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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  First Toyota - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Robert T. Paige - May 26 - 2:36 pm

  This is my first Toyota. The decision was based on a rental car - we liked it so well that we bought the Corolla instead of the Ford Fusion we had been considering. The interior seems much more of an upgrade from the previously owned Mercury Sable, also more room , especially legroom. Wife and daughter rate the cloth seating much more comfortable than the leather in the Sable. The instrument panel is the thing which I look at most of the time (LOL)and that is one of the features I like best. In town gas mileage has been consistent at 30-to-31 miles per gallon and on a trip Texas-to California, cruising 65 MPH from 39-to-41 MPG. Styling sort of grows on you.

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  Stop your shopping!!!! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Joe Budget - May 26 - 8:26 am

  I have owned two Altimas and a Mazda 6 in the last 22 months and put over 52,000 miles on them. The Camry rides better than any of those hands down! Smoother, quieter, better fuel economy for comparable dollars. I have averaged 30 mpg and really enjoy driving this car. The 4 banger has plenty of power and you can go over 500 miles on a tank of gas. Great fit and finish and very quiet. The trunk is much bigger than the Altima and the rear end does not sag down when you load it up.(like the Altima) The Altima averaged only 26 miles per gallon and had much more road noise. Toyota has done a GREAT JOB with this car and I Highly recommend it. Smooth, quiet and great economy. I love it!!!

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  Not particularly impressed - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By phxbuck - May 26 - 7:23 am

  Ill give you the fact that the vehicle gets great gas mileage, but the savings in gas is offset by the cost to maintain. $500 to replace a headlight, $50 to replace a tail light, cost of replacement tires because the manufacturer puts an odd size on the car, $60 for a cabin air filter, and the list goes on.... Trendy car that needs a bit more disclosure as to what it really is - a really poorly designed car is easy on gas but hard on the wallet in other ways.

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  Tougher than it looks - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rick Rock - May 25 - 4:50 pm

  Like many of you, I researched this one pretty well. I knew its shortcomings (odd visibility, lack of luxury etc) going in and accepted the FJ on its merits. Mainly: its just so much fun. I cruise out to the mountains nearly every weekend to work on my cabin restoration and to 4wd a bit. This puppy is TOUGH. I have run it up fairly steep talus and soft powdery roads and it doesnt lose grip or fade me off the trail at all. Ive run it through deep-ish water where it crosses trails and again it rolls tough. Ive also loaded it down with construction materials. Easy to load and manage for the most part. Strong, good mileage for its class, eye grabby looks, good center of gravity, & sturdy.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By maltesemommy - May 25 - 11:40 am

  I really love this car. Consistently 50 mpg (75% highway driving). More when I stick around town. The smart key feature is wonderful!!! When I get into my husbands car, I forget that I need to use a key! The ride is great for a lightweight car and I feel very secure with all of the airbags. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants great MPG and something fun to drive!

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  Dont Rush into it! - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By mike806 - May 25 - 2:09 am

  I actually just bought a Corolla S a hours ago and I already regret my purchase, I should have gone with the CIVIC or the Sentra, better Gas, more power, more leg room and much better Dash Board Look., I did like the sporty look of the S model, but after a few hours I should have just gone with the Civic, 30 more dollars a month would have been definitely worth it.

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  Great Car for 7 yrs - a/c not so great - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Monique - May 24 - 9:06 pm

  Only serious probs Ive had with Black Beauty are with the a/c. I live in Phx, so you know it gets hot as hell outside. Once the temps hit about 110, the air stops cooling. Dealership said it was the compressor, so fixed that 8 months ago for just over 1K. Now another summer hits and same problem. They now say its the evap valve.. another 1K. Ive been told it has a really "small system" for the coolant, so doesnt hold much. Id recommend the car if you dont have kids (very small back seat) and dont live in very hot climates requiring A/C for a good part of the year. Most importantly though, it is very reliable and a fun little ride and its a beautiful car.

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  An excellent ride - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Tim - May 24 - 4:23 pm

  Havent had our 3rd Prius a full year yet, so Im not really sure how many miles Ill drive it / year. (My wife has one, and we had a 2001 1st gen. model.) Excellent gas mileage (this tank: 55), although is lower in winter (low-mid 40s). I always marvel at the tight turning radius. The backup camera makes parking so much more easy. Plenty of room - 5 adults PLUS a good amount of cargo room in the hatchback area. Once, I-66 was stopped. I get in the HOV lane, floor it, drop 0.1MPG, get to 60 in about 10sec. Ive gotten it to 85 before I realized how fast I was going - gotta watch it, the Prius is too smooth. Most fillups are about 7.5gal. Not bad at all.

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  First Time Avalon Owner - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bassplayer - May 24 - 1:53 pm

  I am impressed with my 2006 Limited. I especially like the effortless ride, bright lights, and power that the car delivers while getting 30 miles to a gallon on the highway.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By asamford - May 24 - 5:28 am

  Bought this 2012 Rav4 in october. I really regret the choice. should have tried to rent one first. Firstly this is totatlly a girls car. Not a real suv because it only holds 5 people and theres not much room for luggage inside. Gas Mileage sucks. Car downshifts/4000rpm on some overpasses and ALL small hills at 70-80 mph. Wind blows it all over the road. Steering is too tight and erratic. ride is rough and transmission shifts funny like it cant decide which gear to stay in at certain speeds. Cheap radio speakers, sounds really cheap. No room for mens legs knees hit on both sides while driving. Hate it, but thank God its my wifes car.