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:

• 

  Overall fantastic traveling vehicle - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mary ann - September 12 - 1:36 am

  Handles very well, quiet engine.

• 

  Best car on the planet! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Marc - September 12 - 12:33 am

  Terrific car, as everyone says. Writing this mostly to contest the editors comment that on the highway, when the battery is not being charged, the gas engine is "anemic." This is not true - it drives great at highway speeds. The editors comment reflects a common misunderstanding of how hybrids work. The main reason fuel efficiency is so good is NOT due to regenerative braking or charging the battery at low speeds. Its because normally engines are sized for acceleration, and that wastes lots of gas when traveling at constant speed, even at 70 mph. With the Prius, the small engine cruises fine at 70 mph, and saves you lots of gas. For acceleratation, the electric motor kicks in - brilliant!

• 

  toyota empty promisses! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By canada80 - September 11 - 10:44 pm

  Its really a gas guzzler i never got more than 11 miles per gallon on it. I did like all of us, first I look at the numbers promise by Toyota, than I tought I would make a rational decision, then comes the deception. Took it many times to the dealer, all is fine, no check engine light on, no codes, nothing at all! Tire size is the rignt one, pressure is fine, I only use premium gas (no ethanol filler gas), used recommanded oil, 99% of the time I drive on flat surface road, still get bad gas milage. I change my old 4runner for a Highlander, what a bad choice, made to deceive. Maybe whit all the new subcontacts Toyota is a china made machine with a Toyota sticker on it!

• 

  A cowboy car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Bearcat - September 11 - 10:00 pm

  I didnt know what I was getting into buying a used high performance car. The shift/clutch was so difficult I had to go back and get lessons from a mechanic (after 42 years of driving stick). Then I had to get new brakes and new tires (costing twice as much as for a standard Matrix), because the previous owner in Jersey had apparently driven fast and slammed on the brakes a lot. I am concerned that in the not-too-distant future Ill be forced to replace the clutch to the tune of $700. So even though its cute and fun to drive, Im seriously considering turning it in on a "regular" (not sporty) Matrix.

• 

  A Most Excellent Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By David - September 11 - 7:00 pm

  This is not only the first convertible Ive ever owned but its my first actual new car. After exhaustive research prior to buying I have to say that I am completely thrilled with the Solara. Fun to drive, hip and showy to look at and I know I can count on the Toyota quality. People mistake it for a Lexus constantly at first glance. When I drive it I can actually feel myself relaxing and unwinding on the way home from work. I couldnt have made a better choice! Black-on-black 2006 Solara Convertible SLE.

• 

  Tough, rugged truck - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Duke - September 11 - 5:16 pm

  I searched a long time for a vehicle that was right for me. I didnt like most SUVs because they either had poor gas mileage or were too small. I looked at CUVs which seemed more like a minivan alternative than a utility vehicle and not really made to go off road. The 4Runner offers good mileage (Im getting 20 mpg combined), comfort, technology - voice command, BT, Satellite radio, rear camera, USB, Nav, etc. - so it works well for my daily driving AND is built to tow, haul, go off road - so great for getaways with the family and friends.

• 

  Wrong engine choice - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By FBC - September 11 - 8:43 am

  This is my first Toyota. The Camry is a great deal for the money, but this engine does not perfom at all. The transmission is weak, you need to think twice before jumping into traffic. Sometimes when you push on the gas the car doesnt accelerate. I get 24/26 MPG, driving 80% highway at 75. I love the design, I really regret the engine. I tested the hybrid but I had the same feeling regarding the performance. Everyday driving is different from the 30 minute test drive.

• 

  Home Run - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott R. Orth - September 11 - 5:56 am

  Owned 5 Chevys and 7 Fords. In 2001 I purchased a Chevy Silverado Ext Cab 4wd. Chevy has a decent ride. That is it. In 7 years I have stuck $10,000 over and above the normal maintenance. Their cust. Service is terrible. My wife describes my Tundras ride as a limousine. Of course it isnt but for a Heavy Duty truck is is a nice ride. I cant wait to install Bridgestone Duelers on it. I have a 3" lift kit on the front and 1" on rear to level it out. Looks great!I highly recommend this truck. Plenty of performance and great braking. My fathers averages 2.5 mpg less; however, he drives aggressively ALL the time. I get 15-17 mpg. Get TRD. Not enough space to properly review this fine truck.

• 

  I will never buy another Toyota AGAIN!!! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By joshuacoombs - September 11 - 5:00 am

  This car stinks!!! Had to replace the tires at 20k miles. Toyota said the tires are not them but bridgestone. Bridgestone said the tires have no warranty but tried to sell me new ones for $650. The car has been in the shop twice in less then two years. The brakes had to be fixed at 15k miles, the radio at 17k miles. I will never buy anther Toyota again! And I suggest you dont make the same mistake I did.

• 

  My Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By mary mercer - September 11 - 4:16 am

  Exceptional response both in engine and handling categories. Very good ridability and comfort. Gas mileage not quite what was expected but all other aspects of the car more than make up for this. Workmanship is top-notch in all areas.