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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  Beating MPG Estimates - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By zkeith2 - June 2 - 10:35 pm

  Im averaging 51-52mpg on every tank, and this is on a relatively new Prius. Ive heard that it increases after the hybrid system has several thousand miles to break in. Id highly recommend a 10 minute YouTube video on how to maximize Prius mileage, instead of reading hours worth of blogs. Its called Prius 2010 MAX MPG Secrets by Yavor54. For highway drivers, there is a huge drop in MPG as your average speed goes from 55mpg to 70mph. If not in a huge rush, youll get much better MPG slowing down a bit. Check EZ-Pass regulations, or state benefits of having a "Green" car. You may get access to HOV lanes even when driving alone, or get discounted bridge tolls during off-peak times.

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  Fun Ride! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By BRIAN HAVEN - June 2 - 2:48 pm

  This is your grand-mas car but, it is gentle on the wallet and awesome on the street. Also own a 2015 bought new. This was bought with 189k miles and 9 years of smoking. The mileage has not affected the performance and fun to drive feel the 2008 exudes. Still a great ride! The smoker is a whole other issue. Detailed and scrubbed down thrice, bottles of Febreze, bag of charcoal, pans of vinegar and the stench is only just subdued not removed.

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  Transmission Leak - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By David Yee - June 2 - 2:30 am

  My Sienna has less than 4000 miles and my transmission is already leaking. Its been in the shop for about a week and I guess its taking awhile to dismantle everything and then put it together again. Aside from this defect, the van seems to be pretty good. Its quite roomy to the point that I have difficulty getting out of my tight garage. I really like the turning radius on this van. Ive been getting about 15 miles/gallon on city driving with 4-5 passengers.

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  The money pit. - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By M S - June 1 - 2:20 pm

  Since I purcahesed this Toyota I have been taking this van to the dealership for repairs every 2-3 months. Check engine lights, O2 sensors are some of the more expensive repairs. I regret purchasing this van.

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  2010 Toyota corolla S - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By angel - June 1 - 8:53 am

  I recently bought a Toyota s, at first sight I loved it but when I put it to the test and decided to step on the gas it was like if some thing was holding me back or if the car was too heavy. I would try to pass up cars but the poor acceleration made it difficult. Also the handbrake doesnt perform as well as I thought it would.

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  Enjoyed it while I had it but decided to trade in. - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By camrygirl2 - May 31 - 11:13 pm

  2013 Corolla LE w/ complete package. Cute, stylish & economical car. Was averaging around 30-34 mpg in town. Full tank gets you 400 miles + . Had steering wheel issue but the problem was fixed by dealership under warranty. Touch screen display not as responsive & had to push it a couple times. Entunes could use some improvement. The sound system is nice. Loved my sunroof. Sometimes its much nicer to drive a smaller car because you can make quick u turns & fit into smaller parking areas. I really liked this car but it didnt have enough power for me. I didnt feel comfortable merging on to busy freeways/highways. Also space & leg room felt kind of tight. Other than that this is a great car.

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  Great versatile car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Matt_B - May 31 - 2:33 pm

  This car rides great and is comfortable around town. It has plenty of room (headroom is great without the sunroof) and I am 64" 230lbs. The fuel economy is excellent. We just bought the car so I cant comment on durability etc. Maybe I will in another 5 years. If you are looking for a fuel efficient vehicle that is very practical and roomy look no further.

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  It finally died at 230K miles - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Keisha M. - May 31 - 11:22 am

  I bought my blue Highlander from the dealership, I was the 2nd owner. I got it at 59,000 miles and it just died on my about a month ago at 230,000+ miles. I absolutely loved this car. I previously owned a Toyota 4Runner (V6) and loved that car too, had it at college and it was a great, safe vehicle that I used to pile my college friends into when we went out. I was constantly on the highway with a lead foot and never had a problem with that. I didnt expect that much from the Highlander but I found out, it was just as reliable at the 4Runner but with a smoother ride. I never had an issue with the engine, but I maintain my cars very well. Also, this Highlander got me through 4 blizzards in the DC/MD/VA area without an issue, and I never hesitated to take it out on the snowy roads, it was actually pretty fun. Car had an awesome amount of get up and go and loved to "race" faster cars who would sleep on me at the light. Lol. My car engine died and I am still not willing to give it up. It just got a brand new battery and four new tires before it died. I plan on finding a new engine eventually and keeping it for my son to drive when hes ready.

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  Yaris rocks - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sarah2037 - May 31 - 10:20 am

  I went out just to look at the car and drove away in it. I couldnt resist it. The car is hip, stylish and gets great mileage. Dont be fooled by the size, it can still fit 4 comfortable and the back seats move so easily for extra storage.

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  Wonderful 2001 Toyota Prius - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Breathe-easier - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Why more people are not buying these is beyond me. A wonderful, reliable car. Nice to pass by the gas pumps and laugh.