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:

• 

  Mileage report - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lowsidr - May 11 - 11:33 am

  I purchased this truck used with 15K on it. I traded in an 89 4runner w/200K 13 mpg. The primary reason for buying a small truck was the fuel economy. Fuel prices seem to be on the rise once again, who knows what will happen in the years to come. I live in S.W. FL. and commute 20 miles each way a day. Mostly at 45 to 60 mph, mixed city driving mostly. My first tank returned 25.8 MPG! I "babied" the truck trying to keep the RPM under 2K. I did spin it up when needed. You can get great fuel economy out of this truck and still be courteous to others.

• 

  Expensive to own - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By cgermain - May 10 - 11:32 pm

  I bought my 06 Sienna new and have had many electronic issues. Radio went out within the first week, followed by airbag sensors. The brakes had to be replaced at 30k. I have 93k and have had the tires replaced three times. This van is a great driving vehicle but it is simply too expensive to maintain. Now my AC has gone out for a 2nd time. It was a $1200 bill the first time and I am praying it will be covered for this repair. I will never own another Toyota and my Sienna will be gone soon. Going American all the way from now on.

• 

  Big and Powerful Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Big and Powerful - May 10 - 10:43 pm

  Biggest truck driven so far. Sometime it felt like driving a school bus because its so big inside and outside. Love the Big V8 and Big brake. Truck is very quiet and firm on the roads. The only thing I dont about this truck is that it uses too much gas. Getting around 14-18MPG on mix driving. Got to trade it in for Tacoma or 2nd home equity loan soon because getting expensive to fill up the gas tank. I dont understand how millions of people can afford to drive any Big V8 everyday because I cant...

• 

  My 2006 Toyota is AWESOME! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Gordon Whittaker - May 10 - 9:50 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have purchased and I wonder why I waited this long. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this car. It is incredibly fun to drive and extremely comfortable. The acceleration, steering, braking, etc. are better then anything I have driven since I started driving back in 1964. I love this car!

• 

  OK but not great - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bluewaterbill - May 10 - 3:46 pm

  Very good looking and comfortable. Navigation system is poor. Cannot use features when car is moving, i.e. change anything. Need to stop the car. Major flaw is that the chassis shakes like hell when going over bumps, cowl shake. Even the rear view mirror shakes. Dealer says convertibles do that. Ive had many previous ones and never experienced this before.

• 

  Finally I found my car. - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RnR - May 10 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my 99 Solara with 97,000 miles on it in February 07, and I made my best vehicle purchase ever. This car is such a solid, well built, stylish, dream of a car that I cant believe its almost 9 years old. Sometimes I just go places to drive it. Yes, I replaced the front struts, and then the strut plates. I put a Pioneer C.D. player (the stock one was broken) in the car. I also put a cold air intake on it to improve mpg. Big difference on trips, not so noticable in town. I also have a Tacoma, and Toyota totally rocks! I totally love my 99 Solara! Toyotas are the best value!

• 

  Economical Car -Great Ride - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Donna Shelto - May 10 - 11:16 am

  Efficient and cost effective . Great for primary or secondary car.

• 

  Just perfect... - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By DoMaNeRoIs - May 10 - 3:26 am

  My husband & I love our Venza. Roomy, great looking and drives beautifully. I dont understand all the negative comments about the wheel size, they look great on this car and fill the wheel wells nicely. The ride is comfortable even here in the northeast where the roads are the worst. I would also like to add that its nice to be one of few to own one of these, you dont see yourself coming and going on the roads(I suppose once Toyota begins leasing them thatll all change). Were loving every single moment we cruise in this baby!!

• 

  Sequoia Summary - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By LCWestford - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am really pleased with the SR5. It has reasonable gas mileage when compared to other Large SUVs. I average around 16 to 17 mpg. It has plenty of room and is really convenient when traveling with family. The quality of the interior is also superior to Ford and Chevy. The drawbacks I have had since I bought the vehicle: there is an annoying ticking or tapping sound (lifter noise?) coming from the engine that "Toyota" says is normal and not a mechanical problem. Supposedly, Toyota has had many complaints about this and is redesigning the 2003 to eliminate the sound.

• 

  We love our Avalon! - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By LMartin - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Ever since we bought our Avalon, we have loved to drive in it. It is worth every penny of what we paid for it, though we regret now not buying the XLS. It rides like a dream, and the fuel mileage is an excellent 25 miles to the gallon.