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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  Almost a Lexus - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dave - May 16 - 9:53 pm

  Car drives easily, responds well and has enough power to get around in hilly terrain without effort. A V6 thats less than 2 mpg off the 4 cyl at 30.8 all around total mpg over 7600 miles of city, highway and idling at the mall. Not bad.

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  Fuel efficient and sporty - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By celicaperson79 - May 16 - 5:50 pm

  I have had a few minor hiccups owning this car but overall its been an enjoyable experience. I havent had any major mechanical malfunctions since I purchased it. The car isnt the fastest on the market obviously but its quick and gets good gas mileage. It has a unique look as well which gets attention even though it doesnt have the power to back it up.

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  The thrill is back! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bill - May 16 - 1:20 pm

  I havent been this excited about a car in years. My driving is different: smoother starts, more consistent speed (I use the excellent cruise control whenever possible). Great attention to detail in design and construction. I love the smart key and the quiet, comfortable ride. Were getting only 35 mpg on this tank, but we go up a mile-long hill to get home (wonderful going down, though). Miracles happen: we took delivery of the exact car we wanted (sunroof, leather) on the same day we first talked to the dealer!

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  "Lovin My Car" - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Courtney - May 16 - 10:13 am

  My car is really great! It was givin to me as a graduation gift from my dad! Its perfect for this time period since gas is extremely pricey. I get 54 miles per gallon. The design of the car is great. Although its a small car they made this new body style high from the ground, spacious, sporty, and unique when compared to other cars in the same price range. My Corolla is great. The trunk space will amaze you. This car also comes with fold down seats in the back which gives you more space or over spill when caring items like pictures and plants. On top of all the things that I have mentioned the Corolla has always been a great car, long lasting, and low maintenance. It will only get better!

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  Its a Prius, Its What You Expect - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By hendolvik - May 16 - 5:06 am

  I bought a Volvo XC60 in November 2012 to haul my kids and giant dog, but after 4 months of getting 15 mpg, I traded it in for a new Prius V. Instead of getting lousy gas mileage, I now get good gas mileage, but not as good as I expected. After 8 months, I average 33 mpg. Hubby says I book it off the line too quickly. I say its the extra 125 pounds of dog that Im transporting that he isnt. Either way, its twice as fuel efficient as both my previous minivan and Volvo XC60, so its a win. I wont lie: I miss the luxury of the Volvo. The seats were more comfortable, the doors were more solid. The Prius V doesnt feel cheap, but its certainly not luxurious. At least it has built-in nav.

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  2010 Toyota Camry DONT Trust - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By MUTHUKRISHNAN SELVARAJ - May 15 - 5:50 pm

  Many of us believe that TOYOTA is a best brand and it will run atleast for 100000 miles. I also felt the same and bought the car from a dealer earlier in 2013, a 2010 Toyota Camry. Now the miles is around 84000. I used to do my oil checks, vehicle check properly. Last month also i did there were no issues reported. All of the sudden this sunday the engine started to make noise. No rains, no animals no accident it started to behave on its own. The Check engine light and VSC light started to glow, i am shocked to see this happening. I went to TOYOTA Dealer they said this is a serious problem. A car having trouble in engine within 84000 miles I was also crazy to hear it. I called the Toyota motors they simply state the engine is out of warranty and they cannot help on this as they provided only the warranty for 5 Years or 60000 Miles. Even though I explained the situation they are not ready to listen anymore and they simply declined the request. With no other options left i have to go back to my Toyota Dealer again now he told about 6000$ after an hour talk he reduced to 4000$. The part is coming only around 1000$ but the service charge they are asking for 3000$. The problem is with the ignition coil and when i read it in the websites there are chances that the car could have been gone uncontrol and its a risk factor for anyone to drive. Toyota is not ready to accept this as its fault. I believe they need to value the customers and their safety. They feel after 60000 miles whatever happen to the owner they wont care. Its a bad attitude.

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  2010 Toyota Camry DONT Trust - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By MUTHUKRISHNAN SELVARAJ - May 15 - 5:50 pm

  Many of us believe that TOYOTA is a best brand and it will run atleast for 100000 miles. I also felt the same and bought the car from a dealer earlier in 2013, a 2010 Toyota Camry. Now the miles is around 84000. I used to do my oil checks, vehicle check properly. Last month also i did there were no issues reported. All of the sudden this sunday the engine started to make noise. No rains, no animals no accident it started to behave on its own. The Check engine light and VSC light started to glow, i am shocked to see this happening. I went to TOYOTA Dealer they said this is a serious problem. A car having trouble in engine within 84000 miles I was also crazy to hear it. I called the Toyota motors they simply state the engine is out of warranty and they cannot help on this as they provided only the warranty for 5 Years or 60000 Miles. Even though I explained the situation they are not ready to listen anymore and they simply declined the request. With no other options left i have to go back to my Toyota Dealer again now he told about 6000$ after an hour talk he reduced to 4000$. The part is coming only around 1000$ but the service charge they are asking for 3000$. The problem is with the ignition coil and when i read it in the websites there are chances that the car could have been gone uncontrol and its a risk factor for anyone to drive. Toyota is not ready to accept this as its fault. I believe they need to value the customers and their safety. They feel after 60000 miles whatever happen to the owner they wont care. Its a bad attitude.

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  like it - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By John682429 - May 15 - 3:23 pm

  I have put 36,000 miles on my Avalon and the only problem i have is the low profile tires will not last over 25,000 miles even when rotated every other oil change. I average 34 mpg on road trips and average 26 around town and highway combined. Car is very fun to drive and very comfortable. I dont like the drink holding area at night as proper light is not provided to access drinks and find items in the stash box. Trunk space is very large and my passengers love the rear comfort of the rear as plenty of room for comfort. Around 34,000 service engine light came on and Vehicle Traction Control came on. I would suggest this car to anyone looking for a car of comfort and plenty of interior space

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  60k Report - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By NHSkier - May 15 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this almost 5 years before entering the Army. I now have 61k on it. Its been across the country four times (packed to the hilt with gear), over Hoosier Pass in a Colorado blizzard twice, offroad in CO and AZ. In that time, the only major repair happened at the 60k mark, a bad emissions sensor - $450. I had to also replace a cracked windshield, but I dont consider that the fault of the automaker. There are some minor cosmetic wear and tear issues. The "chrome" finish on the stick column is wearing off. The cover to the seat clamps (where they meet the floor) fell off. All in all, I would have been hard pressed to find anything else as reliable with the same capabilities.

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  Review by B. Smith - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bruce Smith - May 15 - 10:40 am

  I commute 60-70 miles/day. Never a problem. Fun to try to max out mpg using the display system. Very smooth ride. Feels like a more expensive car.