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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  Poor Paint Quality :( - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By gringo - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Buyers beware. Paint quality on white cars is extremely poor. Paint is so thin and sealed poorly that it actually stains even though waxed! Chips way to easily. It scares me to think what this car will look like in a year. I cannot talk to other colors but I can assure you that you will have paint problems within months of buying a white Corolla.

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  Best Little Car Ever - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Doodoo - December 19 - 9:16 am

  This car replaces the Echo, which was a good car, just ugly. Now since the ugly is gone its perfect. My new Yaris is beautiful. The short shifter lets me sap up as much as the little 1.5 engine can be expected to provide. I get over 10 miles more than the Kia Rio per gallon out of the Yaris I feel good about saying that this is probably the best little car ever made.

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  Great Ride - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Ohio Don - December 19 - 6:23 am

  We bought this car for my wife at the end of the 2009, just prior to the giant recall fiasco. This is our 16th Toyota and while somethings have been decontented (non-sliding sun visors) the overall trend is certainly up. The car is nearly as comfortable as my 2005 Avalon. We just took it on an all highway round trip of 1000 mile and got a 34.1 MPG, actual, at speeds of 70-75 MPH. I am most pleased with the mileage. (The trip computer, however, is overly optimistic). Much of the trip was up and down mountain areas and did well going uphill without much effort. The car looks nice though not a styling stand out. Tires are the Bridgestones and nothing to write home about.

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  Echo ROCKS - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Echoluvver - December 19 - 5:56 am

  I have owned over 40 cars, and this Echo is one of the absolute best when ALL factors are considered. I used to drive 25,000 a year and have had big luxury cars that were great, but this little sucker is what a car should be. Fun, cheeky, economical, and reliable -its a Toyota. I have the hatchback and love the look of it, too. All around its a blast. The seats could be improved but thats it really. ECHO FOREVER

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  Built to Tow - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By osos2 - December 19 - 4:05 am

  We bought our 2013 SE 4WD in January 14 to replace our 11 Murano as we had bought an Escape 17B trailer. It weighs appx. 2600 lbs. loaded, and the Murano wasnt really built for it. All SEs have the tow package included- a must for anyone towing regularly to properly cool engine & trans oil. Ours also came with hitch. The experience in towing is night and day. On paper both vehicles are somewhat similar, however with the 4WD (AWD really), and its extra curb weight. It pulls our trailer easily. Also, the Murano has a CVT trans, and am not sure about the durability of it with significant towing.

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  Duck! - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By Tom Dunn - December 18 - 9:57 pm

  The ride is sporty. . .not luxury. Stiffer ride with 17" wheels. Getting into the drivers seat requires you to be a contortionist. Once inside. . .its great. Comfortable seats. . .responsive, easy steering. . .good acceleration. My wife likes the car. . .I cant deal with the contortion required to get into the drivers seat. There is also some wind noise that is greater than it should be. I would prefer wheels that provide more of a cushion. My reason to trade is the issue with getting into the vehicle. I cant do that day after day.

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  Best Highlander So Far - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By rfs - December 18 - 6:43 pm

  Traded a 2004 Highlander Limited. New one is larger, has more power and is quieter, but gets around the same gas mileage so far, which should improve after break-in and start using Mobil 1. More room for 3rd row passengers. Some nice added features from previous models, like the 19" wheels, fully adjustable steering wheel and automatic rear passenger AC.

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  Toyota goes cheap while others pony up! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By mhadden1 - December 18 - 4:59 pm

  Ive owned several vehicles over the past 10 years, including several Toyota trucks, but this was the first Toyota car Ive purchased for myself. My sister has a 2007 (9th generation) and its fit and finish and build quality and materials are lightyears ahead of the current 10th generation. Toyota seems to have traveled back in time with the 10th generation! Not only are the interior plastics cheap and not soft-to-the-touch, they scratch VERY easily. The dash, doors, center console, and key area are scratched like crazy after 24k miles, even with due care not to scratch them! If it werent for the poor, cheap interior quality, I would probably have liked this car a little better.

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  Saved My Life - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - December 18 - 4:13 pm

  I drove a 2006 4Runner until it was totaled on January 29, 2009. That vehicle gave me back my life. It suffered a severe side impact at 55 MPH, rolled twice, slid on its roof and ended up with the drivers side on the ground. I walked away with no serious injuries. Even though there was severe damage to the sides and roof of the vehicle and suspension parts and some of the drivetrain were all over the highway, the roof pillars never collapsed and the interior was intact. Before making the 06 purchase, I did check to see which SUVs best protect their occupants. The 4Runner was the leader hands down. Now I am driving an 08. This time I made sure that I had the side curtain air bags.

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  Great car!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By uofmpharmd01 - December 18 - 12:03 pm

  Just picked up my 3rd Toyota and I am very pleased. Test drove the Accord and Acura TL, and was sold on the great styling and track record of the Camry. The reliability of Toyota weighed heavily also. I had 85K miles on my 02 Sequoia and currently have over 143K on my 03 Corolla...all trouble free. I am so glad the VSC feature was made available in all models. The VSC in my Sequoia worked so well during the Michigan winters that I had to have it in my Camry LE. This is the most awesome feature to me, and I didnt have to break the bank to get it. The cabin is outfit nicely and is quiet even at highway speeds. Lots of back seat room for the kids, too. Solid.