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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  Knock, Knock, Knocking on... - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By CS - March 11 - 10:40 pm

  We enjoy the styling and features of this van and it handling. The safety features were a big selling point as well: vehicle stability control, traction control and side curtain air bags. All the glory of the safety ratings and features fade away with the knocking we hear from the engine on cold start up during acceleration between 1500 and 2000rpm. This noisy diesel sound diminishes after the vehicle is completely warms. The dealer said there was nothing wrong with the engine just normal lifter noise to be expected with a vehicle of this mileage. EXCUSE ME!!! Well folks there you have it 47,000 miles is the new high mileage bench mark for Toyota.

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  Got what was paid for - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Jay - March 11 - 5:07 am

  Have read many reviews about this SUV. Now Im happy of being its owner. I was going to wait for 2017 n ew model, but changed my mind and bought 2016 one instead, because Ive heard Toyota is going to put 8-speed on 2017 model. Dond have confidence on >6 speed transmission. MSRP of my Platinum was $46333, paid $43112 (Edmunds special) + tax/license, not a bad deal. Among all the Japanese cars, I prefer Toyota & Lexus. I am quite happy with this HL. It serves the purpose I want and well. Out from all the goodies, three things that did not get on my "like-list". (1) Gas mileage is average 18 mpg, lower than what Mr. Toyota said. (2) The two side mirrors are toooo bulky ! They block a lot of front & side views. Drivers dont need to see the whole world from these mirrors, Mr. Toyota! (3)When I step on gas paddle, even when slightly, the engine tends to make loud noise(shouting). Funny thing is, when driving on a fast-speed freeway, engine noise is the only one I could hear. Toyota forgot to keep its family quiet while having got its neighbors silent well.

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  fun to drive and fast mover - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By thud - March 11 - 1:23 am

  This echo is more fun to drive than my v6 2001 honda coupe. The pickup is amazing and it will leave bigger cars at the stop lights. The vtec engine has plenty of power. It handles well and rides like a jewel with no road noise. I am getting over 41 miles per gallon. It runs the 0 to 60 faster than the camry v6. Most standards rubber band at slow speeds in low or second gear.(surging). The echo is the only manual that does not rubber band.

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  Love This Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Arizona341 - March 10 - 10:56 pm

  It is our second Prius. We will only have hybid cars. The car is everything anyone needs in a car. Quiet, reliable, and good for the health of the nation.

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  So far so good - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Greaseman - March 10 - 5:16 pm

  Ive only had this car about a year and a half. So far this car has been great. Only have had one problem which was that I needed to replace the starter at 106,000 miles. The dealer wanted $307 for a new starter. I found a new Bosch starter for $125. I love the V6 engine. Its very quiet and smooth and is a very good highway cruiser. The premium sound system is top notch. My mechanic told me I made a good choice and in his opinion the Camry is one of the best cars built today for the money. Gas millage is what is advertised as long as you dont get into the throttle. Got 27.2 mpg on a trip to Vegas. The large gas tank gives a good range between fill ups.

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  Best bang for the buck. - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave - March 10 - 2:33 pm

  After a lot of reasearch, I decided on the Corolla. I traded an 02 Altima and wanted something sporty and economical. I cant begin to tell you how impressed and happy I am with the Corolla. It drives very smooth at speeds of 70+. I dont know why "car experts" bash the driving experience. It does everything I want it to. You just have to remember its not a race car, but its great on the highway. Everything on the inside is within reach and easy to operate. I gotta tell you, when I drive it, I forget its a Corolla, it really feels like much more. Great job Toyota!

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  Typical Toyota! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By CanGuy - March 10 - 11:53 am

  I found a used one and bought it. Goes like hell, rides nice, quiet, great looking, functional, fun and for the most part is built very well. Wouldnt have considered any other make, especially now that they are no longer cheaper up here in Canada. Toyota will always be my only choice unless they prove me otherwise!

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  Great Car - Terrible GPS - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Doug - March 10 - 7:30 am

  4 adults w/ trunk FULL of luggage on a 1700 mile road trip and got 31 mpg in comfort! The $2000 navigation system is awful. My $300 portable Garmin is MUCH better. I complained to the dealer who said "Thats a common complaint." Toyota hasnt replied to my complaint letter. I want them to take the GPS out and give me my $2k back!

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  an unreliable toyota - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By kevin - March 10 - 7:30 am

  I am not very pleased with this sienna. My other cars are a 10 year old Mercedes and 3 year old BMW. The Toyota has had more recalls than the other two cars combined--6 in total! Currently, the front seat warmer does not work and the the "automated" rear hatch door is a manual door. The AWD tires failed after barely one year of use. Even though all these issues are fixed by the dealer, the hassles and fixes are tiresome--after all, why bother buying a Toyota if this is the quality. I guess compared to the sticking gas pedal problem, mine are nothing to complain about. I will never buy another Toyota again!

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  Love the Prius But... - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By pbonem - March 10 - 4:06 am

  Love the car for all the reasons everyone else loves the car. Always considered it one of my best purchases of any product ever. Never had a complaint until today and, now, Im think of selling the car. I park in a smallish garage with the hood of the car under a storage shelf; I cant open the hood without backing the car a few feet. And, two nights ago, I left the drivers door ajar, draining the 12 volt battery. Thats the 12 volt battery in the far left rear of the car, accessible ONLY via the rear hatchback door that DOES NOT OPEN WITHOUT ELECTRICTY. The solution recommended in the owners manual is to crawl into the back and start disassembling the car from the inside.