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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  Just what we were waiting for! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bryant McCrary - May 8 - 10:13 pm

  We love everything about our Solara convertible except that the visibility of cars to your right is terrible, even dangerous.

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  Comfy, not sporty - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Michael Betcher - May 8 - 5:56 pm

  Fast enough, good-handling enough for the occasional spirited flog, but this car makes me want to drive slowly and enjoy the open-air experience rather than rush to get somewhere. The cockpit is very calm with the top down, and even more so if the front windows are up. I believe the cabin is even more quiet than my wifes Maxima when the top is up, perhaps a function of the sound-deadening quality of the fabric top. Definitely a smooth and stylish cruiser, with all the practical amenities of an everyday driver. It makes a routine drive enjoyable, and what more can you ask?

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  2002 Toyota Yaris Sedan - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Phillip - May 8 - 6:33 am

  I originally owned the Toyota Echo, which was truly the best car I ever owned. But I was hit by a red light runner and the car was totaled, I as well as the police and wrecker driver were amazed at the interior compartment, it had no damage at all but the front of the car was completely destroyed. So after that experience with the Echo , I went out and bought the new replacement for the Echo , which was a 2007 Yaris Sedan. The car is basic , because it was bought for my long 94 mile commute to work, but the car has quickly become my wifes favorite car, she always leaves behind her 7 passenger fully loaded SUV to drive my basic 5-speed Yaris, which she absolutely love. We love this car !

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  Happy with 07 for sure! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Happy with 07 - May 7 - 10:33 pm

  Traded my 05 300c Hemi for an 05 avalon for better MPG. Saw the new 07 Camry and it was much sexier than the Avalon. Same engine but that awesome 6 speed. Much better calibrated than the five speed in the Avalon and handles much better. Doesnt look frumpy either and I get lots of compliments. Tough going from a Hemi to a 6 speed V- 6, but it still has plenty of zip just not as much torque. Feels very nice inside as well. Reliable and predicted to get great mileage. I get about 22 around town and 31 on rural roads. Drops to 28 when I hit 80 MPH and the air is on, still very acceptable. I would recommend this car to anyone in the $30K< bracket for sure.

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  Belts? What Belts? - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Joe Bentley - May 7 - 11:42 am

  Gettin older and I needed a car with value and the least maintenance short of an EV while maintaining my 2 teens NON hybrid older vehicles. This is it. Bought it because of the best CVT in the business and the expected reliability. Ive not been disappointed. After 3 years the only thing I have done is changed the oil at 10K intervals the cvt fluid and plugs at 100K. Shocks and struts are next. The plugs were still in good shape but recommend dealer because it is not easy for most people. I know we will get 300K and beyond out of this vehicle on the original batteries alone. Mileage has only slipped 1 mpg in 3 years which is normal for any vehicle with this mileage already. My new Altima has already had problems and been in the shop twice for premature rust. Yup new car. Will likely never buy another Nissan as their CVT still has issues. Cant wait to get the larger prius hatchback after the kids leave the nest. There is a reason these cars are preferred by Taxi companies. Less maintenance, best value currently. These cars are the best bridge until EVs can go 200+ miles per charge and are cost competitive. UPDATE 1-4-12. All going well except for check engine light during summer only. It is a coolant/air temp sensor discrepancy. We get our stickers in the summer as light goes out.

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  Belts? What Belts? - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Joe Bentley - May 7 - 11:42 am

  Gettin older and I needed a car with value and the least maintenance short of an EV while maintaining my 2 teens NON hybrid older vehicles. This is it. Bought it because of the best CVT in the business and the expected reliability. Ive not been disappointed. After 3 years the only thing I have done is changed the oil at 10K intervals the cvt fluid and plugs at 100K. Shocks and struts are next. The plugs were still in good shape but recommend dealer because it is not easy for most people. I know we will get 300K and beyond out of this vehicle on the original batteries alone. Mileage has only slipped 1 mpg in 3 years which is normal for any vehicle with this mileage already. My new Altima has already had problems and been in the shop twice for premature rust. Yup new car. Will likely never buy another Nissan as their CVT still has issues. Cant wait to get the larger prius hatchback after the kids leave the nest. There is a reason these cars are preferred by Taxi companies. Less maintenance, best value currently. These cars are the best bridge until EVs can go 200+ miles per charge and are cost competitive. UPDATE 1-4-12. All going well except for check engine light during summer only. It is a coolant/air temp sensor discrepancy. We get our stickers in the summer as light goes out.

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  212000 and goin strong - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By over200000 - May 7 - 9:14 am

  Ive been through 3 sets of front brakes 3 sets of tires, 2 water pumps and I think thats it. Just regular maintenance keep this little guy going. Oil changes every 7-10 thousand miles, radiator fluid flushed once a year, trans fluid changed every 50,000 miles. Thats about it. Just installed new struts and shocks long over due made an amazing difference in the ride. Oh I did have to have the Air Sensor thingy replaced it wasnt cheap like 350. The sensor light kept going on the dash.

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  Everyone should have one! - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By MARIE - May 7 - 6:20 am

  WOW! I simply can not find anything I do not like about this car. Luxurious, stylish, spacious and safety features that are wonderful. If I won the lotto I would buy my four kids one each! Everyone who has sat in it has been impressed. Thank you Toyota, I feel very spoiled driving my Avalon!

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Terri - May 7 - 2:36 am

  I love this car. I had a Rav 4 for 6 days and hated it. This was just what I wanted. A good cross between a SUV and a car. Its easier to handle than an SUV and its great on gas. I always get around 28 in City driving.

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  Yea, I loved my 2008 Urban Runner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By snowchasr - May 6 - 8:11 pm

  This was my dream vehicle. It handled well on the highway, was great in winter conditions, and is one of very few SUVs that have any strong styling anymore. Furthermore, with the truck frame, I believe it is one of the safest. I too was involved in a head on accident at 65 Mph and survived well in this truck! When I originally purchased this vehicle in Spring of 2009, I was glad to have the confidence of all the safety features, but never thought I would have to use them in such a severe accident. Glad to have survived, wish my 4Runner did too.