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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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By fruthaler - December 4 - 6:52 pm

  This is my fifth Prius. I disagree completely with the statement that it is uncomfortable to drive. Ive traveled almost 100,000 miles in my Priuses. Recently drove from Louisiana to Montana and back, 6000 miles at 56.7 mpg! These are the finest cars for driving in mountains because they have plenty of power for going up 8% grades at 65 mph with cruise control. None of my Buicks would do that without downshifting. Also they go DOWN grades with little or no brake use because of the efficiency of the B shift position.

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  My wifes Corolla - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Ed - December 4 - 3:20 pm

  This is a lot more car than I expected. Great fuel economy, reasonable price, solid Toyota quality and dependability.

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  MPG better on highway - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By midwest girl - December 4 - 12:56 pm

  I initially was disappointed with the mileage at 29 mpg in the city. I took a 500 mi highway trip and averaged 44 mpg. I am currently getting 32mph, and I baby the car (slow takeoffs, gliding, etc.) I anticipate the mileage will drop to the basic Camry mpg when I am using the heater in the winter, and the car doesnt shut off at stops. I suspect the car performs better in warmer areas than cold. The navigation has been adequate, but, gives different routes than my Garmin Nuvi. Bluetooth works well. The sound system is adaquate, but, not exceptional. The trunk is small, but functional. The slope of the window allows for excess condensation and lots of water wiping.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ValueLover - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of the very first HHs. In LA on 7/3/05. Five years later it runs and looks almost like new. 95% of my driving is surface streets in LA. I get about 24-26 mpg with a/c (always on). The mileage when I got it was 28-30 mpg, so some degradation, but no other SUV of equal size and power even comes close. I have never had a serious problem. No breakdowns. After 57,000 mi. still havent had a brake job! Extremely comfortable w/o needing the extras of the Lexus RX400h. The build quality is amazing. Only problem I have had is a popping noise from the driver seat when reclining it. Quality is better than the 91 and 96 LS400s that I owned previously.

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  Lovin the Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Bobbi Jones - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This little car is out performing the gas mileage that its supposed to get! Im averaging 36.8 to 38.5 miles to the gallon! Thats the AVERAGE! Its helping to make the payments with the money that Im saving. Its cute, fun to drive. If I had to list a negative, Id say the light gas pedal wont support the weight of my foot and you notice it on a long trip if you dont have cruise control. Not too much else, Im happy with my purchase!

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  Not so great. Read this review. - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Centrist49 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Lots of rattles while driving. Also, if you want another "key" the dealer charges $300 (yes, three hundred). MPG is great, right at 50 MPG. Has Toyotas cheap, cheap carpet and floor mats. Youll want to buy something to put on top of either or expect worn out, thread bare mats/carpet. Maintenance costs are astronomical (good thing you save on fuel cost to pay for any maint. required). Also, road noise will drown out radio at 60+ mph.

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  Great Value - except Tires - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By B Whitcomb - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in 2008, now have 50,000 without any mechanical problems. Could not have better reliability. Performance is outstanding even towing a boat (16 MPG) I have never gotten less than 19 MPG in town and up to 26 MPG on the highway at speeds of 70+ MPH. Original tires very poor replaced at 33,000 with Briggestone, so far so good. OEM tires were worthless day "1" with hydroplaning the rule not the exception. The interior is comfortable and well laid out. My only problem with the vehicle is my own doing. I tow a 4000 LB boat. It tows with great stability at 16 MPG. The problem is getting up the wet boat ramp with FWD. If you tow opt for the AWD

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  Very Pleased with Purchase and Dealer - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Paula - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Have owned car for a week. Researched and test drove five different makes and models before narrowing choice to a Camry. Very pleased with car overall. Saved myself just slightly over $1000 dollars for driving to Ames as opposed to the Des Moines dealer. No buyers remorse here! Actual fuel economy too soon to say since I have driven about 200 miles thus far.

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  LOVE This Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jay Barz - December 3 - 9:53 pm

  I love this car! Ive only had it for about 10 days but look forward to driving it every day. I love construction zones now! Can set the cruise control at about 27 mph and run on nothing but the electric engine, (sorry everyone behind me). I love shutting it off after driving and getting the "Excellent" rating. Im still trying to figure out the optimal mpg way to drive it and having lots of fun. Its nice to be able to wait in front of my kids school for 15 minutes for them to get out and be able to run the a/c in 90 degree temp. and not use any gas or emit any polution. This is a great family car, safe, reliable, great mpg, and low emissions. This is my 2nd Camry, first was 2002.

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  Completely satisfied - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Leo - December 3 - 8:30 pm

  The mileage on my car is over 60K miles, not a single problem so far. Very satisfied. With a manual transmission Im getting on average 35 mpg, which helps with the current gas prices.