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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  3RD generation sucess - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By camry lover - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I never considered anything else.No one has the rock solid reliabilty. Having a 96 and a 99 the improvements are great.Its like they fixed everything I did not like about the earlier models. Auto door locks,auto headlamps, modest power,little rear leg room, cheap sounding horn,uncomfortable seats and poor radio. The car is perfect.

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  Hard to beat! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Watermanjr - July 9 - 5:16 am

  Have moved from a Volvo into the Prius since July. I have been pleasantly surprised with every aspect of the Prius. If I could change anything it would be the seat design. The seat is somewhat less comfortable when compared to the Volvo.

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  Very Dependable! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hunter - July 9 - 2:26 am

  This is a great truck! I chose to buy the smaller Tacoma with the 2.4 4-cyl for better gas mileage. I calculate my mpg at every fill-up and consistently get 22-23 mpg. This includes 50%hwy/50% city driving. I am pretty easy on the pedal so that makes a difference. The auto trans is a little sluggish in city driving. It is geared pretty low so it can pull what its rated for. I just wish it had a little more "get- up." Extended cab was not made for people. It is best for storing tools or groceries. I hate that I have to sell it but with a growing family it doesnt have enough room. This truck has really held its value!!

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  Love this Car - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By Patrick-Seattle - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this, brand new, 30K, there is not a nicer car for the money on the road. Had an 03 745IL, and this compares very favorably. Nice power, quite ride, bluetooth works great, fun to drive. Ventilated seats are a great addition. I may not have the same "status" as the BMW or a Lexus, but for the money this is a crazy good car.

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  Fun Car! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Gazings - July 8 - 8:46 pm

  What a fun car to drive! There truly is nothing like a rear-drive mid-engined little sports car. Handling is awesome, and the ride is still comfortable. Styling is subjective, but I like it because it doesnt scream "cute car". You can put a surprising amount of stuff in the compartments behind the seats - makes up for little trunk room. The top is a little hard to fold down and lock in place, but once its down - beautiful. Added bonus: great resale value!

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  Worst car Ive ever had - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By zak - July 8 - 2:33 pm

  I bought my Toyota mr2 spyder just last October from a dealer my family and I have bought several cars from. 2 months from the time I bought it, the transmission went. 1 month after that one of the two catalytic converters clogged the exhaust. 2 weeks (now) the other catalytic converter goes out, as well as some engine noise that does not sound so good. Everyone says Toyota are the best cars reliability wise, well Ive had 2 Toyotas so far. A 2006 Toyota corolla (new), and a 2002 Toyota spyder (used). Never again will I buy another. Sorry Toyota fans for being so negative, Ive just had some really bad luck in these hard times.

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  2010 Camry SE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - July 8 - 10:10 am

  If you are buying this car based on Toyota quality,you are wasting your money! Look at the rear speakers in the trunk. You can not find a lesser quality car speaker.While in the trunk, lift up the carpet look at the piece of junk cardboard over the spare tire. Look at the paper thin plastic splash guard under the radiator and motor.Ive only had this car 2 months and this is what I discovered (not counting recalls)Dont buy this junk!

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  Toyota does it again! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By K.Lamb - July 8 - 9:30 am

  We still havent figured out what category this vehicle falls under, but whatever it is we really are enjoying it! We were actually looking at the RAV4 and Highlander when we spotted the Venza. Like most people we asked what it was and had to take it for a test drive. The ride is smoother than a crossover and has better handling. The increased height makes for easy in and out and overall visibility. Combined gas mileage is about 24 and the 4-cylinder engine has plenty of power for us. Got it with the comfort package which includes the keyless ignition and remote liftgate as well as powered drivers seat with great lumbar support. We think it is an overall great value and a head turner, too!

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  2014 Toyota Corolla S Plus - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By carstripper00 - July 8 - 5:29 am

  This cars is awesome! Im getting 31 m.p.g. in town and it is not broke in yet! I can tell you that you will be wasting your time on a Honda, Mazda, or Nissan in this group. This Corolla looks sharper and is thousands less with a back up camera. The CVT trans. is really a great invention. I have 6 speeds and you cant feel it shift. In the Sport Mode I can move the shifter over to M and Paddle shift through 6 speeds. I am so impressed with the performance and engineering of this car Im tickled to own it. The interior is well laid out and again is nicer than the other brands. The car feels very solid, go test drive one and you will be signing your name on a contract.

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  One Year Synopsis - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Steve Rugg - July 8 - 5:23 am

  I have driven all sorts of trips over the past year from long, 9hr cross- country trips to cross-town trips. The car performed well in each scenario. It does live up to its rated gas mileage (I get 50-55 MPG in town and 46-50 MPG on the road). I have noticed squeal in HI fan mode and an annoying squeak on bumpy roads. It could a little better lumbar support on those long trips. But the most annoying thing Toyota has to fix is the blind spots. This car is built so aerodynamically that it is like a cockpit. The only good visibility is straight ahead. The headrests block views, the extreme slope back window does too, even the rear view mirror obstructs views. Good A/C. Heat takes while.