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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  Love these cars - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Bruce Homeyard - June 21 - 1:42 am

  Ive always driven sports/sporty cars, 65 Sunbeam Tiger, 70 Datsun 240Z, (30 years of driving station wagons) and 10 years of Pontiac Fieros. I know how a car should handle, and I learned to drive very smoothly and so have always gotten the most mpg out of a car. At 65, when I retired in 2011, I decided that I didnt want to be that old guy driving the 20 year old Buick. I had been following the Prius since its intro and finally decided that Toyota had gotten it right and purchased a Prius 3. Since then every time I get to the end of the warranty (about 18-24 months) I get a new one. Loved the handling (for a sedan) and have pitched it around Watkins Glen race track. In power mode my Prius did the published 10.1 0-60 and thats quite quick for a lower cost sedan with a 95 bhp motor. But the electric motor kicks in like a F-1 KERS when you hit the pedal or Power mode button. The interior was clean and functional with comfortable seats and the all electronic dash, monitoring and mid-dash displays. All the bells and whistles. The only real objections I had with the 11, 13, and, 15 models were the rear window wiper bar, (you dont notice it after a while and it doesnt really hamper vision) and the safety limitations on function use, like GPS or address searches while driving. Heck, if it can tell the passenger doesnt have the seat belt buckled, it should be able to tell you have a navigator to use those functions and not impair a lone drivers safety performance. Mpg on those cars was (not by Toyotas calculator, which is always 2-3 mpg optomistic) combined city/hgwy; 11-50.9, 13-48.8, and 15-48.0. My new wife and change in driving patterns are likely the reason for the slight decreases. When I saw the 2016, I wasnt impressed with the redesign as it looked too much like everything else now than before and a little too angular with less character for me. The seats are narrower and lower, and Im a big, old guy, so I prefer the older ones, but Ive gotten used to the newer. The hood is chopped and easier for the driver (especially shorter ones) to see the actual front of the car. The back-up cam is improved also. The dash is more stylish but the readouts have been improved. Toyota switched the positions of the battery and gas tank and lowered the car a little, so theres no longer as much leg room in the rear, unless the driver and passenger are short. The rear storage area is a little smaller too and the car now has a spare tire, but it still allows a lot of bags of recycling stuff when the seats are folded down. I prefer the old package cover system. The interior is more directed to a younger crowd, but everything is very easy to read and reach; and sun glare on the dash is no longer a problem. Ride and handling are improved, road noise down and the doors no longer sound like tin. The CVT is great and the drive choices have changed. The old system was Evo or Power, The new system has an EV mode (strictly battery), or a Drive mode, which gives a choice of Normal, Evo or Power. Im really not sure what Normal is as I only use Evo and Power is just as easily obtained with your right foot as the CVT just sees it like passing gear in an older car. No trouble passing slower traffic and if you dont use the brakes on hills, youre soon doing 60-70 as it coasts along upping the mpg and recharging the battery. It also seems like the ABS has been improved with less frequent easy lock-up. Ive find the Prius hi-mile tires (all years) iffy in the rain ( I never tailgate) and last year tried a used set of 215/40x17 Nitto Neogen tires with a more aggressive tread for snow. Didnt do much for that, but they were way better for stopping in the rain and no appreciable change in mpg. With all of this, I expected the car to have gotten heavier with less mpg. But no, and I dont know how Toyota did it but for the first 3000 miles Ive had the car my best tank was 63.0, the worst 57.1, overall for 3k 60.8. This is by my calculation not Toyotas which says 63.5. Love these cars and cant wait for the 18 and just hope they dont stick on one of those big mouth bass grills that seem so popular. Id rate the first 3 as 8/10. The 2016 is a 9/10 to me.

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  A Reliable, Economical Ride - So Far - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By DrKatz - June 20 - 10:53 pm

  I bought this Corolla a few weeks before X-mas, replacing a 15 year-old Corolla with 331,000 miles on it. The new Corolla is comfortable and fuel-efficient. I didnt have any problems with the steering, which was mentioned by some critics. A period of significant snow and ice tested the new Corollas handling, and I was satisfied with the results. So far I have gotten 34 mpg in combined city and highway driving.

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  Best in Class - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By kevin - June 20 - 10:13 am

  We have owned this SUV for a little less than a year and it is our first Toyota. We are really impressed with Toyota quality. The interior is not quite as plush and "fancy" as some, but I think it dominates in every other category. We bought this vehicle certified used with a bumper to bumper 7 year 100,000 mile warranty. I doubt we will need it though.

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  Just had it less than a month - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By HybridBuyer - June 20 - 4:40 am

  We replaced a 4Runner with this car. We really like the third row of seats. The car is extremely solid and a pleasure to drive. The seats are very comfortable. It is overall a very well-designed vehicle.

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  My New Old Car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By ds05121956 - June 19 - 4:56 pm

  As a single, middle aged female, I admit to having taken above average care of this car. But after eight years and 86,000 miles, Ive not been out a penny on it other than routine maint. I still get regular compliments on it and when I say its 8 years old, people say, "I thought it was brand new." Planning to keep it, I just had some surface blemishes repaired and am more thrilled than if it really were brand new, since I dont have a $500/mo. Payment to deal with and its a pleasure to drive still-not fun, but pleasant. Ill have my fun with those $500 on something else.

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  Cadillac to Toyota--Was I nuts? - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By The Godfather - June 19 - 2:36 pm

  This is my first Toyota. I gave considerable thought in the purchase of this vehicle after 20 years as a Cadillac owner. So far my Avalon Limited is 100% perfect. If it meets it reputation as a solid, dependable and fun car it wont be my last, I hope. My wife especially likes the Smart Key and not having to look for the key in her purse. I believe she would rather drive this Toyota than her Corvette-- and that is saying a LOT! The GPS takes a lot of practice and study, but once you figure it out it is very good. It must have been designed by some foreigner. Its the little things that impress me the most like puddle lamps, reclining rear seats & heated and cooled seat

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  The Car is Fun! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By keepinon - June 19 - 6:13 am

  Have driven my 05 Matrix xr for 3 months, and about 3300 miles. I really enjoy it. The wife and I golf quite a bit in the warmer weather. The car converts to a golf club hauler very quickly and easily. It handles very nimbly. On a recent 600 mile trip of some city, mostly highway driving, with quite a load of luggage and clubs, we got 33 mpg. Front seats are very comfortable for two average sized adults. Loading, unloading is easy with access through five doors + glass hatch door. Parking lots are quite easy to handle. The spaces seem to have grown! I will be curious about winter handling.

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  Love it! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Tennessee Girl - June 19 - 2:26 am

  I went from a Ford Expedition to my Camry because I couldnt afford the gas in the Ford anymore. (My gas mileage is wonderful, consistently around 33 mpg.) I have owned the car for 5 months and have only one complaint, the radio doesnt pick up most stations very well. Other than that I love my Camry! I definitely would recommend this car.

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  Attention to Detail...I love my Tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chuckykhan - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This truck is jun to drive. V6 provides plenty of power. I dont see why anyone would need this vehicle with 4WD unless you plan on driving up a rock hewn canyon. RWD is the best value and this truck will pull 6000lbs!!! Mine came with the deluxe tow hitch. This is my second Toyota in 8 months. I now own a 2004 Sienna and a 2004 Tacoma. Same color. Toyota is the best and most reliable. Hands down.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By jose fonseca - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it drive and with 246 horse power v6 engine that can take on with any v8. this is one of the vest in its class.