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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  Pleasantly surprised with the 2012 over the 2011 - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By chipl - September 4 - 8:18 pm

  Was bargain shopping for a 2011 at a Tysons VA dealer last week. They dissed me on the trade and said to take it to Carmax for the trade. So headed to Laurel MD and glad I did! The 2012 is so much nicer inside than the 2011. Add to that $3900 better on my trade-in! Things people complain about, road noise, the stereo, and such - just arent there in my opinion. The ride/noise is as nice as my old 2003 Baja, maybe better at times except under very hard acceleration. Loving the CVT transmission, such smooth driving; but find myself needing to watch the speedometer more to be sure I am not speeding.

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  236,000 Miles and Counting - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By John - September 4 - 5:43 pm

  I bought this car new and added a trailer hitch for towing. Im using a 5,000 mile oil change schedule and change the air filter regularly. It has 236,000 miles on it and runs like it did when it was new. I have no idea how long I should expect to wait before I can get a new car! It still has the original clutch, even with me pulling a trailer now and then. I have replaced one tie rod that had a little play in it, and an oxygen sensor. Currently the check engine light is on so an oxygen sensor is probably out again.

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  Decent car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Jason - September 3 - 6:23 pm

  As a previous Matrix owner I had certain expectations for the new model. My previous was a 2005 XR, my new model is the larger motor S with a 5 speed auto. The new model has much better pickup and feels more confident on the road. The downside to this is the fuel economy is lackluster. My best mileage when all highway miles was just at 30 mpg. My old matrix I averaged 30 overall with a lot of city driving, and had more than a few 36 mpg tanks. So far after only 5800 miles Ive averaged 23 mpg with this car. For comparison, my old V6 Oldsmobile Alero got better mileage. Im very disappointed in the fuel economy of the larger engine, I keep my tires inflated properly and drive conservatively.

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  Side View Mirrors - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Marcia - September 2 - 9:54 am

  The side view mirrors are so large that they block my view of the curbs and cars on a round-a-bout. Im a petite woman so that makes it a lot worse. I side-swiped two cars because I could not see to the side of me. I am trading this car in with only 2000 miles.

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  I am proud to own this one. - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By bigney - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I work with guys that have driven a gazillion miles in their tacomas with little or no problems which is why I bought this one. Ive only ridden 15000 miles in it yet but theyve all been enjoyable. Had so fun on the beach watching others get stuck. It feels tight and rugged. I wouldve gotten the V6 if I couldve sprung the cash at the time.

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  Good Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By thebelltolls - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a fine car for most everyday commuting and long distance travel. Have had no problems with it since we bought it new. Had a small problem at first with the speedometer lens developing a crazing. Gas mileage could be better in city driving. Handles very well in snow and ABS is great in icy conditions. Console layout is not the best and would prefer a column shift. Roomy though.

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  Misery - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By The Miami Driver - September 1 - 10:13 pm

  I purchased my car in mid 1998. Everything started going good, until the year 2002. My transmission has failed twice, leaving me broke and stranded. My gasket is always leaking no matter how much I get it replaced. The window motors hesitate to go up or down. The driver door handle broke on the outside, which means I have to get wet in the rain or do extra work to open the door from the back. Not to mention I had it fixed twice. To add to my misery, the passenger door can not open from the inside, causing the passenger to put the window down with my hesitant motors. The interior is falling apart, but I only average about 5,000 miles a year!

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  2 Years with the Rav - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyotanot - August 31 - 1:46 pm

  Noticed that many have only had their cars for 2 months and are extremely pleased. Had mine for 2 years so heres a real review. Fit and finish, build are very good. I have the base 4WD. Handles great in the snow. The only thing I would improve on is the mileage. I get 22 city/hgwy. After 2 years am bored looking at it. Am waiting for something a little more sporty, that gets better mileage. Am sure Ill plenty to choose from, then Ill say bye bye Rav.

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  Toyota Avalon A good car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By mholi - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Avalon in 2000 with 8,000 miles on it. I was impressed by the smooth ride and the comfort of this vehicle. Two tall adult 6 fit in the back seat comfortably and three adults can fit in the back seat with no problem. I had to have my brakes replaced several times. Overall if given the choice I would buy the avalon again. I have taken several trips and the smooth comfortable ride makes the avalon a good choice. Would I would buy another avalon in the next few years? Definitely if the brakes were better. If the brakes are not better I may make a different choice.

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  brakes lousy - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By grego - August 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a good car, but the brakes are hard. My wife brought back to dealer and they adjusted the rear brakes at a cost of $35. Same problem. I complained that they charged my wife for work that should not have been needed. They would not remove the charge and the brakes still suck. Last week I drove the car and the rear brakes are making clunking sounds now.