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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  Reliable Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By D. Corley - July 10 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my car in 96 with 40k miles. I only had 1 major problem with it, oil leaks and this was around the 60-70k miles. I have had it for 10 years and have 105k miles and hope to keep it another 10. It is very reliable and rides nicely. However, had problems with the power windows twice. Overall I have been very happy with the car. My husband has a 97 and it rides nicely too.

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  Love the Highlander - All Around Great SUV - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By goodboi_75 - July 10 - 3:07 pm

  I absolutely love my 2012 Highlander, Base 3.5 L V-6 AWD. It currently has 15,000 miles on it. Its a nice driving vehicle with comfortable ride and outstanding reliability. Its a tank in the NY snow and backs up my steep driveway like a breeze - no spinning, slipping, etc......unlike my 2003 Ford Escape 4x4 which had a tough time backing up the driveway. I went on a recent trip to PA and the highlander handled the hilly terrain with ease and the best part is the gas mileage - averaged 25 mpg highway! I was shocked it did so well and was very impressed. Thats better than the 23 mpg hwy rating on the sticker window!

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  Happy owner - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Tim Toews - July 10 - 2:33 pm

  Bought our Rav 4 after having a 06 Tacoma and very impressed with it. My wife loves it. The ride is good, the power is exceptional, and the fuel economy is right where we need it. We got the Sport model so we got the 18 in alloys along with the leather and moonroof options, the heated seats are nice in the winter.

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  Love it! - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bean - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is a beast. Wife and two kids and all the stuff for family vacation easily fit. It drives wonderfully. Plenty of power, plenty of room. I wish the mpg were a little better. We got 17 mpg on the highway and 15 in town. We dont tow anything, but it feels like we could. It has plenty of horse power with a great ride. But, I do have one serious complaint. The navigation! Toyota should be embarrassed. Having owned an Acura with navi, I expected they would all be about the same. Big mistake! It is frustrating, counter- intuitive, and far from "user friendly." in short, buy the sequoia but skip the navi. Youll be glad you did.

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  Not for adults - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Jack - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Sold my 2008 hatchback after two years. A fine car for short commutes, but a back-breaker on longer trips. Even though car was loaded, Toyota found ways to unnecessarily cheapen the design. Middle position instrument cluster is the first tip off. Intermittent wipers are not speed- adjustable. Even the pedal spacing spacing is parsimonious. The dealer- option speed control stalk is invisible from the drivers position. A height adjustable drivers seat is not an option, nor was satellite radio. They say you get what you pay for, but at over 15 grand loaded it was not exactly a cheap ride, even at 30+ mpg.

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  Great vehicle - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By MICHAEL RUSTICH - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Have only taken a couple of trips of a couple 100 miles or more. Mostly in town driving. Easy and secure veh to drive. Never had any brake or acceleration problems with veh. I would buy another one.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By sail360 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  positive points: LOTS of interior space, blue tooth, pretty quiet ride. negative points: averaging 21 mpg with conservative driving, 4 cylinders had to struggle a bit going on long uphill stretches, exterior skin seems to be thinner and less ding resistant compared to my older Toyota.

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  GREAT van! (XLE with Premium Pckg.) - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By ahc1111 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have been loving the van -- my first ever. (Swore Id never buy a minivan.) Had an SUV for past 6 yrs. Bought it online. Buying online is so much easier and you get a better deal with the internet department of a dealership! You can still test drive a vehicle, etc., but dont have the "vultures" (salespeople) to deal with, and arent stuck at the dealer trying to make a deal. The price is the price, and you can negotiate via email, and make dealers compete for your purchase!

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  Love it! - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bean - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Disclosure - I wont buy American. I have owned 2 Rangers, many SUVs, but this is my 1st Tacoma. I LOVE IT!!! This is a daily driver/commuter for me not a work/ranch truck, but I may do light off-roading (hunt/camp). I got the TRD Sport Package w/ JBL - its perfect (I didnt need JBL, not a "stereo guy" but it is nice.) The ride feels high and solid. I wanted a truck (not a car) so I love the truck feel. The long wheel base and curb weight make for a smooth ride. I dont understand the "road noise" complaint - mine is V-6 & perfectly quiet at 75 mph. Brakes could be better, but no complaint.

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  Deal of the year - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By NEPA GUY - July 10 - 10:00 am

  The 2010 Toyota corolla still has the stigma of the acc. problem that has been fixed earlier in the year. Which means unheard of deals. I got invoice price plus an additional $2000 off and 0% financing. I got the 2010 corolla s model with almost every option/blue tooth/moonroof. My bottom line was less then 16,000 with tax/tags out the door. As far as the drive. I love it. 0-60 in 8.5 seconds. Who cares. I am not a nascar driver. I never have a problem accelerating up hills nor passing at anytime. I have the 5 speed and it is fun to drive. This is my 3rd corolla. And I am sure will have no problem going 200k plus in miles. Deal of the year. Hurry you have a few months left.