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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  VW to Toyota- Return to Toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ex-VW Pete Roch NY - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I moved up to this mid size from a 96 VW Golf. It is smooth, quiet, great on windy days on a bridge, with a spacious interior. Fit and finish are tops, as are features, even with the stripped down version I purchased. It is not as much fun to drive as my Golf-Steering is a bit light. To quote an elderly family member-" the colors and features are nice, but it just doesnt thrill me." Acceleration is very good- all weather tires in snow are just OK- will get snows next year. Mileage does not match specs. Others more impressed with it than I. After 13 years of VWs, my reaction is perhaps not surprising.

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  Fun and economical - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By monc - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I replaced my 90 Honda Prelude in Nov. 2003 with this brand new 4 door Salsa Red Pearl Toyota Camry LE Automatic and I have already racked up 4K miles due to the fun driving and comfort I have experienced with it. I highly recommend buying this with a budget of less than 20K.

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  Got a lemon - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Reno Desert Rat - July 11 - 1:56 am

  Horrible experience. I really want to like the FJ however, have had the following. Electrical problems (no wipers or head lights). Automatic tranny surges. Best mileage at 65 MPH is 18, around town 9-12 with a light foot. Had lift kit problems and dealer told me Id have to take it to an outside shop. Second week I had it, took it to a car wash. Windshield leaked like a sieve. I have 3800 miles on it and now pursuing legal recourse through Lemon Law. Dealer does not back vehicle. I have had in the dealership 8 times to no avail.

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  Thanks Toyota for the fun reliable ride - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By Brandon - July 10 - 10:46 pm

  Finally I own an SUV that does what is supposed to do - drive. I have had this RAV4 now for 2 years after purchasing it with quite a few miles already on it. I cannot tell enough how great it is to go out to my car everyday and not worry about getting where I need to go. I now travel safely and comfortably. On top of that its been the best car singing environment yet. The only thing I would change would be an automatic overdrive. I always forget it is engaged after I get off the highway. JMHO Cheers

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  Clock of Avalon is a big disappointment - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By sl465 - July 10 - 8:54 pm

  Everything seems to be perfect with 2013 Avalon. But, unfortunately, the clock is awful, to say the least. It is not digital, and you can only read 3, 6, 9, and 12 oclock, or 15, 30, and 45 minutes. In-between there are no marks. So, one literally has to stare at the clock for a minute to judge the positions of hour and minute handles in order to figure out the exact time. A clock inside a car should be functional not for decoration purpose, because when one is driving on the highway, he has only microseconds to read the clock without causing an accident. It is totally beyond me why Toyota "design" a clock that people cant read the time from.

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  Awesome Car! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By rocket - July 10 - 8:16 pm

  I love my 2010 Prius. I have never experienced less than 55 mpg since purchase and it is just fun to drive. It is very comfortable for extended trips and has a great dash display that I can see. I do not like behind the steering wheel displays.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By IowaGirl - July 10 - 3:13 pm

  I bought this car in April and I love it. I didnt want a hybrid at all, but my husband pressured me to at least look at it and I fell in love with it. It is so fun to drive! And I am addicted to watching my mileage on that display screen. After driving it for three weeks, I have really learned how to "drive smart" to save gas. Its cute and sexy all at the same time, with plenty of room for my two year old and all his gear. He keeps asking if he can watch Elmo on the touch screen. Sorry buddy, this is mommys car! I love to make fun of my friends who are getting 12 mpg in their SUVs. Purchasing a Prius is a no-brainer in this day and age of high gas prices. No regrets!

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  Bye Bye Jeep! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Bye Bye Jeep - July 10 - 2:30 pm

  I have only owned my Matrix a week, but it is fantastic! I traded a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I thought I would miss the 4X4 and size. No way! This Matrix has already pulled itself through the snow, is a joy to drive, reliable, and the gas savings is amazing! I also got everything that I had in the Jeep into the Matrix. Yes, it is smaller and the steering wheel is a bit closer to the dashboard than I am used to, but it is worth getting used to it over time. Definitely check this car out! You wont be disappointed!

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  I love my Sienna! - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By John - July 10 - 11:00 am

  Its so quiet, smooth, quick, and fuel efficient. I Love my Sienna. It is the best van/car I have ever owned. I already have 1,000 miles on my 2010 Sienna I have had for a week. I have averaged about 21 mpg on the first 2 tanks which is not bad for a van and the way I drive. It is so smooth and quiet its like riding on a cloud. Handling is just fine to me, not as sporty feeling as the Odyssey but it is very capable and secure. The Sienna has some guts for a van as well, just punch it and it GOs! The JBL sound system is awesome along with the Navigation and DVD system! I love the color, Blizzard Pearl! Brakes are strong, I had a few close calls already and it stops like a much smaller car.

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  A beast - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By kbert - July 9 - 9:23 pm

  I traded in a station wagon to get the Sequoia. With 3 kids, a spouse, a nanny, and a dog, I figured we really needed something bigger than mid- size/large SUVs like the M-B GL, Toyota Land Cruiser, or Land Rover LR- 3. After owning it for over a year, I was sort of right-- the Sequoia is a dream for family trips with lots of luggage. But, we only do those a 2-3 times a year! The Sequoia is nice for carting kids and sports equipment around, but a smaller SUV could do that too (though with the Seqouia, large/long items like skis and bikes can just be put inside without concern). In sum, its just a bit too big for my taste and 99%-of-the-time needs. Family loves it though.