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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  Nice Car but Beware... - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Ted_Driver - December 19 - 1:36 pm

  Recently bought a 2010 Venza. Fun to drive. The exterior is very attractive but wish the interior was built with better quality materials and/or craftsmanship. Interior road noise can be an issue (nosier than one would think) but Im use to it now. IF NOTHING ELSE, look carefully at the interior for defects. In mine, the panels do not fit together well and gaps where dashboard panels meet are wider than should be. Some are warping ever so slightly -- some may not notice it but I did while sitting traffic. Since the car is so new, I havent driven the car long enough or put in enough miles to see how it performs mechanically but so far so good.

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  Good mechanical, bad comfort ! - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By diva_3181377 - December 19 - 9:18 am

  Pros: 33 mpg in city ( i have hybrid model) and 36 mpg in highway, Interior (except sun visor and head liner) looks nice. Steering is like by my bmw Z3. Not a real soft drive. You will feel the road. Cons: 1) Never got the advertised mpg (40/39). I tried different driving styles. No way. Also did fuel system cleaning and engine additives as advised by the service advisor. No difference. 2) Head liner and sun visor made with cheap cloth. <2014 models were much better. Seems Toyota tried to save some money here. 3) Real bad seat cushion. You are almost sitting on the metal frame. Dealer WILL never fix it with usual reply "designed like that / cant reproduce". Even my colleagues 2017 model is same with seat and head liner/sun visor. Areas of improvement: Fix the damn seat first. Then fix the cheap cloth for headliner. Then it is a good car which got the bad reputation by using cheap materials on the interior. You will get tired by sitting on metal seats. If you have a new car, wait some time like 2-3 years and see how good the seat cushions are. Simple google search will show on how to fix this by putting a nice form ($10) which dealer will refuse to admit /do.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By dsrtrcr01 - December 19 - 4:26 am

  This truck is great And the best is its a toyota so it will run forever. It drives like a truck should not all mushy like a little car(the TRD suspension that is) I must admit the non TRD truck is pretty mushy.

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  Great in many ways - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By me - December 19 - 3:00 am

  Bought it new.. Very reliable car, NEVER had a problem, just brought it in to be serviced as needed and everything was always smooth. With driving every day, but mostly local, I could go 3 weeks before needing more gas. Not a "cool" car but definitely reliable and worth the money... it will last for many miles. After an accident, and the car being totalled, proved to be a safe car to the driver. I would recommend this car.

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  What a Fun Drive! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By suz - December 18 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought my new 06 Solara a week ago. It is totally fun to drive! Took it up to Whistler, BC...great trip! Took about 4 hours and the Solara was comfortable the entire trip up and back. I have owned two Camrys, and a Celica and I love this new Solara.

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  The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Robert W. Haisten - December 18 - 3:36 pm

  0-60 in 6 seconds. 28 MPG in town and 31+ on the road. However, mine came with an AM radio that goes to static every time I change directions. When it does work the sound is so muffeled you can barely hear it. Dealer replaced some radio parts -- same problem. I have to admit that the FM and CD features are fantastic. The car leaked transmission fluid all over my garage the day I carried it home. The dealer claimed to fix the problem the first try, it leaked all over the garage again. Finally, it was repaired on the second try (so far, anyway). When you drive 65 MPH, it feels like 45 or less, so be careful. Why isnt there a coin holder?

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  Sing a song of Sixpence - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Randal Mapstead - December 18 - 1:26 pm

  I leased this car and plan to re-lease in three years. Bought it for the mpg and crash test ratings. I like the ease of the shifting selector. I like the "glide" factor when underway. I think the Dunlop tires wont last the 3 years. Cargo space is good for 2 people. Love the dash display info. Because its lower to the ground than my 2002 Highlander - Ive had to adjust getting in and out of the car. There are blind spots with the side mirrors. I removed the back seat head rests for a better rear view. The middle storage/cup consul is adequate. Like the 4 windows automatic up/down. Bought the Toyota brand rear cargo tray. There is a driver side door/window air noise. I have to buy after market sun visor extenders because it only covers half the window. Edmunds.com was helpful with negotiating the price.

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  Wonderful car to own!!!! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By recipepal - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Toyota Echo I purchased brand new April,2000. Its a beautiful red color that still loos brand new. Im a travel Nurse and bought it in my home town in For Lauderdale, Fl. and had it trucked out to Thousand Oaks,Ca for an assignment. It ha saved me quite a bit of money when the gas prices soared over #2.50/gallon.! Very dependable.Never worried about being stranded especially in a City 3000 miles away from my family.

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  my YOTA - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By jeremy v - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Love my YOTA!!!! Daily driver that seems to do it all..

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  9 months in a 2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GBrach - December 18 - 10:00 am

  The car is AWESOME! Super quiet ride,no shift points. Smooth as silk.Car is extremely RESPONSIVE to the accelerator. Takes a back seat to no one. Mileage close to 50MPG. No wind noise.Excellent trunk at bumper level. Gear selection a breeze.Build quality is something to behold! This car is a MUST BUY! Toyota engineers know what they are doing and this car proves it.