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:

• 

  First Toyota - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Mary Earman - January 7 - 7:56 pm

  Wish that my Corolla would get better gas mileage. I have had it for a month and now get 24 miles to the gallon. Hopefully, after it is broken in, it will do better. The reason I purchased it was to save on gas and good resale and durability. I plan to keep it a long time. Should have gotten automatic door locks because it is impossible to get into the back seat with a key. It does get blown around on the highway a bit. Does great around town! I really do like my new car.

• 

  Fuel Economy Disappoints - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By cwa - January 7 - 6:26 am

  This model is up to Toyotas standards in build quality and reliability, but it suffers in comparison with my 98 Camry 4 (and my wifes former 97) in two respects. The engine is louder under acceleration, producing a very audible roar, and the fuel economy is less. The 97 and 98, EPA rated at 23/30, achieved 22/31. The 05, EPA rated 24/34, is getting 20/30 at best. If it werent for the clearly inflated EPA rating, my disappointment would be less. Additionally, the dashboard display of avg mpg is consistently 5-6 mpg too high. If it says 36, Im getting 30; if it says 24, Im getting 19. Makes me think Im getting EPA mileage when Im not. How convenient for Toyota!

• 

  First Toyota Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By MIkeF - January 7 - 12:20 am

  Wonderful truck. Have had all the others and no comparison. Rides well, handles well and smaller V8 handles my needs. Same story on gas mileage as everyone else, but the same or near all the others. Paint seems thin and scratches way to easy. Truck needs door mouldings and doors ding easily. Upgraded wheels are dull and lifeless.

• 

  Great TRUCK! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By yangk - January 6 - 10:31 pm

  Bought this truck used with 14,000 miles in 2008. Now has 56,000 miles and needs its first pair of brakes. Its a V8 so gas/fuel consumption is not like a PRIUS so Im not whinning. I average 18 mpg mix hwy/city and about 19-20 hwy. Tows my 18 Lund fishing boat nicely. 6 bed is a must, I didnt buy a new Tundra because of the bed. The crew cab is great, handles 5 adult passenger w/ ease. Interior is ok, when its cold, it creeks when you go over bumps. Parking is a-ok, like any truck, it wont have turning radius like my wifes Lexus. Overall, I love it, and plan on keeping it for a LONG LONG LONG time! These trucks are also hard to come along. If I find another one, I might snatch er up

• 

  My first Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Smooth Riding - January 6 - 11:30 am

  My first experience with a Toyota. Purchased the Toyota Camry 3 mos. ago. Found the acceleration was excellent. Very comfortable driving. Appears to have good mileage. So far am pleased with the overall performance of this vehicle. Like the looks and styling, both interior and exterior.

• 

  Its all good from here! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Joshie - January 5 - 8:46 am

  This car is the best car for your money. It is so roomy and has so much storage it seems unnecessary to have the amount that it does. I have had 5 people in my car and everyone fits comfortably. I am also 68" and I fit in with no problem. Although the fuel economy is not what is listed (28 city) I think I drive too fast to get what is listed, but highway seems very good. Even though this car is small it can sustain a speed hovering around 80 mph. This car is great.

• 

  Best bang for the buck - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By brakemans - January 4 - 3:50 am

  I had an Audi A3 AWD V6, which was too small for what I wanted so I traded it in for a RAV4 V6 4WD. Although these two vehicles are in different classes, the RAV4 is just as quick and fast as the A3, but offers more room for cargo and passengers. You cant beat the room that the RAV offers and you certainly cant beat the price. Although I do miss the heated seats on the A3, I dont miss anything else.

• 

  So far, just what I expected - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By sat-s-fied owner - January 2 - 12:56 am

  The Prius has better pickup than advertised. You can do a lot to manage the fuel economy by coasting and thru controlled acceleration. It is not unusual to get 60+mpg for extended periods if you keep a steady cruise speed of 35 - 40 on country roads. Highway conditions (traffic) can produce 75+ mpg!! Kind of a reward for being stuck on jammed roads! The quality of the construction is excellent...but the tan interior fabric is too light to keep clean. The nav system does a terrible job of picking the best routes. I have heard there is a patch for that.

• 

  Venzas a peppy people mover. - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Wooly - January 1 - 7:36 pm

  Been researching cars for 6 months. I wanted something small enough to fit in the garage, regular fuel, back seat comfort, nav, XM, bluetooth, USB, auto closing rear hatch, sunroof, crossover/SUV style. I waited for the new Ford Edge to come out before I decided. Liked the Edge but couldnt justify the price premium ($5K more for comparable features). Yesterday in a parking lot it was parked right next to an RX350 and they looked exactly the same. Obviously they arent comparable (test drove the RX350 and liked it a lot), but the Venzas also $15K less. I guess Im used to cheap plastics, rough rides, and vague steering because it drives just like most cars Ive driven. So far Im satisfied.

• 

  Good car for what I paid - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By thugwork - January 1 - 2:21 pm

  Car is solid, nice new feel even though I bought it when it was 5 years old. My daily driver is a 2001 corolla. The worst part about this one is the blind spots. Ride is smooth and its reliable. Gets me where I need to go (mostly longer trips). A couple of fuses randomly pooped out, cig lighter and radio wouldnt work. The provided manual showed me which fuses to replace and its back up and running. The engine feels solid and smooth. Transmission shifts properly. I like that the car tells you the outside temp and gas mileage, etc. It has wonderful storage capabilities, little pockets here and there, a huge upgrade from my 01 corolla. Overall a good car if you get it for the right price, great on gas mileage. AC blows icy cold and heat works great as well. Bought it at 109000, now at about 118000.