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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  Poor fit and finish - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By tdaprez - December 24 - 3:50 pm

  The fit and finish is not close to the Toyotas I have owned in the past. I have gap differences of more than 3.2mm side to side. The paint has a lot of "orange peel." Toyotas position is that they are all the same and the Tacomas have "textured paint, since that is the type of paint they use." When was the last time you heard "texture and car paint" used in the same sentence? Make sure you check the fit and finish very carefully before you buy, since Toyota will provide no help after the sale.

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  Great Luxury Sports Coupe - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By GK in Canada - December 24 - 2:43 pm

  Purchased the SLE V6 3 months ago, and loving it thus far. The car is very refined, quiet and responsive. The stereo has a very full deep sound which is highlighted because the exterior noise level is low. Steering is light but responsive. I have not had any problems yet and dont expect to experience major issues as Im banking on Toyotas reputation on build quality and reliability. I highly recommend this vehicle for those looking for something sporty but refined (without having to break the bank). Gas mileage is not great and it really needs premium gas. Toyota manual indicates regular gas, but for improved performance, a higher grade can be used. Truth is premium is required.

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  Smart Choice - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By ahjok - December 24 - 5:28 am

  We have owned 2012 SE V6 for about a month, traded in a 2004 Lexus RX 330 which was the best car we have ever owned. We looked at a new RX 350 before deciding on the Toyota. Heres why: The Highlander is larger than the RX inside and out and has more legroom and cargo space. It is less stylish, but for about $8 grand less we decided we could live without the Lexus badge on the hood. The Toy has great power, decent if somewhat numb handling, and were averaging 21 MPG in town, 24 MPG highway. The ride is very, very smooth with just a bit of jiggliness on the interstate. Very pleased overall.

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  Yes and No to a decent "car" - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By wld8hrt - December 24 - 5:16 am

  After only a couple of days the brakes started to squeak. The dealer replaced the brakes today so well see. The interior is very nice and well laid out (certainly one of Toyotas better looks). The exterior... boring, unoriginal but not bad. Rides a little rougher than it should. Not been able to get avg MPG past 19.3 but working on it. Climate control works well and I love the push to start button. Overall power is not bad and the brakes are very responsive. The rear door seems to be very picky as to when it wants to open for you but that is probably just a learning curve. No USB???? Annoying oversite! Bluetooth streaming works well but often needs resetting. Cruise buttons hard to find, see.

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  Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tami Spencer - December 23 - 11:23 pm

  I was looking for a smaller SUV, having previously owned Suburbans. The room in the Sequoia is great and with the three seats, any place you sit you have a lot of room, unlike my Suburban.

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  200k, The Most Reliable Car I Have Ever Owned - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By pmireland44 - December 23 - 9:44 pm

  The V-6 is very quick with more HP than most 60s Muscle Cars. I have personally put 200k on the clock from day one and the only repairs so far were wheel bearings and Struts at 150K. It didnt even need brakes until 90K! Still has the original battery. Oil changed every 5K. 25mpg in mixed driving and 31mpg on long trips. Everything still works, the interior has held up well (four kids). The paint has seemed to chip a bit easy but I have been on many 500 mile plus trips through the NW in winter. I have no intention of replacing this car before 300K.

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  Excellent! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By w. Gross - December 23 - 4:06 pm

  Ive owned Avalons since 1995. For the money, its the best car made. The difference between the Avalon and the Lexus 430 is $30,000, but the qualitys the same. Ive never figured out why Toyota doesnt push it more.

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  People who dont like this car have never owned one! - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By mani_o - December 23 - 8:29 am

  I considered all the usual suspects before my purchase- Accord, Sonata, mazda6, Optima, Altima and one by one they all fell off the list and the Camry was left because of its comfortable interior, quality and good looks. I bought a 13 White Camry SE and everyone said this car looks great. My friends and family look the interior and say the outside looks good with sporty lines. Do not listen to the haters! Im glad they are talking so much smack about how "dull and boring" it is. Well for the people who drive BMWs and Porches everyday you might be able to complain. You have got to be really spoiled not to like this car. I got the car i could afford and for the money this is the best!

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  11 years and going strong - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By njohnsonga1 - December 23 - 8:19 am

  I have had this car for 11 years and 217,960 miles. I drive a lot. This car has never broken down on me and never had any major mechanical issues. I have always gotten the oil changed on time and kept up with things such as new brakes, tires, ect. I have never had any issues with it, and if I could buy the exact same car again I would.

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  So disappointed and terrified! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Uilleand - December 23 - 1:40 am

  I LOVED my 2009 Venza until two days ago, when the accelerator stuck. Even in park, the engine revved so high that smoke poured out from my hood until I turned off the ignition. After 40 minutes of blocking traffic because I was too terrified to turn my car on again, the car was towed to a local Toyota dealer. Now, because their technicians are unable to reproduce the incident, theyre telling me its the fault of my car mats and nothings wrong with the Venza. The recalled Camrys get an accelerator override system that simply cuts the accelerator when the brake is applied. Why cant they do that??