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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  I get it - its an economy car. But cmon! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Brian Knapp - May 5 - 10:17 pm

  Its an okay car. You buy it because it delivers reliability, economy, and excellent fuel mileage. I understand this car is an economy car and its no Lexus - much less a Camry. Im not comparing this car to a nicer car brand - its entry level and I understand that. However, its still not a car that I would buy again after having driven one - even if I was in the market for an economy car. Pros: Economy - between the infrequent repairs (hasnt had any issues in nine years of ownership), the fuel economy, and the MSRP, its possibly one of the cheapest to buy and undisputedly cheapest to run used cars out on the market today. It would make an excellent first car or a car for someone who just doesnt like driving and needs something easy to commute to work in. Reliability - In 9 1/2 years of ownership (we bought this car in April 2006), we have had zero issues with it. Nada. Nothing. It is a solid little car - thats expected of most Toyotas or Hondas however. Cons: Driving Dynamics - This car is scary on the highway. Trying to accelerate on a freeway entrance ramp is extremely difficult and downright dangerous. Its pretty peppy around the city, but trying to pass someone in this car is not for the faint at heart. Additionally, this car is from an era when electric assisted power steering was not quite as refined as it is today, so the steering feels pretty loose and a little "off" compared to older cars with hydraulic power steering. This gives the steering a "numb" feeling. I know this is a pretty subjective word to use, but the car just feels weird to drive. Its almost like driving a toy car or a golf cart. With an antiquated four speed automatic transmission, the engine gets pretty buzzy and it doesnt shift very smoothly. Interior - Because of the starting price, I forgive the fact that there is hard plastics virtually everywhere, even on most places where your elbows rest. However, the interior is a bit too "Scion" in my opinion and not in a good way. Perhaps one of the biggest design flaws is the center mounted speedometer. Everyone in my family who has driven this car has had a few speeding tickets because its easy to ignore the speedometer. I understand Toyota removed this in the newer generation of Yaris - thank goodness. Still - the center mounted speedometer is something that is hard to forgive and offers no benefit over a traditional steering wheel mounted speedometer. Its a classic example of form over function. Also, the seats are EXTREMELY uncomfortable - I often find myself hunching over the steering wheel with upper back pain because the seats are not very plush. The cloth is not soft and just feels really thin and not durable. The sound system is absolutely awful. Again - I get this is an economy car, but even my 2008 Toyota Corolla has a much better sounding stereo than the Yaris. The interior quality starts to show its age. We barely drive the car, but the plastics still rattle like crazy. The engine is extremely buzzy and there is a great deal of road noise in the cabin. The visibility is not terrible, but the exterior design gives it a pretty tall rear end, making the rear window a bit small. It also has EXTREMELY thick A-pillars which unfortunately block your view of pedestrians in the crosswalk. Overall, the interior of the Yaris is one of its most pitiful downfalls. Safety - this car seems like the perfect fit for your teenage daughter or God forbid your son (dont get him a Yaris). However - just look at the side impact crash test scores. The Yaris did NOT come with side impact airbags standard. This car is a death trap in a T-bone accident, which is the deadliest form of accident. Not to mention, a lot of these Yarisi have virtually NO anti-theft protection. This car doesnt even have a chipped key - so anyone with a screwdriver can start the car. Toyotas tend to be one of the most frequently stolen car brand, so the fact that Toyota didnt put this basic safety feature in the car is shameful. Even my 2000 Ford Taurus had a chipped key and thats approaching 16 years old! I wouldnt recommend this car if you live in an area with high car theft rates. IF you do, consider investing in a steering wheel club and/or an aftermarket alarm system. Honestly - you can get that trademark Toyota reliability with just about any Toyota model out there. Consider investing in a 2000s era Camry instead (especially the 02-06 generation) or a Toyota Corolla. Youll give up a few MPGs, but youll get a safer, more comfortable car to commute in.

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  Not Toyotas Best - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Jon H - May 5 - 8:36 pm

  I dont know what everyone is talking about. I have had my car for 3 years. I bought it used in 2002 w/ about 68,000 miles. And the list of problems start 3 days after I bought it. I dont know if I got the runt or what. But this car is crap. Seats are hard, uncomfortable for drives longer then 20 mins. I had to have a new engine put in it just about 100,000 miles. Only good thing I can say, is Im glad I bought the extended warantee. Which just went up @ 104K, and now it needs new seals.... just lovely. I bought this car expecting so much. And I must say it has let me down. I honestly wish I had just kept my 98 Dodge neon. Yes you heard me.................

