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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  Fun, Hot Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shirley Sawyer - June 20 - 2:46 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my Solara Convertible. Whenever I drive it with the top down, without fail, I get a positive comment from someone in a parking lot or at a stop light. I love the great take off power and the bonus of good gas mileage. Coming from the era of fabulous "muscle cars" consider it high praise for my "Hot" Solara. Anyone who wants a fun, reliable car the Toyota Solara convertible is a great choice!

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By BartE - June 20 - 12:10 pm

  We are so happy with our 2005 Avalon Limited. Traveling from AZ to ID we tracked 34 mpg at speeds up to 85mph with plenty of passing power at those speeds. The ride is Avalon all the way, smooth, quiet, and very comfortable. The Limiteds features are amazing as expected on this class of vehicle. Overall, a great car for all traveling needs, city or highway.

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  Rav 4 Consistent reliability - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Keith - June 20 - 8:00 am

  Overall, for the money, the Rav 4 is a great investment. I drive 40,000 miles per year. It has great cargo room, and good flexibility with back seat adjustments. The blue tooth phone is a must. Rides good on the highway with some road noise. Street driving in town can be a rough ride sometimes. The smart key is a big convenience. I average 28.6 mpg overall.

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  Love my new XLE Camry - third one Ive bought - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Jean Macfee - June 19 - 9:29 pm

  Try out your forward facing child car seat to make sure it fits in the back. The rear headrests arent removable in this years model.

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  guess i didnt get luck in toyota - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By zbhunter - June 19 - 8:39 pm

  bought the car with 75k miles on it. 9 months later the engine blew. replaced the engine and 3k miles later while driving home it caught fire in the engine area car was awsome fun to drive very cool interior but man i had bad luck

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  Reliable Runner - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Reliable Runner - June 19 - 6:53 pm

  This was my first non-American auto. It was the best experience of a car since my 1964 Chev Impala. Very dependable which rates very highly with me as a woman driver. Dont like the fact there are no flat surfaces to hold objects and no metal for a magnet to hold msgs or papers to keep in view for use. This car owes me nothing. It is a bit loud on the freeway and not a "smooth as silk" ride, but all in all its been a keeper.

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  First Avalon - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Ann - June 19 - 5:20 pm

  Purchased in April 2010. My first Toyota and hoping the Avalon lives up to its name. At the present I am experiencing a problem with the back window shade. It goes up and down at random times. Have no idea what sets this off. Any suggestions before I take to dealer?

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  Barely average - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By katekebo - June 19 - 5:15 pm

  I have owned the RAV for about one year. I bought it based on previous experience with Toyota vehicles and a good trade-in offer I got from my dealer for my previous car - my net-out-of-pocket on the RAV was ~$2-3k less than other comparable CUVs. After one year of ownership the best I can rate this car is "average". The only real positive is the amount of cargo and passenger space. In every other area the car falls short, especially comparing to competition. Its noisy, has a very stiff and uncomfortable suspension, safety ratings are mediocre (below key competitors), transmission behavior is strange and disconcerting, mileage is OK but not outstanding. Bottom line - just average.

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  Transmission deceleration problems - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Tony Lucci - June 19 - 12:23 pm

  Only Toyotas ever owned and still own are four 1989-1991 Cressidas. Absolutely superb and still running great. Recommended to my son to buy Camry. Bought a 2007 LE 4 cylinder Camry new and transmission shifting between 35 and 45 is deplorable. When decelerating down to 40 car RPM jump up by 1000. I was foolish enough to buy a 2009 Camry 6 cylinder XLE with every option and at 9000 miles the problem my son has with his 4 cylinder is twice as bad with the 6 cylinder. Went to two different dealers for repair and received the same story from both (nothing wrong) and one even charged $40 bucks (car is in warranty). OOOH what a "bad" feeling.

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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Chris K - June 19 - 12:06 pm

  Very happy with our Prius. The mileage is not eactly 60 miles per gallon, but have been getting 50-52 regularly. I hear people complain about this sometimes, but seems rather nit-picky. Im sure if you told me last year that I could get 50 miles per gallon, I would have been estactic.