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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  Best car ever - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By frenchofva - March 19 - 3:20 pm

  Outstanding vehicle, my favorite car that I have ever owned. We now own two Prius cars and plan to by the Camry Hybrid. Lifetime mileage 49.9 MPG. Have kept detailed records for life of car. Summer mileage 50 - 55, and winter mileage 43 - 48. Drove from DC to Montreal on one tank!

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  Okay I guess - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By barbian7 - March 19 - 4:16 am

  As far as exterior design, nothing beats it--its a cute car. But the power just wasnt there. My mom drives a 4-cylinder Ford sedan that seems to have far better power. It was really sluggish up hills. And the fuel economy really wasnt there either, surprisingly. It was reliable in terms of service though. I only recently had an engine light come on, and then a report came out that said it might just be a glitch. I traded it before I found out. For me the worst feature was interior noise. It didnt seem insulated or something-- just wasnt really smooth in that respect. Overall just really a so-so experience for me. I doubt Ill even buy a Toyota again.

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  Disappointed with MPG - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By MCD - March 19 - 1:06 am

  I am leasing a 2006 Highlander Hybrid. Im in second year; took car for service for poor MPG, averaging 16.8 MPG city/highway for 800+ miles. I was told that it is what I should expect! At 26K I am averaging 21.4 MPG in city. The battery immediately reverts to gas. The service dept. said nothing could be done and that other Highlanders were getting similar MPG. This is not acceptable! The sticker indicates 31 miles city and 27 miles highway. I wrote to Toyota-their reply: MPG sticker quotes are generated under controlled testing conditions for EPA and so I should bring it in for servicing. Fuel efficiency is influenced by many variables: tire pressure, weather, fuel additives, etc.

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  One truck to beat - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By JC - March 18 - 4:53 pm

  I looked around and it did not take me long to make a decision in buying this vehicle. I have encountered the same difficulty in clearing my leg from the steering wheel when entering the cabin but in general, Toyota you have come a long way in design and performance in this category. Fuel mileage should improve.

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  Rav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Debi - March 18 - 3:16 pm

  I just love my new Rav4. It is so fun to drive. The get up and go is great. I can get to 80 real fast. It is a smooth ride and I think it is so cute. There is plenty of leg room in the front and back seat. It really has more room than my Nissan Quest did as far as leg room. I know Toyota is a good product because this is the fifth one I have had.

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  Loved it till it snowed... - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Karen - March 18 - 4:06 am

  I love the Venza and drive it 100 miles a day back and forth to work. I loved it til the snow came.....it cannot handle hills of any kind with the Bridgestone tires it was sold to me with. The car stopped, slid, fishtailed everywhere. I consider myself a very good driver (never had an accident or ticket for that matter!). I was very disappointed not to mention lost confidence in driving the car in the snow. Thank God I have a Suburban too. I will try again but I need to purchase snow tires instead of the all- season i bought it with. Be careful in the snow...especially if your driving up/down mountains!

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  Towing converter - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ray Rounds - March 17 - 7:33 pm

  I love my Tacoma; its fun to drive and I think it gets better gas mileage than rated on freeway driving. The styling is the greatest and the power is great. I probably would get better street mileage if I kept my foot out of it, but I love the power response.

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  Not the mileage I expected - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Florence Geller - March 17 - 11:13 am

  I only have 1,700 miles on the car. Love it, but not getting the milage I was told I would get. So far getting between 35 & 40 miles per gallon. The car is awesome, but would like getting better mileage since this is the reason I purchased this car.

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  I Am Loving It!!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Debbie - March 17 - 7:10 am

  I love my new Avalon! I had previously owned a 1996...and they have only improved the style, comfort & price. I love the ride and the way it handles... a lot of car for the price!!! Go tes tdrive one...I bet you will be sold on it just as I was!!! I especially like the sporty all leather look of my Touring model.

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  Wow, nice job, Toyota - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By ryecatcher - March 17 - 3:51 am

  This is my initial review of a 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Touring model, after three days of driving it. I love this car. Its huge – about the size of the Jaguar XJ VDP s/c it replaced, with a bigger trunk, too. Its the quietest car Ive ever driven, too. How Toyota coaxes 40 mpg out of this size car, and still makes it scoot, is a mystery. Its got gobs of low-down electric torque. Even though 0-60 is around 8 seconds, real-world it feels much quicker than that. In-gear passing is stupendous – no waiting for engines or turbos to spool up, just mash the throttle and watch the mph climb. Styling: all subjective, of course, but I like the new design. Has a bit of Audi A7 in the rear.