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  Bad Choice - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Greg - May 5 - 8:23 pm

  Not the car the other 2 Toyotas I had. Transmission big issue and also rattles more than the 2001 Avalon that had 175K miles

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  Cyns new Toy - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By cyncali - May 5 - 1:26 pm

  I absolutely love my New Toy.. It drives like a champ, feels good and looks good as well. I love the Trd package also. I couldnt be happier.. so glad I choose this truck over the others that i test drove.. you just cant go wrong with a Toyota....I also love all the room in my trick.. It has plent of room for my kids, and their friend in the back seat,its a full back seat very comfortable.. I also cant wait to take the Toy up into the Mountains to do some camping with the family.. Yes i must say this is an awesome Truck...

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  400 miles and still unsure - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Carol Quick - May 5 - 12:02 pm

  Wish I had looked longer. Purchased an LE as that was the model of previously owned Camry (learning curve a positive). Second thoughts after only 3 weeks. First a door rattle that seems to be related to seat belt on passenger side. Had ride with friend with a 12016 SE... and I liked the feel and comfort of that car. Should have not been in such a hurry to buy the first one test driven.

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  Convert to Fuel Economy - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Rob - May 5 - 10:13 am

  My Prius handles well and has been a pleasure to drive. Takes time getting used to driving a car without as much initial pickup as my old Pontiac, but there is no comparison in mileage and visits to gas station. Mileage around town avg about 45 mpg. Recent highway trip averaged 53 mpg. I use cruise control a lot to help with mileage. Im saving over $200/mo in gas since I got rid of my former gas guzzler. Tax credit a big plus. I bought the basic model and love it. Lots of room for luggage for vacation or weekend trips.

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  The Smart Way To Move Forward - HYBRID - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By YunGunZ - May 5 - 6:33 am

  I just recently purchased a brand new Toyota Camry Hybrid and I am thrilled with the purchase! As a person who has a work commute of 70 miles round trip, I felt the need to consider a hybrid car. A quiet and smooth ride. The technology in the car is great. The dashboard indicators tell you how many miles per gallon you are averaging during the ride. It also tells you when you are using gas and when you are using battery! It definitely promotes better, safer, and more fuel efficient driving. When the car is idle, it is DEAD QUIET in the cabin. There is great pride in ownership. You are driving a car that gets great gas mileage (33-34 MPG) and helping out the environment. Aux input for my iPod!

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  2007 Toyota Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By pfog - May 5 - 5:40 am

  I absolutely love this truck. I have owned 3 reg cab short bed 2wd chevy silverados w/ the 5.3. I almost bought another but at the last minute, I dedcided to just go check out the new Tundra. I am all about performance and without even driving the reg cab short bed 5.7, I ordered one. I drove the crew max 4x4 and it had more get up and go than the above mentioned chevy. Yeah its got a bigger engine but also a lot more weight. I have absolutely no regrets. The performance is ridiculous. I mean it hauls serious booty. It looks mean, rides smooth, and gets there with the quickness. Its not a work truck and I dont haul or pull anything. So in short I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS TRUCK!!

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  Best Truck on the Market - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By badger - May 5 - 2:43 am

  Previous GMC Sierra owner and this truck is way better. Beat out the F150 on a test drive, too. Once you drive it, all others pale in comparison. Power is tremendous, braking is phenomenonal. It drives like a sports car but is a truck. No complaints after 4000 miles. Very tight, quiet, phone syncs flawlessly, excellent radio. The best features: full back window sliding down and the sunroof. Its the next best thing to a convertible.

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  You get what you pay for in this great big world! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By jamaicanred - May 5 - 1:53 am

  This car seems to have had every corner cut possible to save money. 1rst, the paint is a joke. Easily chipped, scratched, dinged. I feel that just by looking at the car the paint begins to peel! Buy the paint protection if available, its worth it. 2nd, the car just feels cheap. From the interior controls (ie windows, door locks, mirrors, etc.) to the body panels and trunk deck; flimsy, thin, & cheap. 13k miles and already had the trunk cable break. My 99 civic with 209K miles never had the trunk cable break. Leaves me wondering what will be next. The drive train is about the only positive so far, as the motor runs smooth and the auto trans shift smoothly. But for how long is the ??