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:

• 

  First Toyota - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By 1st time buyer - March 19 - 8:56 pm

  I did some research and have to say I got what I paid for. Bought mine on August and so far no problems. Love the stability and the mileage so far. Handles well and I feel in control and secure. Had a Nissan before that lasted 10 years and I hope to keep this car for at least the same amount of time. I do however have had issues with the paint job, bird droppings have caused the paint to kind of melt. My Nissan had 10 years and never showed that kind of wear for the bird droppings. Also the front and rear seats could have more space and placed higher. Overall I give it a 88 on a 100 scale.

• 

  Fuel Economy Disappointing - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Kay - March 19 - 3:00 pm

  Let me state right off that I really love this car. It is easy to drive and performs well. I am somewhat disappointed in the city driving fuel economy. I expected at least 60 MPG driving in the city and havent reached nearly that economy. In NH we have hilly terrain and Im lucky to get 48 MPG driving around town. Highway MPG seem to be around the 55 MPG promised. I love the display that tells you what economy youre getting. It helps you realize fast starts are not the answer and improves your driving habits. Maybe Ill get there yet!

• 

  love my toyota - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Lowell Rostvit - March 19 - 2:56 pm

  Have owned two Toyotas. The first one was a cresita (not sure if spelled right) which was not too comfortable but a great built car. My second one is a 2014 XLE with the 4 cylinder. It now has 12500 miles and have had no problems with it. I find it very comfortable and love to take it on trips. I drove the 6 cylinder which had more power then I needed. The four cylinder has plenty power even in the mountains of Colorado. I really like the manual automatic which I use a lot. I was really surprised how good it does on gas. The lowest I ever got was 32mpg and the best was 45mpg. But it consistently gets about 38mpg. I would recommend this car to anyone

• 

  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike Barrett - March 19 - 2:36 pm

  Thought about buying a Ford F150, and am glad I didnt. This is a great truck and gets looks from everyone, fun to drive and great for hauling our boat. Would recommend TRD package. Toyota quality - enough said!!

• 

  Another positive review - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By George Roland - March 19 - 12:36 pm

  Ive been very happy with my 02 Prius. Good resale value! Its now 7 years old and running superbly. My MPG has been an average of 38 in the winter and 42 in the summer. This car really has to be serviced at the dealer. I went to Jiffy Lube for a radiator flush, and though they insisted they used the right fluid, they didnt and my car broke down. I had to replace the coolant reservoir ($600). My only other repair still needs to be done: the navigation system stopped working due to an electrical failure. All the other features of the display work (audio, trip computer, avg MPG, etc) The nav can be repaired for $600 refurbished or $4000 new but I think I will just buy a tomtom.

• 

  Big improvement from the 2010 model - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeffrey Dosdall - March 19 - 5:48 am

  I traded in my 2010 Tacoma for the 2016 model year mainly for the improved gas mileage. The 2010 was 14 - 15 around town and 21 on the highway. Im seeing 19.5 around town ang got 26.7 for a 2 hour highway trip at 65 mph. The 2016 is quieter, smoother and better handling. BTW I got 20 K for a trade in on my 2010 that I paid 26900 for so Im expecting this 2016 to also hold its value extremely well.

• 

  suits my needs - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By stella mason - March 19 - 4:29 am

  fine little car - little maintenance, gets me where I want to go.

• 

  hesitates, cant be fixed - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By matus - March 19 - 3:00 am

  after 18 months I still cant trust this vehicle to accelerate when I step on the gas. It takes too long to shift, double shifts and hesitates. Ive had to change the way I drive so I dont get slammed into. Interior space usage is not very efficient. Buyers remorse. Toyota, after three trips to dealership says theres nothing wrong with it.

• 

  Not a minivan person - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By NB - March 19 - 12:50 am

  I did not want a minivan. I had a 12 year old Tacoma on big tires and I LOVED it. With the upcoming hope of a 2nd child, my husband convinced me to get a minivan. I am a convert - this van is awesome and the convenience factors outweigh any cares I have of what anyone thinks about me because I drive a minivan! This Sienna is a dream to own, a dream to drive, a dream just to go shopping in because all the auto doors are so convenient. Its roomy and comfortable inside, sometimes I ride in the 2nd row seats just because theyre so comfy. Weve already taken a 4 day road trip with the toddler and dog and it was a great way to travel! The front row passenger seat lays almost flat to sleep in.

• 

  Love the Echo! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Echo in Maine - March 18 - 5:30 pm

  I bought my Echo new in 02. Ive had NO problems or repairs since I bought the car. My friends and family (all SUV owners) snickered when I originally bought the car. Im the one laughing now with the gas mileage I get and with gas prices climbing to what they are. A great value in this car!