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:

• 

  Fantastic and Indestructable - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris - October 5 - 6:16 am

  I ordered my LE 5-spd manual (loaded with goodies like leather, roof, etc.), and it has provided 58,000 trouble-free miles. This is the perfect car for someone who needs an A+ commuter car with no trouble. The interior materials are first-rate, and you would be hard pressed to find anything more comfortable or better-appointed at this price. The only issue I had a center console door that failed to close, which was replaced under warranty with no hassle. Fair warning, from a car enthusiast standpoint (like myself), this car is about as exciting to drive as a washing machine. You will want to have a "fun car" in addition to this one. Also, the steering feel is scarily horrific.

• 

  After 2500 miles - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By jsw - October 5 - 12:43 am

  2 months later... its taken that long to get used to the drivers seat and call it comfortable. It is particularly spirited off-the-line until 40 mpg (the electric motors torque) 40-60 is a little dicey. Once on highway, this car can get out of traffic quickly. Mileage in mixed driving is around 42 mpg. I no longer worry about the gas bladder. I go plenty of miles before fill-up for very little money!

• 

  Everything I wanted - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Bill - October 5 - 12:10 am

  I bought this car because I wanted a car that will get me from point A to point B, & to do it in reasonable comfort & with 100% reliability & to do so over 200,000 miles. Ive not been disappointed in the first 5,015 miles. No problems, no surprise mechanical sounds, & the manual tranny is as smooth as an automatic tranny. I changed the oil at 600 miles & wish Id changed it at 500 miles because it was BLACK. Subsequent oil changes at 1,500 mile intervals have been relative clean. I really like the TIGHT 180 degree U- turn diameter

• 

  Love it all Except for the GPS. - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Tim - October 4 - 11:16 pm

  I bought a 2017 Camry XLE late last year and I love it. Its very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. The dealership in Vacaville has been super.The only disappointment is having to use Scout GPS to have the display on the touch screen. Scout GPS is real close to being totally useless. Out of the 17 times I have tried to use it, so far, it was only able to establish the link 4 times. All of these attempts except 3 were in my driveway. Its not worth having even though its free. You would think, this being the 21st century, Toyota would have software that would allow you to chose which GPS system you want. May be next year. Ha.

• 

  Great Car, Would Buy Again - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By SHOW-ME-2 - October 4 - 9:53 pm

  We looked at a number of different cars before we bought this one and Im very happy we bought the Avalon. Usually you have to take a car back after you buy it for minor things, well after 6 months and 4,000 miles not one thing is wrong with this car. Its my wifes car and I cant get her out of it, she loves it.

• 

  Almost Great but... - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By smosky - October 4 - 5:51 pm

  I decided to get a 4 door sedan to replace my Mustang convertible since I now have a couple of grandchildren and needed the ability to put car seats in the car and bukle them in. I test drove several new cars in making my decision by renting various cars on trips including Altimat, Maxima, and the Camry. I drove a Camry for 4 days in Nevada and went on a 180 mile trip to check it out. It was great! So fast forward to my purchase. Unlike the rental, I decided to go with a top of the line V6 XLE with leather interior. I really like the car except for one thing - the seats are torture! They are hard and the side bolsters are too high. Be careful before you buy this car!

• 

  Best Car Ever? - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By dave - October 4 - 5:36 pm

  I have the bench seat version which I highly recommend if you want even more space. I have over 134,000 miles on this car and have driven it for almost 6 years. No problems. None. Lucky me but I do take incredible care of this car. I love this car, probably why I take such good care of it. Elegant but for the price it was the best out there. So roomy and quiet and I love the styling. I didnt want to pay the Lexus price, you could say it is the poor mans Lexus but you dont cheat yourself. When Toyota redesigned the Avalon they screwed up big. This car is better than the new models for the price you will pay. Smooth to drive. I will keep this car as long as humanly possible.

• 

  2003 Echo 4Dr Sedan - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By CarFan - October 4 - 5:10 pm

  Dependable, economical & fun small car to drive - especially during times of high gas prices. This car is excellent for city driving and ok for shorter highway trips. Its light weight makes it easily swayed by passing trucks and not the best traction on snowy roads. It could use cruise control & arm rests.

• 

  A company with class - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By d.garr - October 4 - 3:16 pm

  My wife has owned her rav 4 since 1998. Honestly water pump and timing only repairs. Those items are minor compared to other car if you know what I mean. I bought the 2010 rav4 4x4 for myself. They handle through any snow and comfort is a 10. Not only that they are roomy inside and the suv handles great on the road. If you want a vechicle that is going to last a long time then look no futher. Toyota workers have built you a high quality running machine with many years of service and safety to you and your family. I have been a long time customer of Toyota and a lot of people wont buy foriegn cars but stop and think for a moment - these cars are built by American workers with families too.

• 

  Boring Toyota - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By john - October 4 - 5:36 am

  Not as economical or clean as Toyota claim, poor performance and slow when you want to feed in to a freeway or start off in heavy traffic, takes too long for petrol motor to start when you need the power, expensive servicing and not as reliable as people think a Toyota should be.