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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  Great Car Until I Lost All of My Oil - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - May 5 - 12:20 am

  The engine oil line (rubber hose) ruptured unexpectedly. I lost all of my oil. The mechanic is hopeful that the engine wasnt damaged. However, this is something that should never happen to a modern car. Toyota may be the new GM/Chrysler. Reliability sells. Unreliability gets you out of the auto business.

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  Best car ever!!! - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By angela45 - May 4 - 10:04 pm

  I had a 2004 MR2 with the SMT that I totaled in 2013 and went shopping for another car. With everything else out there, I finally settled on a 2005 MR2 with the five-speed transmission, and had it shipped it from New Jersey to California. I bought the 2005 because I had never loved driving before I drove the MR2 Spyder! Every Saturday and Sunday, I get in the car and do 60-mile loops just do drive it. Its really that much fun. My husband and kids dont even question it anymore. And Ive owned these for 10 years now! Driving it never gets old!

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  Good all purpose green SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rose - May 4 - 8:40 pm

  I bought my Hybrid Highlander when it had 10000 miles on it. I am a little disappointed with the gas mileage - 25-27 mpg. regardless of city or highway driving. Certainly that is better than the 17 mpg the previous minivan got, but I was expecting mid-30s. The blind spots are bigger for a shortie like me than I would expect from such an otherwise well-designed car. I drove a 2008 model though and that one is too big and the blind spots are worse- couldnt even see approaching cars at intersections due to the huge side mirrors. Also, this vehicle is very safe. I was rear ended by a drunk driver while I was stopped. The Highlander sustained rear end damage but my passenger and I were absolutely unhurt. We could feel my car absorb that huge impact.

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  A mixed opinion... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Leafie - May 4 - 7:26 pm

  Beautiful ride. Crappy tires. On my fourth set. Needed them at 18000 39000 60000 and I know I will be ready for new ones soon. Brakes and calipers went in less than 2 years. Couldnt get in with Toyota, got in somewhere else and they wouldnt warranty it. Had 2 radiators, both under warranty. Driver and passenger doors stick and wont open sometimes. God awful sound coming from front tire, like a rotation sound. Got belts replaced for serpentine and squeal really bad. I love the ride and the comfort, but the little stuff kills you. Happy with the ride for the most part. Tires were huge issue. People who design them blame Toyota and Toyota doesnt do anything about it

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Todd - May 4 - 5:56 pm

  A very good overall vehicle. Has a great ride, is unusually quiet, and has good engine performance. A solid all-around in-town car that can also go out on the open road. Good leg room and head room for four 6+ adults/kids and still have room for your stuff or more little ones. We like the exterior look, but have to admit the hybrid drive is the wow factor. Friends will all want a ride and will ask a ton of questions about it. MPG is within the ranges listed.

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By radu - May 4 - 5:26 pm

  This is a nice looking car, it looks somehow like a sports car. But donÂ’t get misled. The Yaris driving is less inspired than many others. Driving position is simply wrong: the steering is too far for taller drivers compared with any other car on the market, therefore driving pleasure and feeling are much reduced. Good front visibility but dangerous blind spots on the sides. Excellent build quality, however the paint chips easily. Very poor clutch conception, hard to engage smoothly or quickly, automatic transmission itÂ’s a must for this car. Gas mileage is less than expected, especially in city driving.

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  2nd Time Sienna Owner - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By rkNE - May 4 - 4:56 pm

  We live in New England. AWD was important to us in purchasing this van. Also the crash test results and the awesome reliability record of this van was the deciding factors for us. The gas mileage is not the best, as noted by several reviewers here. But you have to consider that this is a large vehicle with a large V6 engine AS WELL AS AWD option. The AWD adds 2 or 3 hundred pounds to the weight of the vehicle. The gas mileage will suffer. If you want higher mileage, you can go with the FWD option, or get a smaller vehicle. The vehicles drives beautifully, it has a tighter turning radius than most mid-size sedans, it is relatively quiet on the road, and handles well for a minivan.

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  Worth the money - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Brad - May 4 - 11:40 am

  Well built car, excellent mileage and decent standard features. plenty of room and comfortable car. Toyota improve your steering please, its awful. Get better brakes too and give some more low end power to your 1.8. who puts the clock down by the shifter? other than that i strongly suggest buying one.

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  Premature strut & brake wear - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By BLACKDOG - May 4 - 11:03 am

  40800 miles Camry LE 4cyl 5A has been awesome. Just had tires rotated, all four struts leaking significantly and rear brake pads down to 2mm. All struts and rear brakes need replacement. Something is wrong, 4 struts go all at once, at 40000 miles and rear brakes shot? Front brakes usually are replaced twice before rears. Called Toyota Experience, very nice but said it was my problem, out of warranty. Should I question Toyota longevity and unwillingness to stand behind their product??? Toyota is aware of premature rear brake wear and leaking struts. They have issued TSBs. Right not I am not sure if I will go back to Honda.

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  Best small car ever - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Henry - May 4 - 7:23 am

  Just drove 440 miles to Rocklin, ca. from orange county ca. What fun, 34.0 to 36.4 MPG and handled great at 80 mph with new Michelin tires. I bought this 2008 used with 27600 miles and its like new. If you are thinking of a Corolla just drive one, I am 510" tall and fit perfect in it. You may pay a little more for this car but well worth the $$...