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:

• 

  Stay Away from 2008 Models - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By chesapeakesun - July 14 - 8:04 am

  Back when the great depression began, Toyota wasnt sure it would survive. So for 2008 and 2009 models, they put ever defective part they could find in their cars. So far, what I have had fail + recalls have been: 1. Braking (recall) 2. Acceleration (recall) 3. Stereo (3 times replaced under warranty - now I am out of warranty and it no longer works) 4. GPS replaced system many times 5. Sun visor (broke in rush hour traffic, dealer service department claimed they never heard of it happening then the recall was issued) 6. Power window recall 7. Locks no longer work (no recall yet) 8. Tires only last 25,000 miles and cost $800 to replace Much more, but no more space to write...

• 

  Poor Quality - Sooo Slow - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CAR REVIEW - July 14 - 4:33 am

  This car is so slow, it takes at least 15-20 seconds to get up to highway speeds of 55+. It is hard to merge into traffic, you can put the gas pedal to the floor and the motor makes loud sounds but the car barely moves forward. The gears shift very rough. The exterior and interior are nice. This is not the Toyota quality I was expecting. With less then 3,500 miles I am very disappointed and will be trading this car soon.

• 

  Great mileage for suv alternative - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By r1114h - July 14 - 2:30 am

  With gas prices soaring, had to trade in my 07 4dr tacoma. Didnt make sense for 50 mile daily commute anymore. Even in Atlanta traffic, I still manage 30-32 mpg with an xr automatic. Granted Im not driving aggressively or rarely top 60 mph. First vacation trip this week with 3 people, luggage, running air & 65-70 mph - got 34.5 mpg. Ive never got under 30 in 3 months of owning so far, beating the window sticker. Still able to pack enough with wagon like features.

• 

  Lexus under Toyota badging - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By JP - July 14 - 12:00 am

  Wow! This cas has it all. Design, luxury, comfort, ergonomics, philharmonic sound system, safety, and ride quality. Mine is Blizzard Pearl, Ivory interior. Be sure to consider optional BBS wheels and rear deck lid spoiler for enhanced curb appeal. Little known Interior Light Package adds a very nice interior hue, at night. Only negative is low in-town mileage. Who cares. Buy one!

• 

  2006 tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By carl - July 13 - 7:53 pm

  Noise in motor like pellet noise when cold sometimes hot when driving 30mph 50mph. Fabric coming apart from drivers seat. Surprised on this seat and noise.

• 

  A in Economics - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Bob - July 13 - 4:40 pm

  Shopped around a number of cars, including hybrids (Toyota Prius and Honda Insight) as well as slightly bigger cars such as Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry. Tough to beat the 2010 Corolla S on value for money. Alloy wheels, sunroof, electric heated mirrors, cruise control, etc. I did the math in terms of fuel consumption and although I really wanted a Prius but the financial numbers just didnt stack up. I am achieving a real world 32 mpg in my commute and 38 mpg highway. The 5 speed manual is very smooth and effective and the 1.8 liter VVTi engine picks up easily under 2,000 rpm if youre in the mood to save even more gas.

• 

  03 Sienna Symphony - great family ride - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Roy - July 13 - 4:06 pm

  Ive owned Sienna since new, lots of miles and no major problems. The vehicle has been serviced regularly, nothing out of the ordinary or short of expectations. Its not as roomy as our previous Caravan but it has NOT been to the dealer for drive train issues inside of 40k either like the Caravan!

• 

  The XLS is a great car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Markal Lincoln - July 13 - 2:43 pm

  The 2006 Avalon is a great car. I test drove many cars before making my decision to purchase the Avalon. I was looking for a larger car, with a more upscale and sophisticated appeal that was under $30,000. My Avalon XLS has it all: Leather seats, JBL Synthesis (booming) sound system, sunroof, sequential shifting, spacious interior, dual power seats, v6, excellent fuel consumption, clean looking dash board thats not cluttered and reclining rear seats. This car also has exceptional speed. If youre not careful, youll be at 100 mph without knowing it. Nice handling for a large car. Sequential shifting really allows one to move quickly.

• 

  New Prius Owner and Loving It - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By nittanyjj - July 13 - 10:56 am

  Love having a Prius - 7 gallon fill ups every 350 miles are a good thing! So far I dont have any complaints about the car - still learning about all the bells and whistles.

• 

  MY Favorite Toy - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Avalon Perkins - July 13 - 2:23 am

  Toyota has really out done themselves when they changed the body style of the 2005 4-Runner. Its more roomy and drives smoother. I like what youve done for me Toyota! :)