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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  New Toyota Owner! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Matt - February 13 - 12:33 am

  I drove other American made automobiles for years, until now. I found my 2010 Toyota Corolla LE on the lot just the way I configured it on the Toyota website, color and options. Ive had it for two weeks and is the only car I drive. As a result, I am noticing its characteristics. My 2010 Corolla is a joy to drive! The traction control is a bit touchy, but otherwise in control. Brakes are still a bit grabby and took some time to get used to. The transmission shifts smoothly. I have no complaints about its steering, which I learned about during my research. Im currently getting 32 mpg combined driving. Based on reliability records for the Corolla, I plan on keeping my car for a long time.

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  Im sold (3 times)! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By elsa3 - February 12 - 10:04 pm

  We reluctantly bought a new 2007 Camry Hybrid after test-driving a Prius, as the frame of the Prius hatchback blocked the rear view and the seats were not comfortable. I was sure that Id be disappointed with the Camry since Id really wanted the Prius, but I was wrong; the Camry is the best car weve ever owned, and weve owned a lot of cars! We were so impressed that we have since bought a 2009 and 2011 Camry Hybrid as well, and still drive all 3. We get between 40 and 42 mpg and put about 15,000 miles a year on these cars. Most impressive is the acceleration available when passing; I feel safer in these cars than in any Ive had before.

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  Toyota RAV4 Evaluation - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By 4-door - February 12 - 9:13 pm

  This is my Third Rav4 to lease and at no time did I ever have any trouble with any of the three vehicles. One problem I have had, since I am short, I have a blind spot on rt. hand side of rav4 and had to be very careful when moving to outside lane as I cannot see a car that is moving beside me about even with back door. I still love the rav4 and will continue to drive one as long as I drive. Avery reliable vehickle

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  2000 Echo: over 180,000 miles and no problems - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By echoowner - February 12 - 7:30 pm

  We bought our Echo in 2000. It has been the most reliable car weve ever owned, and the most economical to operate. Highway mileage is about 40 mpg, and we have had no major repairs at over 180,000 miles. My husband is 62" and is very comfortable in the drivers seat - he tried to sit in a Corolla at the time we bought the Echo, and he was terribly cramped, so we bought the Echo instead and have never, never regretted it. This car is a keeper! (Our Echo has automatic transmission.)

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  A car you will not regret! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By AJ - February 12 - 5:46 pm

  I traded my 2009 Camry for a 2009 Venza. The Venza gave me all what was missing from the Camry in terms of newer look and style, the 4DR sedan image, yet maintained the comfort, quiet ride, the fuel efficiency and reliability of the Camry.

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  Highlander, the real energizer bunny - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Bill Ridgeway - February 12 - 5:39 pm

  The only pricey maintenance item is the required timing belt replacement every 100,000 miles so when this Highlander keeps going for over 200,000 miles you will need to budget $500 for each change, otherwise just oil changes, tires and brakes

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  After much research - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Doug - February 12 - 4:30 am

  First, let me say that I have done a great deal of research of this truck and it was worth it. I took a long weekend trip after purchasing it and the ride was not only smooth, but comfortable. Toyota designers came up with a very ergonomical interior with loads of hidden space for extras. The visibility for the drive is great once you get used to the length of the hood and bed.(It took me about a good week!) A suprise to me was the acceleration. It is so quiet that you do not realize that you accelerated until you look down and see the speedometer. Overall, this is a great truck.

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  I love the car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By iamashokv - February 12 - 3:36 am

  I got the car almost a year back and absolutely love it. It drives really smooth and the controls are all ergonomically well placed. It does sometimes seems to struggle for power, but otherwise is a pleasure to drive. Recently drove a rental new Altima and should say that except for power, Camry felt a better car to drive. Gives me average of 31 miles/gal for a 80-20 combination of highway-city.

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  2008 Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - February 12 - 1:33 am

  Love the vehicle. First new vehicle for me in 20 years. Very nice drive. More confortable and better handling then Pilot test drive.

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  Its a good quality item - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jason - February 12 - 12:13 am

  I have found this to be an excellent vehicle. The fit and finish of the interior is excellent, very good quality materials with good styling. Ive heard bad reviews about the engine and the power it produces, but I have zero complaints about the get up and go. The power is sporty enough for most normal human beings, and the car handles well through turns. Although the the owners manual recommends premium fuel, you can still put regular in it without any problems. However, I think youll notice a difference if you spend a little more on the premium.