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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  V6 4WD Gas Mileage is not very good - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Rob - May 31 - 5:13 am

  Love the vehicle, but the 15-23 MPG I get, and that is driving conservatively, is not the 22-28 that the EPA stickered the vehicle as. Im disappointed because the mileage isnt much better than the Explorer I traded in and I wanted much better mileage.

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  2017 Toyota Sienna is piece of Junk - 2017 Toyota Sienna
  By MAT - May 31 - 4:08 am

  We have been very disappointed with the quality of 2017 Toyota Sienna Van Powertrain and its workmanship. Van has just 1000 miles on it and it runs like piece of junk. There is no power and sometimes it becomes very risky on the road when it start losing its power. Transmission sucks and its really hazard for life sometimes when you drive on speedy road. We raised the concern with Round Rock Toyota and service the van three time since bought within two months. They have no answer to the problem though they accepted that car has some major problem. Service dept. shared Toyota Customer service number and after 4 weeks of communication on paper Toyota Customer service said they cant help CAUTION: I SUGGEST ALL THE NEW BUYERS OF TOYOTA CARs TO BE CAREFUL AS ITS A HAZARD TO YOUR LIFE AND WASTE OF MONEY TO BUY TOYOTA.

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  I Love my Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Eric Krakowski - May 31 - 3:10 am

  The Yaris is definitely the best car I have ever purchased. Im very happy with its handling ability and fuel economy (especially the fuel economy). The gas meter doesnt even move when your driving on the highway, and the ride is soooo smooth for a little 4 cylinder car. I highly recommend this car for anyone who doesnt care about muscle, but cares about economy and class. Im very proud to own a Yaris.

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  Love it with one exception... - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By NFLAGIRL - May 30 - 11:43 pm

  I like the vehicle on every level (body design, fuel efficiency, performance, etc..) with one exception. Every single time I am at a traffic light and the A/C is on, the vehicle shakes slightly. Even the very first time I took it out! I paid $41k for it and am disappointed and alarmed by this. However, I must comment that my husband absolutely loves our 4Runner.

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  love it - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jeepers - May 30 - 4:26 pm

  After almost 30K miles, still love the car. Only problem has been the bluetooth and the horrible rear view when the top is up. Would love for someone to make a new top for it with a larger rear window. Great car, 32 mpg on the hwy with ac on and 70 mph. 24 around town. Great comfort and so smooth.

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  Happy owner. - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Al - May 30 - 2:06 pm

  Safety features and styling were two of the big reasons I purchased my van. In addition to the traction and stability control the engine performance for a vehicle of this size and weight is remarkable. I had some reservation when I looked at the EPA estimates of 17/23. Not to worry, after 35,000 miles I am averaging slightly under 24 MPG for local and highway driving combined. I have recorded almost 28 MPG on the highway. I have also experienced the engine clatter on cold start. Assured twice by the dealer that this is not a problem. Overall, I am very happy with this vehicle.

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  Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Al - May 30 - 12:40 pm

  This is our 3rd Toyota and this one will be the last one. We are very disappointed about the Toyota company. This car run well and smooth, but I think that the quality reputation of Toyota is over evaluated (specialy for the price of the supposed quality). After 58000Km the left rear brake pads were fully used but the right ones were half used (normal!? according the dealer, went elsewere for the repair of course) One security problem is the liquid washer nozzles are not adjustables and spray the liquid only at the bottom of the windshield, and specialy during the winter time that is very dangerous when you cant see in front of you (dealer replace them, no improvement) Motor oil consuption

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  Never Buying Toyota Again - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By perfect-storm - May 30 - 9:33 am

  I purchased my 2008 Tacoma 4x4 intending to keep it a long time as they are supposedly known for reliability. Mechanically, the truck was fine and had no issues. I liked the truck and enjoyed driving it. Fuel mileage was OK with an average of 17 to 18 mixed city and highway driving. On the highway, it would get 20mpg if you stay under 70mph. I recently got rid of the truck as the frame was rusting excessively. I have never driven it on a salted road and I did not park it anywhere near the coast. Toyotas rep was extremely condescending and absolutely refused to do anything. No treatment, no coating, NOTHING! Check toyota frame rust issues and realize the problem still exists in 08.

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  Major improvements - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By George - May 30 - 8:06 am

  Ive had the Avalon Ltd since Feb 14 2005. Even though the styling is much improved over previous years its still not a head turner. The interior is fantsatic. Roomy Quiet and has some great features such as heated/ventilated ft seats, 360 watt stereo w/6cd in dash changer, hid headlights, etc. Great performance and gas milage combination when the engine is warm And using premium fuel. With 1300 miles on it Im at 24mpg. With past vehicles the gas milage should be 18-20mpg for that level of performance. I would buy another one if I had to do it again. Oh yeah, its fun to drive. I look for places to go just so I can drive it some more.

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  Im Lovin It - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Ashley - May 30 - 6:53 am

  This car is a dream, it handles so well. At first I was afraid that it wouldnt have the acceleration that Ive been used to but all I have to do is switch it into power mode and I zip along. The only downfall to this car is its blindspots.