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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  All around fun car to drive - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Dougie - July 1 - 6:20 pm

  Ive never had so much fun driving a car in my life. Its a real kick employing special techniques -- like "pulse and glide" to maximize fuel economy. But even if you ignore special techniques, youll just love watching your mpg screen tell you exactly how well youre doing in terms of mpg for every 5 minute driving segment. I can often record 100 mpg segments when in ideal driving conditions -- i.e., infrequent stopping, mid-speed driving. And all the while youre having fun, you can feel good about reducing pollution by 90% as compared to the average new car. With a comfortable ride, more than adequate acceleration, and top safety features, this car is hard to beat. I love it!

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  2015 Toyota Camry - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Muneeb - July 1 - 5:07 pm

  Hi People, I recently bought a 2015 Toyota Camry. I am writing this review to make you people aware of few issues/problems that I experienced in this model which could help you decide whether to buy 2015 Camry or not. Firstly, this car has vibrations especially in the wheels between 44 mph through 55 mph, so when you test drive make sure you observe the vibrations at this speed on a smooth road. Secondly, if you still want to go ahead and buy this car make sure to not have Bridgestone tires on it, as these tires magnifies the vibrations. Other than these other performance parameters are good. As per the dealers whom I spoke to get these problems fixed, in the first place they denied the problem (very disappointing). However, after 6 weeks they (dealers, as they had customers with these problems before) accepted that its a camry design issue which they said could be mitigated by changing tires to Michelin brand, however this would not remove/settle vibrations completely. Wish someone had written about this earlier. Hope this would help you all.

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  Best of Jeep & Toyota in 1 package - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mary trimble - July 1 - 12:20 pm

  I love Jeeps and Toyotas. The FJ Cruiser is the best of both. Sized like a Wrangler, but with class of a 4runner. I am in my 60s, and this is just plain fun to drive. Good 4 wheel capability, very comfortable in town and on the interstate. Been told I can use mid-grade, not premium, that should help. I love off-roading, camping and blackpowder, and I never plan to "grow up". This vehicle should help that!! The only negatives: wish the gas cover locked, console box should have a cover, and wish I could have gotten the package without the sub-woofer. Storage box would have been more useful to me. Anyone who has driven a CJ or Wrangler will not have visibility issues. Buy one!!!

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  $64,000 Question - 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Russell - July 1 - 11:46 am

  $64,000 was the price and I question why I layed down that much money for this vehicle. It is nice, dont get me wrong, but not even close to nice enough for this price...drove well in 10 minute test drive but wearing on my sense of value now after 7 months. Many missing features previously mentioned by other reviewers. Gas mileage is well below advertised range. Toyota should be embarassed to charge this much for this vehicle.

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  Just purchased it at 182,256 miles! - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Devon Edwards - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Wow, this car is amazing! I just picked up this car today and I love how it handles! and OMG 41 MPG on my particular model freaking awesome! I drove all up and down los angeles and havent got below the "full" on my tank.

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  As good as a van can get:) - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Dave - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I test drove all brands and selected the Toyota over the Honda. Price and features were main reasons, even though the Honda drove a little better. I like the overall ride of Sienna better. I am very impressed with the gas mileage, 26 hwy and 23 in town. I replaced the tires at 45K, but otherwise have not put any money into this van. It had been great for our family!

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  This little guy is a champ! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By J - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought the base automatic all the options. It is a perfect second car. Has a ton of interior space and clever storage. This car is way more spacious than the Lexus IS I downgraded from. The backseat is fine for two average sized people when needed. I consistently get 36-38 mpg driving mostly highway at 70-80 mph. Also great in the snow with the skinny tires. This car shines as commuter car. It has plenty of go and decent handling. That is noticeably reduced with two passengers or heavy cargo. Still, 95% of the time, this car meets my needs like a champ. I just cant understand driving a huge 6-7 seater for only one person. Its great for road trips too. What more do you really need!?

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  Whats wrong with my brakes? - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jayr - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car in May of this year as a used vehicle. I loved it until last week. I was sitting in my car, which was off, when i turned the car on it asked me to get to a level ground and take the e-brake off. I would have except I was on level ground, the e-brake was off and my car wouldnt start. My dashboard had all my brake lights on. 4 hours of assistance and towing and they told me it was my battery. Exactly one week later, I was driving down the highway, less than a mile from my exit when my car started making a beep noise, and again ALL my brake lights came on. This time my car was in motion and the brake pedal would not work, it was rock stiff as I went 60 mph on an exit ramp.

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  Love my RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Nelson - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my RAV4. Comfortable to drive on long trips, loads of room, 45,000 miles and no problems. This is my 2nd RAV4. First one was a 1999,loved it too. When it came time for a new vehicle, I got the new car bug, couldnt wait to buy the newer model, 2007, much quieter ride and larger. Plenty of room for the kids.

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  Great truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By rhellams - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving 2,000 miles a month with my Tundra. Averaging 18.5 mpg and couldnt have asked for better performance. Truck has been great!