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 Van on the Market - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Northwest Driver - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding in every way. Legendary Toyota quality and reliability in a high performaning and comfortable vehicle. We upgraded to this van having driven a 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan LE for 10 years. We narrowed our choices to Sienna, Odyssey, and Caravan, and the Sienna won hands down. Great ride, short turn radius, very manuverable, and sytlish. We chose the desert sand mica because it does not show the dirt.

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  Love the Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By CAT - February 26 - 9:36 am

  Bought my 5 speed stick shift, Indigo Ink Blue Echo, new. New it got 45 mpg/highway -- down to about 39 mpg/highway with 165,000 on it. The first tires lasted 65,000 miles. The battery lasted 7 years. Did the first tune-up at 145,000 miles just because it had never had one, NOT because it was running badly. Faithfully change the full synthetic oil & filter every 3000 miles, other filters as recommended. Loved this one so much, now own two (bought a 2005 Echo to replace a 1995 mini van).

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  THANKS FOR NOTHING! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Mike W. - February 26 - 5:51 am

  Bought the car in January, then found out the air conditioner did not work in April. Took it in for its 10,000 mile service and the dealer (Brian Bemis in Dekalb, IL) changed the oil and rotated the tires. When I booked the appointment I told them I needed the AC to be diagnosed. I didnt think they would have time to fix it but I wanted to know what was wrong with it. They made me wait 90 minutes then told me that I would have to bring it back because they didnt have time to check the AC. 90 minutes to change the oil and rotate the tires?! No working AC on a brand new car?! Poor dealer support, and a lemon for a brand new car. Just stay away. I am also seeing the low tire pressure light every 2 weeks because they put Firestone tires on the car. These are the worst brand name tires you can get. I hate seeing the warning light on a car with about 10,000 miles on it. It has been a terrible ownership experience. I will never buy another Toyota.

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  Makes driving a dream - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Anne D. - February 26 - 12:23 am

  The Toyota Sienna is a wonderful vehicle to drive, and so comfortable. The telescope wheel, the sound system, the drop down table center front, and the ability to fold second row and stow the 3rd row makes it so handy when hauling needs. There are also so many "pockets" for a number of things to stow, like side arm rests that lift and are adjustable, map pockets, drink holders specially formed for soda or water bottles, I could go on and on. What a great vehicle. My husband is handicapped, and he is so comfortable in our new Sienna. Try it, youll love it!

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  Touring Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve B - February 25 - 1:40 pm

  This is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. I can actually move the driver seat so far back it makes it difficult for my to reach the pedals and the sterring wheel. And, at 63" and 52 years old, that has not ever been the case in any car Ive driven before. Buy the Touring version, with its ultra-smooth road feel, and enjoy taking it out on the road. Also, I have been experiencing right around 33 MPG on the highway. Thats just what we needed in todays economy!

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  2007 toyota avalon xls - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By rowdy - February 25 - 5:56 am

  This auto was the best in the price range that we test drove. Great features including sunroof, leather, and reclining rear seats. Has great leg room in the rear passenger area.

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  Transmission & Tire Pressure Sensors - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Raymond8 - February 25 - 1:23 am

  My 4-dr, 6 cyl, 5.0 was great until I hit 30K miles. Started having "slipping" or transmission problems. Took it in for servicing & got the standard, "cannot recreate issue." Also, the Tire Pressure Sensor (TPS) system light comes on for no apparent reason, tire pressure is OK - 3rd time this has happened in 1.5 years. VERY disappointed in Toyota... was hoping to have this truck for 8+ years. Probably going to sell ASAP.

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  Best hybrid on the market for the money - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By reddog lover - February 24 - 10:43 pm

  This is my first Camry and second Toyota. My wife and I are loving it. I travel apx 120 miles a day. I am currently avg 40 miles per gallon. This is great with the gas prices rising.

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  Saving on gas big-time! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jon S. - February 24 - 7:06 pm

  Lets talk about gas savings first. If you trade your current car that gets 25 mpg overall, and you drive the Corolla at 35 mpg @20,000 miles a year, you will save $700 per year (based on $3 a gallon gas). Multiply that amount by the number of years you plan to keep the car, and its hard to say no. Second, compare roominess of the 2003 or newer Corolla to any mid-size vehicle, and youll be pleasantly surprised at the amount of available space (including the roomy trunk)! Next, look at a consumer reports buying guide for reliability, safety, and resale value. Still not convinced to dump your gas hog? Take a Corolla for a test drive, and see for yourself, before gas prices spike again.

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  Best car on the road - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By SER - February 24 - 10:46 am

  I am extremely upset they quit making these. If I could, I would never buy any other car forever. This is the best car I have ever owned by far. I am a mechanic and do all my own work on my cars. This car never needed anything other than routine maintenance until 167,000 miles when it needed a left front wheel bearing. It gets the best gas mileage of any car other than hybrids. We get 45 mpg hwy. It is actually fast too -- plenty of passing power. At first I did not like the tallish look of it, but it grew on me. The car is like a miracle, I dont know how they did it, but it pulls everything you ever wanted in a car, like tight steering radius, good handling, power, MPG together into one.