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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  not good in wet and snow - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By leon - December 18 - 9:50 pm

  Prius is only good during dry weather and gives 45+ mpg average. During the last 2 winter season I always get worried I may not make it home because on uphill it would not make it. I always have to make a detour to reach home. In rainy or wet road -- slippage, the sensor get crazy. How come other small cars can make it on uphill with snow? Do I have to replace the tires that are more responsive to wet and snow? But these are the recommended tires for this car. I only have 21,000 miles to date. This is fun to drive but only on a dry road but not good on wet and snowy road of New Jersey.

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  Basic Meh! Transportation - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Mon Bazou - December 18 - 8:46 pm

  A great but noisy commuting car with no style, requiring rustproofing and following a maintenance schedule to ensure its advertised reliability, particularly in snowy and salty climates. Mine came with a 1.6 liter engine and 3-speed slushy automatic with lockup that engages only at 48 mph. Merging onto highways a major challenge. Engine dies with a full load of friends going up steep hills and struggles when passing on the highway. Fuel economy is disappointing due to lack of gear ratios and overdrive. At more than 60 mph the engine runs hard and quickly eats up gas. Most efficient running at 50 to 55 mph. The aging shocks (especially rear shocks) were nice and soft before they broke.

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  Awesome car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Prius2x - December 18 - 6:40 pm

  I think everybody should consider this car. At least ride in one and see all that it can do. Comfortable ride, quiet, great seats and new adjustable-for-height drivers seat (with lumbar support if leather, also heated). Tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Good sound system... wish it had standard iPod connectivity, although it has an Aux input in the console. A great highway cruiser... I feel like Im driving a luxury car!

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  Whats not to like! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By PJC - December 18 - 3:50 pm

  I have always had fast sport cars and performance, quality and style were always important to me but I grew up and gas got expensive so I had to find a car that I could compromise with. The Camry fit that bill. Its not a fast sports car but the 4 cylinder has good performance for what it is. The style is sporty for a 4 door. Its not built like my Mercedes and I dont expect it to be for 45K less but it comes close enough for me to enjoy the car. We just put some nice wheels and tires on the car and that made a big difference in appearance. I now drive the Camry more than my Mercedes because of its fuel economy and I dont mind it a bit, its a fine automobile.

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  Reliable Suv - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Zane Shaffer - December 18 - 8:43 am

  This is our second Toyota and its been just as reliable as our 1st. Our 4runner has 65000 miles on it and the only problem weve had was a shock that went bad. My wife has a job that requires her to get to work, no matter what the weather is doing. Shes drove in 6 inches of snow with blowing and drifting for 15 miles. She had to drive around vehicles stuck in the middle of the highway. She never spun a wheel. Awesome fourwheel drive system!

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  A very fun and reliable SUV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Diego - December 18 - 6:53 am

  Purchased in Nov 2007 and simply love driving my new 2008 RAV4. Im amazed at how agile and fun this thing drives. Its like driving a peppy little sports car that sits high off the ground. The vehicle is well engineered and the traction control and 4wd provide impressive handling in the snow. The only downside I see to the vehicle is somewhat lower mileage than I had hoped for/expected. I get around 23-24 mpg on mixed city/highway driving.

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  Terrific car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Keith Johnson - December 17 - 1:26 pm

  This car is everything they brag it up to be. It is not the prettiest car on the road, but is very roomy and comfortable on the inside. I drive it to get the most milleage, which means no gunning it at a green light and coasting up to a red light. I honestly get 50 mpg and better all of the time. I have only taken it on one road trip and that was from Phoenix to Las Vegas, about 650 miles round trip, I averaged 51.8 mpg on the entire trip. I would recommend this car to everyone.

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  exemplery reliability with super economy - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By dngrfld - December 17 - 11:46 am

  Have driven 19,000 miles per year for 8 years. Got 49 mpg average when I got it, get 47 now, 20% city miles. On freeway I drive 60-70 mph. With a good load such as full of camping gear and suitcases for 2 week holiday, it hugs highway at 75 mph. Excellent emergency stopping at high speeds. Just this week, first thing broke in the interior of car, one sun visor is floppy now. One wheel bearing replaced 6 months ago. Other than that just brakes, rotors and oil changes. Super low maintenance. Just did a total detailing inside and out and am amazed at how good it looks. Quality of interior parts very good. Easy to squeeze into tiny parking spots. I am 60 years old, most reliable car I have owned

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  Trust NOT the warranty!! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Malcolm - December 17 - 7:50 am

  I bought my first Prius this year, a 2016 Mod 3 Touring. So far so good as far as any performance characteristics. However after about 3 weeks I noticed that a small panel on the left front of the car had fallen out. I inspected it and there seemed no damage of any sort, but the panel was gone. I had not in any way done anything that might damage my precious new car (my first in 17 years). I took the car to the Berkeley dealer near my home, depending on Toyotas promise that any Toyota dealer would honor my warranty. The (notably sullen) service manager said "You must have bashed into something!" I protested that I hadnt and pointed out that there was not a scratch anywhere on the car. He inspected the car, checking every inch on or under the exterior and found no evidence at all. Agreeing that there was no evidence of any damage, he then said "You still might have hit something." Then he said "Toyota doesnt cover parts that fall off! Go talk to the Parts Department." I contacted the dealership in San Francisco where I purchased the car. After hemming and hawing for over a week, they essentially said the same thing. They wanted $18.53 for the part plus cost of painting it. The warranty sucks!!

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  Fantastic Avalon XLS - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Mark - December 17 - 3:53 am

  Fantastic Car, tight as the day I bought it. Great gas mileage, quiet, comfortable, reliable. I am looking into buying a new Avalon and giving this to my son. I have had no problems other than new tires, brakes and normal oil changes. Toyota quality at its best. I bought an 03 Highlander based on my experience with this Avalon. Cant think of a better car for the money. If you are looking for a reliable car with no worries I highly recommend an Avalon. My friends comment on how well it rides, how quiet and comfortable it is on long trips. I will have this car in the family for years.