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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  104K mi and still a beast - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By waywardlorax - March 14 - 2:17 am

  This car is simply the best. It is a zero frills, going to get you to your destination every time vehicle. I have put 104K on it myself, purchased new in 2007. I have done regular-ish service, going about 7500 between oil changes. I used to drive aggressively, but after calming down I now get 37-42 on the highway. I hit 45mpg once.... I never get under 30mpg, ever. The only downside I can think of is that I will not be in the market for a new car in a long time. I reasonably expect to hit 200K and I no longer have a commute to work. (<1mi). Also, I have no ABS and I now live in the northeast. This hasnt been a problem yet. Ive made it through very heavy snowstorms.

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  Reliable, Economical Econo Box - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By MidMich - March 13 - 7:56 pm

  Today my 07 Corolla hit the 100K mile mark. To date, the overall MPG is 34.08. At 74K miles the engine component module went out but was covered by Toyota. At 81K miles, the intake manifold gasket was replaced for $135. These are the only problems I’ve had with the car. The OE G/Y Integrity tires were worn and replaced at 48K miles. I replaced them with G/Y Assurance ComfortTred which gives the car a quieter and more stable ride. There is still plenty of tread after 52K miles. The brakes are original. Seating position is good except very little lumbar support. I use a little pillow. I’m 6’2” and am comfortable driving 500 mile days. It’s a very good econo box.

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  Been very happy with this baby - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Eric Whitcombe - March 13 - 7:48 am

  Only auxiliary audio input, no USB. No bluetooth. I was disappointed with the Satellite radio interface built-in. The display does not scroll when content liek song tiel or artist exceed the display width. The digital FM interface does so even more disappointing. But aside from that it has given me great service for years.

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  Used V with Advanced Tech - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By euphony010 - March 12 - 10:57 am

  I bought this as a used one owner with 42k miles. A little under a year later and Im at 63k miles, averaging 43.1MPG. The 17" wheels likely account for the low average, but Im happy since it has been on a few packed road trips. If youre considering the Advanced Tech package, I think its a no-brainer if you are commuting on the interstate. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control makes my daily commutes much less irritating (it can slow the car down to 25mph if necessary). Pair that with the Lane Keep Assist and the system can make a good attempt at steering the car while at speed. I use both daily. The Pre-Collision System has activated twice, and the seat belt tensioning happened once.

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  Arizona Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Arizona Al - March 11 - 6:46 pm

  I plan on keeping my 2006 Tundra for a long time. I test drove everything else and was amazed to have headroom in the cab for my 64" frame even with the moonroof. Lots of room in the back seat for friends or my dogs. Very quiet cab and smooth ride. Disappointed that my new 271 hp truck gets much worse mileage than my 325 hp car. I got the truck for day to day driving and weekend yardwork. This truck fits the bill perfectly and is fun to drive to boot.

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  thoughts on camary se - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By otto - March 11 - 1:26 pm

  Nice car as far as outside design and also love the inside material, but riding comfort is poor. Jolts from running over depressions on the road. Overall comfort not the best .Long rides so, so.

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  Jump Jump Around - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Seahawk Blitz it - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This truck is by far the best truck out there.I only have 31000 miles on my 2001and it looks and runs like the day I bought it.Wish the interior was a nicer design,but all in all this is the truck to jump towards.

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  Good car... Honest review - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Gopi - March 10 - 4:36 pm

  I just bought a pre-owned 2006 prius with 45K miles on it. Love the car and the features. Drives well and getting 48MPG. Still getting used to the nuances of the car and various noises its making. Few things to note: 1. I am hearing a noise under the steering wheel when braking/accelerating during city driving. Dealer says its normal. However its annoying me. 2. While discussing the noise issue, dealer found out water pump was leaking. I was surprised it is leaking so soon. Luckily its covered under power train warranty. Will add more as I drive more.

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  More horsepower - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Tracie Klezmer - March 10 - 1:40 am

  Most comfortable car or SUV I have driven

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  99 4 - Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By jusme - March 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a beautifull machine. Very reliable.