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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  traded 2009 Corolla for 2013 - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By dftampa - April 18 - 7:04 am

  I had enough issues with my 2009 Corolla to trade in for a new 2013 Corolla. So far I really enjoy driving this vehicle and cannot wait for a road trip. Compared to the 2009 version the 2013 Corolla drives like a luxury vehicle. The pep seems to match the 2009 vehicle which is not spectacular but adequate and I love some of the standard items that added to help Toyota keep up with the American car makers.

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  Big regret for purchasing - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By mt - April 18 - 3:13 am

  Less of feeling fun, but comfort and bring body from point A to point B. Very disappointing to compare from my old Ford. Same junk with a good name.

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  The Best - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Elmore - April 18 - 12:33 am

  This is a great SUV. Looks good, drives even better, and has lots of power. I use this car for work and go off road on the weekends- Also drives great in snow (4x4, AWD)

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  Very Nice - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By mjljr - April 17 - 7:10 pm

  After 6 months I still like this car. I was given a loaner for a few days till mine came in. The loaner had Goodyear tires. (Junk) Mine came with Michelin. All most no noise, soft over bumps. The V6 has plenty of power, drove it 2400 miles in 10 days. through the smokey mountains the cruse control held with out downshifting. Average mpg was 25.6 across Ohio and lower Michigan it got 26.4 (I set the cruse at the posted limit) To work and back average is 24.1mpg. The seats are very comfy. 800 miles one day with no back or leg pain. Plenty of room for big shopping trips.

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  Corolla Sport Options - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Fay - April 17 - 6:26 pm

  The design of the 2009 Corolla Sport model leaves a lot to be desired. First, they do not offer intermittent wipers at all in this model which was a shock. The head rests on the seats lean forward and your head is up against the headrest. The front seats do not go back far enough so you are cramped. The clock is not separate anymore. There is a button you have to push 7 times to get back around to the clock, located behind the wheel to the left. Look before you buy a Sport model. Do not assume that normal options come in every model. I love Corollas but I hate the Sport model. Its still fun to drive but I cant get comfortable. I prefer driving my mothers 2006 Corolla.

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  Better Than Excellent - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Teresa A. Ahumada - April 17 - 3:36 pm

  This is about the 5th car our family has owned-weve had other car brands before. My daughter has had Toyotas always and has been extremely content with them. In her business she runs them very many miles. She is the person who encouraged me to purchase a Toyota. If the newer models turn out to be as reliable I shall again purchase Toyotas. Parts for this car are not expensive and, above all, the dealers service people who service my car are very professional and kind.

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  Last Toyota I will ever buy - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bgaudry - April 17 - 2:59 pm

  I have been a lifelong Toyota customer until now. This is the 6th Toyota I have owned or leased and its the worst experience I have had with one. Engine sounds like its 20 years old. Shifts hard and lurches at lower speeds mostly during acceleration. I have had it at the dealer no less than 6 times. Rode with a tech that agreed its not right. All the did was reflash the ECU. There have been 2 TSBs they performed and problem persists. I called Toyota customer care and all they did was send me back to the dealer. I should probably go lemon law route but who has the time to deal with it. Really pisses me off every time I get in it.

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  Very good value and performance - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Elli - April 17 - 10:56 am

  I traded in a gas guzzler for a car with good gas mileage and an excellent reputation. I bought the base 2WD and I am not sorry. It did fine in the limited snow this year in NJ, and it has really great pickup (almost as good as the aforementioned V6 4WD gas guzzler!). I like that is has a lot of nice detail on the interior, compared to some other econo-boxes which are plain and drab in the base model (ex. Ford Escape and the Honda CRV). Gas mileage is pretty good, considering I do almost all city driving (I get about 22mpg). Best part is that its a Toyota and I think I will be able to drive it for the next 300,000 miles without too much worry!

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  Love the Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Reese - April 17 - 5:26 am

  I love my 2008 Toyota Highlander. Yes, there are some issues in the snow with sliding, but this issue is not the vehicle, but rather the tires available for the Limited models 19 inch wheels. Only 2 manufacturers make good tires for this vehicle, and with a lower profile tire, you wont have the traction you would have from a 17 inch or smaller wheel. The ride and gas mileage (23mpg avg.) are great. Some rattling noises from the dashboard in the cold when hitting bumps. Overall Im very pleased with this vehicle. I would recommend buying this vehicle if you want a well equipped, dependable, reliable, quality suv without the large price tag. Toyota has succeeded again.

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  One safe and comfortable car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By schiavone - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota Avalon is the best car I have ever owned. It handles and rides like a $50,000 luxury car, but cost $20,000 less. The engine and transmission are exceptional. The roominess is amazing, and reliability is second to none. I get 28-30 MPG on the highway on regular gas. Fit and finish is perfect. Safety is very good, as a matter of fact, I owned a 1996 Avalon and was hit head-on by a truck at highway speeds. The car was a total loss, but I had minimal injuries thanks to the engineering of the body, the airbag, and seatbelts, everything worked perfectly. After the accident, I immediately bought the 2000 Avalon which I am driving now.