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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  2012 Corolla LE - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By x76 - April 26 - 10:34 pm

  Surprisingly roomy little car. Nicely styled. Acceleration is adequate but certainly not sporty. This is a very nice little car that has everything you need or want and nothing you dont need.

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  This car is awesome! - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By turtlelady - April 26 - 9:54 pm

  I bought my Corolla in 2009 with just under 72k miles on it. I had a few issues at first but had it VERY thoroughly inspected (every nook & cranny) and found out the issue (the rear brake drums had never been turned), fixed it, and havent had a lick of trouble since. The car currently has 117k miles on it and runs like a dream. It had its first tune-up last summer and that improved the mpg by 4, so now it gets about 36 on the highway. I plan on driving it until it finally dies. Its economical, reliable, mechanically sound, and is just an all-around great car!

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  corolla 2003 Mi personal point of view - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jose Olaizola - April 26 - 5:13 pm

  I like to drive my corolla, its fun to drive and very attractive, mine is red wine, corolla 2003 with sunroof, its a comfortable car. I need more stability in curve The tires 185-65-15 are very high, much better 16 wheels, with stability rear bar and rear brake disc with abs, no drums. brakes are weak.

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  On my 2nd Pruis - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Jim in Wimberley, Tx - April 26 - 2:06 am

  Last week I traded in my 2008 Prius, which had 37,000 miles, for the 3rd generation 2010 model. It handles better, steering wheel is tighter, a smoother ride, no nighttime glare from the front instrument panel, and less road noise. Over my two year ownership of the 2008 Prius, I averaged 45.5 mpg, saved $2550.00 in fuel cost compared to the 20 mpg my old SUV got. Its fun to drive.

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  Great so far - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By MikeGLA - April 26 - 12:06 am

  Picked up the car in Maryland and drove it back to New Orleans 2 weeks ago. Great ride. Very little fatigue on the highway. Drove 500 miles one day and could have driven 800. Great highway cruiser. 32 mpg at average 68 mph through the high hills of VA. Seating supportive but not hard. Passenger seat higher and better than 2008 Accord. No sign of the transmission problem people have complained about, but Im not expecting a Porsche. Manual shift option works fine if you need it. People complain of wind noise and it is noticeable at 75, but thats because theres so little road noise. On the Accord, the road noise would drown it. Only 2,000 miles so far, but Im happy.

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  Too Reliable? - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By 25 yrs Toyota - April 25 - 11:40 pm

  Incredible car! Soft ride, low maintenance, good mileage. Only complaint - after 13 yrs of a gray 86 Camry and 11 yrs of this silver 99 Avalon, I feel the need for a change. Could be midlife issues. I need something bright and irresponsible. But seriously, GREAT CAR! Fits all sizes of people and luggage. Surprisingly good mileage for its size and comfort and I highly recommend it. Thats what makes it hard for me to give up.

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By fj40 - April 25 - 9:50 pm

  Weve had our Camry for a couple of weeks. We enjoy the comfortable, quiet ride. The XLE is very luxurious for a Camry. Back seat has LOTS of room. The V6 has the performance the Camry has been lacking. But, fuel economy is average - we are averaging about 23 mpg with town and some highway driving. I think that may be a consequence of me enjoying the V6 a little to much ;) Controls on the steering column are very convenient. The auto lights feature is nice, but takes some getting used to. Overall, we are very pleased with our new car.

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  Not a bad car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By surman - April 25 - 8:16 pm

  Roomy and comfortable. Fast and maneuverable. Some say its "old peoples car" but its fast, accelerates well. Interior and controls are well laid out.

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  The Best Toyota I Have Ever Owned - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Carole Wilk - April 24 - 8:36 pm

  I get about 20-22 MPG on the road. I installed the back up beeping sound to alert me if anything is in my path. The car has been great!! I love driving it. I have been a Toyota driver for years. This particular Solara has a Lexus look and feel.

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  Compare to 2004 - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cameron - April 24 - 8:33 pm

  Traded my 2004 TRD 4WD for this truck. Feel like completely different trucks. 06 feels/drives much heavier (it is). Despite increase in HP, doesnt feel any faster. Very comfortable, mileage is same on highway as 04 (20-22mpg) worse in city (16mpg or less!) which is very disappointing. Weight and size may mean that it doesnt off-road as well as 04, which was extremely capable. Plastic molding on wheel wells looks like it could damage more easily than on 04. Over-all I feel like they made big improvements on comfort and style but might have taken short cuts on durability. Verdict is still out. If you have an older Tacoma, think hard before trading on this one. its not a compact anymore!