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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  my experience - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Paul Day - May 22 - 1:56 pm

  This is my first Toyota, and if it keeps on doing what it is doing now (gas mileage 32.2MPG, fun to drive, comfort, very reliable etc. I will have to say it needs a trim molding on the lower door panels to keep other car doors from denting when it is parked in parking lots.

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  Sienna LE/Symphony Pkg. - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By NewToyotaOwner - May 22 - 10:00 am

  To date we have 2200 miles. The V-6 is very smooth and power is adequate. Fit and finish is very good. Interior layout suits our family. Was able to purchase below dealer invoice.

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  Great Car for the Bucks - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By francisdelapena - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had this Car since October 2001. It is fun to drive, and gets great mileage for less then $12.00 for a full tank of gas. It has a smooth engine, it does not seem to have the jumpy engine when you press the gas, thanks to the VVT-i engine. It feels very durable when you drive. It does not feel like it is going to fall apart on me at all. The A/C is very good, it can get very cold very fast. The interior is very spacious with enough head space above.

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  Great value for the Buck - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By L. Harvey - May 22 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota was my choice due to location of the dealer; price; previous experience. For the $8000 difference in the RX300( my other car) and the Highlander, I opted for the larger usable space. On its first road trip I got over 22 mpg during the 1700 miles including local driving in and around DC and travel through the Tennessee and Georgia mountains. Comfort was great The seats easily fold down. Plenty of storage space. The automatic air conditioning worked great. No worry about the power antenna in the car wash. Purchase price was under $30,000 for the Limited AWD with leather; 6 disc changer; sunroof and tow package

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  Good CAR! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Marine 0311 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  We cant believe the room. I wish I had purchased one a long time ago. Fast pick up for a 2.4, I thought it was a 6c when we rented one for vacation.

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  Mrs. Destiny! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Mamasgirl215 - May 21 - 8:56 am

  Life with my new car (destiny) is great. 2006 Toyota Corolla LE, it drives so great! The gas mileage I have to say is the best, I say, I fill up maybe once every 2 weeks. The tank takes about 11 gallons, so on an average 30.00, on 3.19 a gallon. I love my car, the driving is great, its a dream! I would reccommend Toyota in general to anyone, and its my first new, new car! I love it! Good luck!

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  Tradind Down - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Robert Tust - May 21 - 5:21 am

  Its like going from a three bedroom house to a condo.

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  Great value - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By dru - May 21 - 4:33 am

  After owning Fords, the comparison to Toyota is dramatic. This is my 4th Toyota. You get a great car for a good price; exceptional value! Old Toyotas are still strong and excellent MPG after 150k and 190k miles. This 2005 Corolla raises the bar for quiet, comfort and quality. You can hardly tell the car is running when its on. These cars are easy to work on. Lots of room to reach any component if you do your own work.

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Scott - May 21 - 3:33 am

  Last fall while gas prices were on the way up I traded my Mazda MPV. I told the salesman I wanted automatic transmission, air conditioning, CD player and great gas mileage at the lowest price possible. He pulled up a Yaris. After a test drive I agreed it fit the bill. Now 1 year later after going thru $4.00 plus per gallon gas prices and rough Michigan roads the car is holding up amazingly well. I consistently get 37-40 miles per gallon, and all I do is get the oil and filter changed at 5000 mile intervals. Now gas prices are under $2.00 per gallon I can fill up for $10.00-$15.00. The car hauls four full size adults in reasonable comfort and we always get comments.

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  Scuba mod - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By SiNiStEr07 - May 21 - 2:56 am

  I read through a majority of the reviews on the FJ before I bought mine. Every now and then there is a very low rating because of transmission or rear differential/transfer case problems. To those I ask, did you take your stock FJ in mud or water? If the answer is yes, thats why you had these problems. Unfortunately Toyota let the casual offroaders down. The problems you guys are having is because of the differential and transmissions breathers. These breathers let the hot gases/vapors out of your diff/tranny so they dont overheat. The problem is Toyota messed up with the placement. While these breathers are open to keep your parts from overheating, they fail to keep mud and water out.