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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  Awesome Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By S - December 4 - 10:00 am

  My 99 Camry has 285,000 miles on it. Nothing has been done to it except regular maintenance like the timing belt and oil change. It still has the original motor and engine. Im looking for other cars in case this one just break down but so far Ive havent had any problems! I had this care since 99 and I LOVE it. The speakers are great and nothing is more reliable. Toyota needs to go back to making cars like they did in 1999!

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  Lovin the Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Bobbi Jones - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This little car is out performing the gas mileage that its supposed to get! Im averaging 36.8 to 38.5 miles to the gallon! Thats the AVERAGE! Its helping to make the payments with the money that Im saving. Its cute, fun to drive. If I had to list a negative, Id say the light gas pedal wont support the weight of my foot and you notice it on a long trip if you dont have cruise control. Not too much else, Im happy with my purchase!

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  Not so great. Read this review. - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Centrist49 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Lots of rattles while driving. Also, if you want another "key" the dealer charges $300 (yes, three hundred). MPG is great, right at 50 MPG. Has Toyotas cheap, cheap carpet and floor mats. Youll want to buy something to put on top of either or expect worn out, thread bare mats/carpet. Maintenance costs are astronomical (good thing you save on fuel cost to pay for any maint. required). Also, road noise will drown out radio at 60+ mph.

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  Great Value - except Tires - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By B Whitcomb - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in 2008, now have 50,000 without any mechanical problems. Could not have better reliability. Performance is outstanding even towing a boat (16 MPG) I have never gotten less than 19 MPG in town and up to 26 MPG on the highway at speeds of 70+ MPH. Original tires very poor replaced at 33,000 with Briggestone, so far so good. OEM tires were worthless day "1" with hydroplaning the rule not the exception. The interior is comfortable and well laid out. My only problem with the vehicle is my own doing. I tow a 4000 LB boat. It tows with great stability at 16 MPG. The problem is getting up the wet boat ramp with FWD. If you tow opt for the AWD

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  Very Pleased with Purchase and Dealer - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Paula - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Have owned car for a week. Researched and test drove five different makes and models before narrowing choice to a Camry. Very pleased with car overall. Saved myself just slightly over $1000 dollars for driving to Ames as opposed to the Des Moines dealer. No buyers remorse here! Actual fuel economy too soon to say since I have driven about 200 miles thus far.

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  Luxury Car for Moderate Money - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill Fisher - December 4 - 3:20 am

  This car replaced our 2000 Avalon which was stellar. So far the experience is even better with the additional 70 HP compared to the old model and the quieter and more luxurious ride only increases our pleasure. We checked out everything in the price range and nothing came close for the dollar. This thing is whisper quiet, and for my driving style a perfect fit. This is not a sports machine so the handling isnt sports car tight but it is more than adequate for a luxo-mobile. The cabin of the Avalon is a great place to exist and it inspires confidence on the highway or around town. This wasnt my first Avalon and it wont be my last Avalon, I can already tell.

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  LOVE This Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jay Barz - December 3 - 9:53 pm

  I love this car! Ive only had it for about 10 days but look forward to driving it every day. I love construction zones now! Can set the cruise control at about 27 mph and run on nothing but the electric engine, (sorry everyone behind me). I love shutting it off after driving and getting the "Excellent" rating. Im still trying to figure out the optimal mpg way to drive it and having lots of fun. Its nice to be able to wait in front of my kids school for 15 minutes for them to get out and be able to run the a/c in 90 degree temp. and not use any gas or emit any polution. This is a great family car, safe, reliable, great mpg, and low emissions. This is my 2nd Camry, first was 2002.

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  Completely satisfied - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Leo - December 3 - 8:30 pm

  The mileage on my car is over 60K miles, not a single problem so far. Very satisfied. With a manual transmission Im getting on average 35 mpg, which helps with the current gas prices.

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  save the planet & your cash - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ron - December 3 - 5:30 pm

  Who ever thought that being green would be this easy?! My 04 Prius is sexy looking and fun to drive. I get combined ~45mpg and the car is roomy and comfortable.

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  Our third Highlander - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Sders - December 3 - 10:25 am

  Our third Highlander! They just keep getting better and better. My only complaint is the complexity of the electronics. We shall probably get used to that, too.