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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  A Pretty Great Car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By grooms - March 31 - 5:26 am

  We got this car in late 2006 just as the new 2007s were coming off and got about $3500-$4000 of the sticker price so Id say it was a pretty good deal! The Performance is pretty good; however, it does occasionally take a second for the car to start accelerating after you push the gas causing the car to lurch but it doesnt really happen enough to be a real problem. I also did notice when I was driving the car through a turn and I pushed the gas the car downshifted when it really shouldnt have and the rpms shot up like 1500-2000 but I probably just caught it in an awkward spot. The ride is pretty soft which I personally like (although its not as soft as a Buick or something) and is very

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  Great little big car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Yaris Fan - March 31 - 4:53 am

  Have had Yaris for 1900 miles or 2 1/2 weeks. Trip to Maine and 103 miles per day work. Its ride is very good for its size. Handles on highway much better than I thought, hugs the road and can change lane in a flash when needed. Gas mileage is way better than EPA states. I have averaged 42 plus miles per gallon since first day. 42 the lowest going to Maine averaged 78 MPH A/C on and I got 42.18 MPG. Best so far 43.50 MPG. That is combination city and highway. I dont race or see if I can beat everyone to the stop sign or light. I get there 1/2 second later and about $3.00 cheaper. If you want a car that is great on MPG then Yaris can not be beat for the money.

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  My only complaint - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By T Bone - March 31 - 3:30 am

  Besides the dealer themselves... Younger Toyota is notoriously snippy and they cater to their Mercedes Customers... Anyway, the seats are so short, that they do not support your legs well. After a few hours in the seat, your legs really hurt and since I have long legs anyway, this is a bad feature. Also the feul Economy is less then stellar. If you commute a lot, I recommend sacrificing horsepower to the gods of the Gas Pump.

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  Dont buy if TALL - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By ztnalb - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the standard cab,Tundra w/ bench seat a week ago and have developed serious pain in rightleg and knee. I figured I was buying a full size truck and need not worry about leg room. I was wrong! Im 65" the truck has plenty of head room but lacks leg room. the bench seat provides NO support for my right leg, I use a pillow to support the leg which helps for the accelerator but not the brake pedal. The brake pedal is the worst! You lose almost another inch when applying the brake because it sits higher. Unfortunatly my test drive was mostly on the freeway in this postion Im relatively comfortable, but city driving is painfull when applying the brake.

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  Wondering about the mileage - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By rmclemore - March 30 - 5:03 pm

  Ive only put a thousand miles on my Corolla. Been keeping careful track of my mileage. While the car is hardly broken in yet (1100 actual miles) I have never gotten more than 24.9 mpg. This is generally city mileage. I was expecting better, but maybe as the car loosens up it will improve. The steering wheel is a bit far, as others have mentioned and the the drivers seat a bit short. I am replacing my old Honda Accord Wagon with this car, and expected less space but I was pleasantly surprised about having a better view as the Corolla is a taller car than the Accord. Some minor quality problems, a tiny warp in the windshield, but the car will hopefully be a reliable appliance.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rizzo - March 30 - 3:50 pm

  I really enjoy driving this truck. I highly recomend the Tacoma truck. It drives great and is affordable. My new quad fits perfectly in the back. Good quality.

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  Bullet-proof car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By reid - March 30 - 10:10 am

  I bought this car with 30,000 miles in 1997. It now has 221,000 miles and has never failed. The car burns no oil and has no oil leaks. I keep thinking about buying a new car, but this one wont die. The only defective item was the electric antenna that died at 110,000 miles. Used replacement was expensive at $100.

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  Very poor mileage - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By ledaebel - March 29 - 11:20 pm

  I have had a problem with poor gas mileage since I first bought the car. I am not happy having to get out of a warm car to put gas in the tank so frequently. I have brought this problem to the dealer, the service dept, the regioal rep, (BTY was very difficult to locate) and finally to phone "caseworker." The best mileage I got was 18.2 MG on the toll road. Now, in the middle of winter 14.2. Toyota says there is nothing wrong with the car. Their reasoning is that I must use bad gas, its winter, its a 6 cyl, the EPA ratings are done under ultimate conditions and I should not expect that yype of mileage Im dumping this gas guzzler. I had better mileage with my2007 6cyl Camry.

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  A Decent Minivan - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Will - March 29 - 4:13 pm

  We have 3 kids (12, 10, 9) and turned in an Audi Q7 for the Sienna and the kids could not be happier. SUVs look cool but this car is designed to move people and cargo in comfort with space and amenities. The second row recliners are a treat and storage behind the 3rd row is great in comparison to any SUV beside a Suburban class vehicle. Thus far we are very happy with the minivan except for a few annoying features the XLE seems to be missing.

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  Extremely Reliable People Mover - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Freeagent35 - March 29 - 6:20 am

  I bought this van in 1999, needing flexibility for hauling bicycles and music/PA equipment. Periodically I keep toying with the idea of buying a new one, but then again it has so few miles (62k) and has been so darn reliable, that I just cant convince myself to spend $30k for a new one. Other than problematic power window switches, the vehicle has been pretty much bulletproof. Engine sludge? Not sure what I think but I have changed the oil personally every 3k (of late so few miles ever 6 months with synthetic) and no evidence of sludge in oil filler area. Still starts without complaint first try and runs like a top after nearly 10 years.