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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  100% satisfied! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By JBL - March 15 - 7:00 am

  This is by far the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. So far, with 40K miles, the vehicle has performed flawlessly! The best mileage I have obtained so far was in the summer of 2006. I averaged 35.2 over 576 miles! So it can be done - the vehicle is capable of beating EPA estimates! Had I been more careful, the mpg would have been even higher. This was without extreme driving techniques, but using only gentle driving - no hard acceleration or braking and included several steep hills, up as well as down & mostly highway. This is not the norm though as the avg. is 28-30 warmer months and 25- 26 in colder months. Dont blame Toyota for Federal EPA mileage flaws. ALL vehicles are usually LOWER.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Fred Fischer - March 15 - 7:00 am

  The Toyota Corolla gets about 36 miles per gallon whether on the highway or driving around town. The inside is very large; especially the back seat and you sit higher than other sedans on the road. The seats are very comfortable. The engine and transmision operate flawlessly. It holds about 12 gallons of gasoline so filling up costs about $20. It is very quiet and feels sturdy.

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  Simple to operate, fun to drive! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Terry - March 15 - 6:03 am

  Be assured that the Camry Hybrid is simple to operate, dont worry about getting used to it. Once you own one of these (or the Prius), you will not want to go back to a non-hybrid. They use twice the fuel and are not going to have the resale of a hybrid. I love the door opener and combined with the starter button, what could be better? Recently, I had to rent a car and the only one that was available was a Chevrolet. Its an OK car, but I am glad the trip is over, so I can get back behind the wheel of my Camry Hybrid. At times, I rent cars for long trips so I dont pile up so many miles on my Camry. Long story short, get a demo, buy one, start saving gas money!!

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  #3 is the best - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By John Agnew - March 15 - 4:06 am

  My 3rd Highlander Limited...each prior vehicle was driven 60,000 miles (Leased)...bought this one...in the first 2 months drove 8,500 miles exploring the country...average 23 MPG at 65-80 mph on Interstates...a real pleasure to drive...10 hour days on the road are very comfortable, especially with heated leather seats...smart key and power tailgate are slick...this one is a keeper!

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  This Car is Almost Perfect - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By andrew - March 15 - 1:20 am

  This car has basically no faults. Except for the tiny click the windshield wipers make on the slowest this car is flawless. The JBL premium audio system and speakers are definitely a plus although the standard toyota speakers are still much better then other premium speakers. The engine is almost undetectable even at high speeds, it is also pretty powerful. Ive even driven this car at 160 km/h and it still feels surefooted. The interior is beautiful especially with the woodgrain. Fuel economy could be better but what can you expect from a V6. The heated seats are a must have especially in the cold canadian winters. All in all a great car for just about everyones needs.

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  2008 Avalon Limited - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By ulanon - March 14 - 10:03 pm

  We replaced our 2001 Avalon XLS with the 2008 and are extremely satisified with it. Ride, handling, comfort, fuel economy and Toyota reliability are superb! We both have back problems and this is one of the few cars that we can sit and drive without pain and discomfort. The 8 way power heated seats with power adjustable lumbar support on both sides are a big plus too. After owning a 2001 Avalon, we did not consider anything else. Why drive a Lexus and pay 10-15,000 more just for the "L" on the exterior. Previous cars include BMW 525, Mercedes E300, Chrysler 300M and we would not go back to driving any of those again for a number of reasons.

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  Awesome to own!!! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RCV - March 14 - 8:13 pm

  This vehicle is the most practical and enjoyable vehicle I have ever seen and enjoyed. Solid Toyota performance, large truck space, and supior interior design makes this the convertible to own. Plus, you can have a party in the car unlike many two seaters. The front wheel drive traction control makes it a practical year-round car in the snow belt. -Drives better that your best SUVs on icy roads!

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  Love This Baby - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By happy camper - March 14 - 5:36 pm

  I have owned this car for 6 years (V6 CE, 5 spd man tran). It is a gem. My likes are too long to list. Most important ones: fast & powerful (speedo shows 140, it does 140. Leave -hot- cars in dust. Unlike the Accord, I dont have to rev the engine to get going), brakes (4 wheel abs, great stopping distance), reliability, comfort & amenities, and cheap parts. Also, very well balanced, very stable in rain and snow. It has 182,000 miles, runs like new. I only changed the O2 sensor. Other stuff was regular maintenance. It is no Ferrari on curves but if you know the limits of the car and act accordingly it is a joy to drive.

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  fast in sweet spot - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By patinfla - March 14 - 12:23 pm

  I like the 02 gts manual 6. Clutch takes a moment to get used to, and you have to warm the engine up a little before redlining it. But quick as long as you learn to drive at 6k rpms or higher. Leather seats are very comfortable, with just enough room for a 62" person. Mine as well take out the back seats. Love the headlights & how they dont blind the guy in front of you. Not looking forward to replacing the tires.

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  Great truck. - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By SP - March 14 - 12:16 pm

  Bought new. Excellent quality, fit and finish. It looks and drives pretty much the same as new. Really enjoy driving it. One issue: Toyota dealers trying to "service" the truck far in excess of whats needed per the factory (examples: Toyota dealer in MDR, CA refused refused to do anything other than a "package" service with all sorts of costly extras; Toyota dealer in Burlingame, CA refused to replace front brake pads w/out machining the rotors despite the rotors being even and smooth). When that happens, find another Toyota dealer (example: the Toyota dealer in North Hollywood, CA was happy to do exactly what Toyota specified and no more -- saved me money and my truck runs great).