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:

• 

  Great Redesign - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Colorado Driver - August 24 - 7:00 am

  The truck fit and finish are awesome. Nice interior and easy to read displays. Cant seem to get my iphone 6 to stay integrated with texting application (have set it up each trip). Heated seats are cozy, and generally, the ride is good. Ive also experienced the poor engine/6-speed auto-transmission power. Truck doesnt do well in mountains or in traffic. Theres a significant power dead spot at 30mph, where the transmission seems to be in 5th gear (of 6) and engine at only 1,000 rpm, so no power to maneuver in traffic. Its not a sports car, but a Toyota software update on shift points is needed, IMHO. Ive found using the manually controlling the -speed automatic transmission is a workaround. Overall, a great truck. It just needs a fix to address the lack of power.

• 

  MPG - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By footloose - August 24 - 2:13 am

  I have been keeping careful records of my fuel consumption. My calculations have been about 3 mpg less that what the cars computer says. It may say 50.3 mpg but when I do the math I am only getting about 47 mpg.

• 

  Known problem with fuel injectors - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Sue - August 23 - 8:50 am

  At 68K engine started missing and running rough. Took van to dealership & was told it was "bad NY gas" that clogged up the fuel injectors so we needed new ones. Took van to independent garage and they showed us a Toyota TSB concerning a design problem with the injectors and they had to be replaced. These were "special" injectors fromToyota that retailed for $150 each and we needed 6.

• 

  Why did I wait so long - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By jb - August 22 - 7:30 am

  I was always intrigued by this car but living in the Northeast didnt think it was very practical to buy. What a mistake. I LOVE driving now. Cant wait for spring to fire it up again and hit the road. It is a blast to drive. Its like the go-cart you had as a kid... on steriods! Toyota quality at a great price!

• 

  My 2011 Camry - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By John Harrod - August 22 - 5:10 am

  I just traded my 2011 Camry for a 2014 Camry, didnt care for the appearance of the 2015.I drove the 2011 for 60,000 miles with no repairs, just maintance an a new set of tires.I was very satisfied with this car.

• 

  Great car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Johanna - August 22 - 4:46 am

  Like the car. You have to push it thru corners though, not a natural feel. Nice interior, very roomy. Average 27 mpg. Good trunk space. Drove in northern Vt. this winter and handled well on all-seasons . Nice surprise.

• 

  2007 Toyota Highlander Ltd Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Annie Mouse - August 21 - 8:06 pm

  The reason we chose this car over the Lexus SUV hybrid was the cargo size. The nav system is primitive and not user friendly, works sort of, the passenger seat doesnt have adjustable lumbar support so on long trips gets tiresome. The good part is fuel efficiency and room for all kinds of stuff including kids, pets, groceries, plants and necessities of life especially on long trips. The third seat is a waste in my opinion. For our particular needs, the car fits the bill. Of all the hybrids out there with cargo room this is in my view the best choice and nicely appointed.

• 

  Expect great gas mileage for the RAV4 XLE AWD - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By baby boomer - August 21 - 7:27 pm

  Husband has owned Toyota trucks for 20 years. We averaged 27 mpg on a 2000 mile trip through Colorado and New Mexico, with several mountain passes. It gets the job done! Our RAV has 21,000 miles now and its great for everyday use. Bought it for the AWD for winter weather. It handles very well in snowy slippery streets. Disappointed it only had one car charger for our cell phones and garmin, plus the 1 usb port. Our first long trip was a 12 hour drive to south Texas this spring. That was when we realized the seats felt terrible. I drove 2 Honda Civics for 100K+ miles each and never felt the discomfort/pain that we have with this suv. When the opportunity comes, Im going back to driving a Honda.

• 

  2011 Going Strong - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By butler83 - August 21 - 2:29 am

  Ive owned this car several months after purchasing it from a family member who loved it. Its started all winter and handled well in the snow. The gas mileage is very good and it is an easy car to drive and enjoy. You cant go wrong with this car if you are looking for basic transportation.

• 

  Great all around car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mr.D - August 20 - 10:00 am

  Great car if your looking for safety, reliability, and comfort. Although edmunds says its a bit overpriced I disagree 100%. The safety, mpg, and overall feel make it well worth your money.