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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  FJ Legacy reborn - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gwagg - September 19 - 9:10 am

  As an owner of a FJ-40 and previous driver of an Explorer, Bronco II, Grand Cherokee, the FJ has been the most reliable and fun to drive. The retro styling causes heads to turn and I have never talked to more strangers as they gawk and peer inside. This is an offroad vehicle. While very capable driving around town it shines lifting its wheels off the ground while climbing over obstacles. Unlike other 4x4 this system delivers.

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  Cruise Control - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By GregG - September 19 - 8:56 am

  I like the car overall. I was driving a 1995 Avalon, so replacing my car is a big deal. Going from a V6 to a 4cyl takes some getting used to. I think the overdrive gear is too low. On cruise control over a minor hill, the car downshifts (my Avalon never did that.) I think they put a low gear for more fuel economy, but I would sure like an override to the constant down shifting. The car is a real head turner, I love the styling. The controls are neatly placed. The audio system has a jack for my portable tape player. I wish the audio system had both CD and cassette. Also, I am pleased that the car warms up fast in the morning (how did they do that?).

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  Traded a 2008 touring for a 2006 base - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By mike - September 19 - 8:46 am

  I drove a 2008 touring prius for 1500 miles and averaged 42 mpg. Then I bought a 2006 base prius and Im averaging over 48 mpg for the first 100 miles. Maybe the weight of the car and the tires makes a difference in the mpg rating. I do think the 2008 has better sound deadening insulation which may make the car heavier. I previously owned a bmw 335, bmw 525, infiniti m35, toyota avalon, subaru legacy, mazda 3, saturn l200, mustang gt, saab 9-3, honda accord, honda passport, nissan truck, and chevy cavalier but the prius is my favorite simply because of the gas mileage, low maintenance cost and quiet ride. Bought the 2006 base with 49k miles certified for $13,500--excellent condition inside/out.

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  Frill Free, But Utterly Dependable. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Arkahoma - September 18 - 8:00 pm

  We were interested only in dependability and economy, this car met all expectations, and more. Has surprising zip and a turning radius so tight we almost forgot how to make 3-pt-turns. We regularly go on rough dirt roads to hiking spots, but still zero problems after 40,000+ mls. Fuel economy is as advertised. With our rough driving, we get 28-30mpg city and 34-36mpg hwy. But when we try to drive for fuel economy we get 42mpg hwy. First, we hated the center-mounted display, but now we love it, and hate normal cars where the steering wheel can block displays. This is not a Prius - its an economy car! Its noisy, has firm seats, and power windows are optional for us cost conscience buyers.

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  love it - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By sevein - September 18 - 1:30 pm

  sleek design, great handling, great gas mileage

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  Great little applicence - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - September 18 - 8:30 am

  Bam, bam, Toyota kicked it up a notch. Love the car with only 2 areas that we noticed. Torque steer under full throttle with down shift and the seats were a little hard but seem to breaking in. It has not dropped below 28 mpg with some heavy footed driving.

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  A Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - September 18 - 4:03 am

  I just crossed 130K with my Prius and it will be five years old next month. I had done nothing but buy tires and change oil for first 100K. Then I had a rear wheel bearing and now a recent inverter fluid pump. No big deal for 130K. I almost always average over 50 MPG, for life of vehicle probably 51. 53/54 in spring and fall and 50 in winter. Ive had maybe 10 tanks less than 50 almost all in the winter and they were usually 48-49. I am not an aggressive driver and I keep it under 70. I commute 30 miles each way each day with about 16 miles on the highway avg about 67. I can beat cruise control on the Prius on long trips by using the hills to my advantage. Over 70 big loss of MPG.

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  Gets the job done - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Bud - September 18 - 12:40 am

  The Tundra rides like a truck and you feel the road, interior noise is minimal. Excellent turning radius and the truck is enjoyable to drive. I purchased the 5.7 V8 and the power is there when you need it. The interior of the truck does have some nice features, but could use some upgrades as far as reducing some of the plastics. The fuel economy? Its a V8, the price of gas is the problem. As far as built quality and reliability I will tell you in 10 years.

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  Prius Has Pluses and Minuses - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Midwest Guy - September 17 - 10:21 pm

  Look no further if you want a car with excellent gas mileage and reliability. Average 55mpg on the highway! Toyota has done a great job on the seamless transition between the gasoline engine and battery power. Assembly quality is very good. Now for the not so good. The windshield on this car is a rock magnet. Have had more windshield rock strikes in 3 months than in years with other cars. Plan on replacing the windshield, if you drive a fair amount on the highway. Dealer was unable to fix a recurring clunk in the trunk experienced when driving over uneven pavement separations on the highway. This is not typical for a Toyota. The 2016 Prius sits lower than the previous generation. You will tire of climbing out of the car after awhile. Navigation system is not easily accessible and quite frankly mediocre. The small sun visors are totally useless when pivoted to the side window in an attempt to block the sun. No spare tire. Lastly, the resale value is poor. The money saved on gas will be lost and then some, unless you keep the car for 10 years.

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  Love My Highlander - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Tony Pena - September 17 - 5:01 pm

  My review us based on the SE model. I love the exterior design and new grill. However, the inside is very comfortable. My wife and I test drove and decided between the Highlander and the Honda Pilot. The Pilot was great also, but my wife(who is a lifelong Honda owner) said after the test drive that she did not want to like the Highlander due to her allegiance to Honda, but she ended up loving it. Very comfortable inside and the extras with the SE(cool rims, ambient lighting, stitch designed leather seats) give her a "cool mom" feel.