soon though)

• 

  If Everybody Owned a Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By B A Fridinger - November 1 - 5:20 am

  If everyone owned a Prius, there would not be long gas lines because they dont need fill-ups very often. Conceivably, there might never be a gas shortage. Based on my experience, each trip will yield 40 to 55 mpg, so you also save money. Driving this car is like riding the wave of the future. It is a quiet, effortless dream. You dont even have to fumble for a key; just push a button! I never before had a car that I absolutely looked forward to running errands in. You can even sharpen your driving skills to increase your mileage performance (like a game). Hint: it takes great concentration. It is my second Prius; had a 2002 (loved it), but moved forward to the new sleeker version.

• 

  ALMOST A PERFECT 10!!! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By ABerk - November 1 - 12:40 am

  Ive had the XL model since Aug. 07 and have about 6500K ultra-enjoyable miles on it. Ive had two Beemers and an Infinity, also enjoyed them very much, but the Avalon is special in that its smooth, quiet, fairly ecnomical on gas, considering its size. I use regular octane -- also Plus and Premium at times. I also have found the cloth/velour seats to be very practical -- warm on cold days, cool on hot ones. Transmission-wise, it just knows when to shift for you -- its really a symbiotic relationship between car and driver, to use that analogy. The drivers seat needs more back support, though. So, Ill rate this car as a 9-1/2 -- ALMOST PERFECT -- but then again, nothings perfect

• 

  the perfect vehicle for me - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By jack martinez - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my nissan pathfinder for my toyota pre-runner pick up, what a relief, i love the 16-20 mpg and the interior is fun and comfortable, i get lots of compliments on the looks and style of my truck, i have not had any major problems with my pre-runner just routine maintenience and had replace the battery after 3 years, i also enjoy the sound system and the extended cab. this is a great vehicle for commuting to work, weekend projects, out door activities, and you can still go out for a night on the town and still look stylish.