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:

• 

  great car - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By peter - March 7 - 12:40 am

  250.000 miles and counting, what else can i say

• 

  Fun Little Roadster - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Arthur - March 7 - 12:13 am

  Great car, tried Miata too but MR2 is a way better car mid-engine handling, turns flat, very predictable, great shifter, awesome brakes, stiff chassis, and lightweight, the guys at Toyota sure know what they are doing. Sure its not as quiet as my Camry, but it is a sports car, this car is a good therapy on a bad day, this car makes one smile. If you can live without the trunk I strongly recomend this car.

• 

  Reliability in Question - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dom - March 6 - 9:50 am

  My wife is now driving her 2nd Corolla (06 LE) and both cars have proven very reliable. I switched over from my other brand and purchased a 09 for that specific reason. Right now I have my doubts. With only 5600 miles I have had 1) the radio unit replaced as the LCD panel display hung up with unreadable characters, and 2) the vehicle failed to start due to a faulty fuel pump. The car has met all my other expectations (great mileage) but any more issues like this will make me re-consider whether this model is the right one for me.

• 

  FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ND - March 6 - 7:53 am

  Above and beyond expectations. Reported issues (visibility, mileage, rear seat, plastic) are there, but have proven insignificant with the overall package received. Blows away every other vehicle in its class (and others I had in consideration) when you get behind the wheel. Mileage is on par with the performance. Visibility is fine after you get to know the vehicle. Rear seat legroom is on par with other vehicles in its class (there is something wrong with the data as reported - I am 62" and when I adjust the drivers seat to my driving position, I can sit behind the front seat - tight but my legs fit). Others might get me to the slopes, but the FJ keeps me smiling. No regrets.

• 

  2005 TOYOYA AVALON - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By MARK - March 6 - 1:23 am

  Keyless ignition is a bit confusing. While entering the car in a rainstorm, the car decided not to allow me to start it. I had to have my family stand in the rain until I could reset the start mode. Also, the laser cruise control doesnt work in the rain. I found this out the hard way! The navigation is great, but there are lots of buttons to press. Gas mileage on our first road trip of 600 miles gave us 27.1 mpg. This is just what they advertised. Very solid and with all the air bags, you feel very safe. The engine is much stronger than my previous older style Avalon. The warm and cold seats are great with long drives and a bad back. Im very happy with this purchase!

• 

  From the SUV to MPG - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JOHN - March 6 - 1:03 am

  Gas near $4 a gallon had to get rid of the 15.5 mpg SUV for better gas mileage. A great move. I do have a heavy foot and getting 34 in the city and near 38 in the highway. Purchased a fully loaded one with all of whistles and bells (leather, navigation). We love this car, it is very comfortable, roomy and quiet. Took it for a 840 mile trip with 3 adults and a 7 month old in a car seat and everyone was comfortable. I have had luxury cars before BMW 740IL and the Q45 and this car has most of the finer features wish this car had a memory seat button and I wish the trunk would open with the keyless system like the doors. If you are looking for a good looking, affordable car with good MPG this is it.

• 

  Very Reliable Vehicle - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Jessica Tipton - March 5 - 10:13 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2002. It has been extremely reliable. My Camry currently has 107000 miles on it and all I have ever done to it mechanically is have the oil changed and the battery replaced. It gets excellent gas mileage (28 MPG/HWY). I have one child and the backseat is plenty roomy/comfortable for her. My Camry LE is a Gallery edition so it has several extras that make it look nicer/sportier than the traditional Camry.

• 

  Love It!!! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Miguelmyson - March 5 - 8:06 pm

  My Sequoia, is very nice and runs so well the comfort is very nice and has so many different things it can so as far as electronics. It has a very large interior which has alot a room in the back and even nice room for third row seats. The only bad if any and that is with any SUV is gas mileage and we all know about that going in. But over all a great truck and wouldnt trade it for anything.

• 

  average product with below average safety - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By greencar2 - March 5 - 5:28 pm

  Main selling point was slight reliability edge as reported by Consumer reports over other minivans. However in safety, airbag counts are not a good measure. The airbags help if the structure fails and in this aspect the Hondas are many years ahead. Check out the side pole gov crash testing at safecar.gov or the small overlap front test conducted by the Insurance Inst. Hondas consistantly outscore all other models except volvos. We had a bad experience at our local dealer in Dover, DE. The price and terms were verbally agreed to but on the day of delivery they were changed in favor of the dealer. Do not deal with this dealership. Get everything in writing and signed by the owner.

• 

  Still Love It! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Linda D. - March 5 - 12:46 pm

  I have had my Solara for 2 years and I still love it. I am impressed with the look, comfort, and speed of the car. It has great pick-up and the sequential shift is helpful on the freeway. For someone who wants a car that will handle any condition, this is it. Everyone thinks this is a great looking car, and the "absolute red" surely helps give it even more of a sports-car look.