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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  Poor Mileage - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By longtall - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Camry Hybrid, however, I only get around 23 mpg in stop and go situations in the summer. I get about 27 mpg in city driving in the winter. I figure some of it is due to A/C use as I live in the desert, but it seems like everyone gets mpg in the 30s in city driving. I get 39-40 on the highway. I dont have a heavy foot either. Im 72 years old.

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  Nice car but got a lemon - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Nelson - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car inside and out, rides like a sedan, but I got a lemon, 2 weeks after purchase the transfer case had to be replaced, the past 4 months the transmission slips in gears 1 through 3, and the engine stalls while driving less than 5 mph, note its an automatic transmission. Its been in the shop 3 times for the stalling and the transmission, Toyota claims they cant find the problem, looks like I have to consult the lemon law.

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  Dangerous car when windy! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Barry - July 28 - 10:00 am

  We bought the car new and we sold it after 1 year, it was too dangerous on windy days! The car change lane when strong wind! The car is noisy and it cracks in cold temperature (my camry does the same). No mechanical problems. Good mileage. My wife was afraid to drive it in strong winds because the car moves on the road (Toyota knows about it and recommend to install spoilers like the S model at $2,200!

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  Love this car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By SalesMonkey - July 28 - 10:00 am

  As a traveling sales person, I spend a lot of time in the car and I searched for a comfortable vehicle with excellent mileage - and integrated GPS! My Camry meets all the requirements. I routinely get 40 mpg on the highway and if I baby it, I can get the tank average to be 40+. Awesome. I am comfortable on long trips, the JBL audio system is great, and there is plenty of room for my 63" frame and passengers. This vehicle replaced a diesel VW and I was concerned it wouldnt match the mileage, but it has exceeded all of my expectations.

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  Great, Dependable Vehicle - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ben - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 2.7L Tacoma for a little over a year now. Not only does this truck get great gas mileage, but it can handle just about whatever you throw at it. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who needs a reliable, dependable vehicle that is capable as well.

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  Tacoma 08 -- 2 wheel drive - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Swiss - July 28 - 10:00 am

  2008 Tacoma; purchase from Hunt. Bch. Toyota; driven ONLY in Calif. 1) Looks nice; good color; dark blue 2) Interior ;good color, dark gray 3) BAD Mileage; about 13 to 15 freeway 4) BAD Interior; easily dinged plastic 5) BAD Contract with dealership 6) BAD ; bait and switch; alarm sold me expensive/put in junk 7) Toyota motor corp is non responsive mfg is again not doing anything to deal with stalling & mileage & fraud ! Never again> no Toyotas a dangerous vehicle. Stay away from hb Toyota and Toyota products>>

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By A. Hampton - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota and I must say I am pleasantly surprised. The build quality is excellent. The performance is unbelievable! Overall, a great car!

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  Steering Fixed ! TSB - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Vic S - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I have 17,000 miles on the car. At first the STEERING on center wandering was TERRIBLE on long trips over 60mph. Toyota came out with a fix (TSR involved changing the steering computer) and its now a great car. Before that fix I felt Id have to get rid of the car! I also own a 2004 Honda Accord and 2008 Honda Accord (both manual transmissions). The Corolla now drives similar to the Accords, which I very much like. The 1.8L engine is nice with the manual transmission. The manual makes it a JOY to drive. Its NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) is far superior to the civic & NO Kiddy Digital Speedometer. The ride is more like my 04 Accord, which is very good.

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  So far, so good - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By KS - July 28 - 7:53 am

  Overall we are very pleased with the prius, great mpg, comfortable seats, reliable.

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  why toyota why - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By ctmatrix - July 28 - 1:13 am

  Toyota 5 speed matrix owner--- this car is a great care and i will miss her.This toyota is going on her second transmission at 160k, one trans came with the car the second one came from toyata parts dept new. Toyota says no know problems with 5/speed they must not look online,or why do they stock so many in the wharehouse if there is no problem. I can see clutch problems from many driving styles but the trans imploding and the clutch and p plate and throwout bearing are still fine. Toyota you are on your way to being GM---we do not know anything about your problem. The matrix is a great car buy the automatic-- Toyata will not stand behind the 5/speed Car will go 300k or 3 5/speeds why