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:

• 

  Very Disappointed in gas mileage - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Kurt & Jean Flaig - June 24 - 10:03 pm

  My husband and I are basically very satisfied with our Rav 4 but are very disappointed in the gas mileage. We do not get anywhere near what was quoted. As a matter of fact, we are not getting much better than our full size AWD pickup which we traded for the Rav4. We are only averaging 19 - 20 miles per gallon and have even had it back to the dealer which they claim there is nothing wrong with our car. That was our main purpose for trading in our pickup, and that was the gas mileage.

• 

  Camry Hybrid is awesome - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Post - June 24 - 9:00 pm

  Bought the car 3 weeks ago. First tank full I got 37.5 mpg and second tank im averaging 39.5. Much better than new EPA ratings... wonder why they have them set so low! It would take some seriously bad driving to get the 34/33 they have rated for this vehicle!

• 

  3rd Highlander - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By John Castle - June 24 - 8:16 pm

  Plenty of space, good tow capacity and very comfortable.

• 

  What a great car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By mytime66 - June 24 - 3:09 pm

  While i was looking for a used car, i saw the ad for the 97 Toyota Camry, 46,190 miles. I went and looked at it as a little old lady kept it in her garage. It was great. I now have had it alittle over a year and has 47,650 miles on it. I couldnt have made a better choice in car and price.

• 

  231,000 Miles and Still Going! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Patrick - June 24 - 2:38 pm

  Ive purchased my Camry in Jan. 2015, with about 196,000 miles on the odometer. I drive a lot and over the course of a year, Ive put on about 36,000 grueling miles of San Francisco-area traffic; a lot of city street driving, with a decent blend of highway commuting as well. Because I drive so much in heavy traffic and because of the already high miles on the car, I was a bit nervous that it might bite the dust before I could afford something newer and nicer. But in fact, its only left me stranded once - and that was only because of a bad battery. Now at 231,000 miles, its still running on the original 2.4L engine and original transmission. Its starting to shift harshly and it has a few electrical issues, but you cant say most cars will make it past 230,000 miles. Bulletproof reliability, even survived a bad accident I was involved in back in October. It needed a new control arm and has a few battle wounds from the incident, but still drives and handles like how some cars drive at 90,000 miles. This was my first Toyota and Im VERY satisfied! Definitely going to be a repeat Toyota customer!

• 

  LOVE THAT 09 AVALON LIMITED - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By IOWA - June 24 - 2:26 pm

  We love our new Avalon! Bought a loaded Limited without navigation or the optional cruise feature. Moved from a mini-van to a car with a lot of research before buying. Some main concerns had been ease of getting in and out of a car and also if there would be enough leg and head room for several 64" adults. We love the ride and comfort. Plenty of room for those long legs. I have some back problems but these seats fit me just right so no problems. Driving our gravel winter roads on snow, ice, slush gets us 26-27 mpg. Like the vehicle stability control feature. Driving on a vacation in the sunny south got us 32-35 mpg. Had the car 4 months and close to 10,000 miles already.

• 

  4Runner best car ever - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By My 4 Runner - June 24 - 12:16 pm

  This is my first foreign automobile. I have to admit that this is the first auto Ive ever had that has been trouble-free. I just love it and wouldnt own any other auto. When I am ready to trade, Ill get another 4 Runner

• 

  Well done, Toyota - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By ccotie - June 24 - 10:39 am

  I bought my 2012 Camry CPO in 2013 w/ 41K miles on it. I consider myself a pickup truck guy, but as sedans go, this car has been a pleasure to own and to drive. It has the Sport package with the styled wheels, and draws a lot of compliments. I recommend the SE with the V6, they give the car some personality. Still, I would love to see some performance-enhancing features made available, like AWD or a turbocharger. Even with the upgraded engine, I regularly achieve 26mpg combined. Its no Challenger, but the handling response is sharp and the acceleration is surprisingly brisk. I have almost 100K on mine now, and all I ever do is regular maintenance.

• 

  Great commuter car ! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By David - June 24 - 10:26 am

  Ive owned VWs in the past (Jetta and Fox), but due to our familys positive experience with our Sienna CE van, were now an all Toyota family. I love the mileage and the handling. Quality is great. Plenty of room for 4. Tight for 5, but hey, its a compact. Sound system is good. Auto lights are great. No steering wheel adjustment. Otherwise, I love it. Especially at the gas pump, although I havent gotten the advertised 38 highway (more like 35).

• 

  The Corolla is a Warrior - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Edith Gipson - June 24 - 10:23 am

  No one has to tell that Toyota is the best car for the money. I bought my Corolla new in 1997 and have now passed it on to my son after purchasing a 2009 Camry. This car was so cute at first, then the paint begin to fade and the interior became a bit worn, but I never had to use public transportation... not ever. This little car has seen me through a lot and Ill always give the Corolla thumbs up. When I bought my new car, I couldnt help but lay my hands on "Ms. T" and say thanks for the ride. I had to replace a few minor parts, but nothing really major. Keep the oil changed every 3000 miles and this car keeps rolling. It should be in the car hall of fame.