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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  Great Mileage, Comfort & Performance - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By tap777 - June 26 - 8:56 pm

  I went to the local dealership to buy the new 2007 Camry. However, they would not discount the car and they were offering $5k off on the 2006 Avalon. I test drove all versions of the Camry, and am replacing a 2001 Maxima SE. THIS CAR IS SO MUCH BETTER! I commute 120 miles a day. The car is very comfortable, has plenty of power and I am AVERAGING 26 MPG (75% hwy & 25% city). I have been as high as 28.5 on the highway. I also noticed that it is much quieter inside. I heard the GPS was not good so I purchased a car without it.

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  The joy of steering - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By PN - June 26 - 10:20 am

  Got the car on the last day of 2009 for two reasons: needed a new car asap since my car was totaled, and wanted to avail of the sales tax credit for 2009. Car is okay, very bland people transporter, but the great gas mileage makes up for it. Complained to dealer after two weeks from purchase about "wandering steering"-not sure if it was related to tires, alignment or the steering system. Dealer tells me they have never heard of this complaint and to bring it back later if problem persists so they can check. And now here is Toyota claiming the Corolla steering MAY have some problems. Fun times ahead for all of us new Toyota owners.

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  great car but engine questions - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By edmundscars5 - June 26 - 9:51 am

  Engine is the only questions. 60,000 miles and a valve spring busted. this was in 2012 and cost $3,400 to fix. Now in December 2014 with 81,000 miles its a leak in the timing cover, the oil pan, and the rack and pinion. Estimate cost to all is about $3,580. At some point you lose trust in a car. Everything else about the car has been great.

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  I beg to differ with you on this one - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Hank J - June 26 - 9:26 am

  I love the car and most people who ride in it are plesently surprised at the roominess, comfort and gas mileage. Until we can get some of the more stylish small cars from Europe, I will continue to enjoy my Echo. When its paid off, I will keep it for just commuting to work and get something else for show.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By boulder yoga - June 26 - 7:33 am

  Surprising power in the mountains for such a small car. Very comfortable too. The basic sound system was also better quality than we expected. Our video gamer teenage son loves driving it to see how much better he can do on gas mileage than his parents. Overall, so far, we are really happy with our purchase and would recommend it to anyone.

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  SR5 4WD V6 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By EPad3 - June 26 - 6:00 am

  Shopped around. 4Runner may be the perfect SUV. Pretty sure it will climb vertical walls, leap tall buildings, etc. Built like a tank, but makes pleasant purring sounds when I put my foot in it to pass. 3rd row useless for adults, but great for occasional kid carting.

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  limited? - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By randyr - June 26 - 3:13 am

  i enjoy the smoothness of the ride. I really hate that bouncy typical suv feel. i have always driven a honda, from a civic to the accord. now its time to move up to an suv. i didnt like the honda pilot b/c it felt like a truck. so i thought id try the highlander b/c of its car-like feel. i wish there were more standard features for toyotas limited class like memory seats, illuminating side panel buttons, a station display somewhere on the navi system or anywhere, deeper cup holders (sharp turns are a disaster!) over-all i like the highlander, but i guess i was expecting a little more.

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  What fun! - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By mbjb - June 26 - 3:10 am

  With all the features of a race car, this car handles like a dream. The shift buttons on the steering wheel make this blue 6-speed sequential easy to drive when you need to have a sip of your coffee or grab your hat! I also own a red 2004 5-speed manual and the only thing I find different is the red one gets more questions about what kind of car Im driving when stopped at a red light!

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  2012 HIGHANDER 2.7L i-4 w/ integrated Nav - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By bigdave5 - June 26 - 2:17 am

  Purchased this vehicle in October 2011. Now have 27,500 miles on it and still love it as much as the day I first purchased it. Gas milage averages 23/24 around town and 26/27 on the highway. NO other SUV in this size and class gets that kind of milage. I dont need all the fancy upgrades such as leather and power seats. All I wanted was the integrated Nav systems which does a good job for the most part. It has all the power/pep I need for living in big flat Florida! I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Great car. Amazing ride quality and comfort. - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By vijayk - June 26 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car 2 months ago as so far, I love it. Road noise is almost zero and the ride quality is great.The first thing anyone notices about this car is how quiet it is. The front grill has been redesigned for this model and it does look like an acura from some angles. Build I have been getting an average of 38 mpg on highways and local roads combined and it is pretty good considering that the temperature here in kansas city has been hovering in the high 30s since I bought the car. I expect it to get a little more mileage once the weather gets warmer. Accelerating is not mind-blowing but if one turns off eco-mode the car does start jumping.