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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  Awesome little car - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Joe Toyota - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought an automatic, kept it for two years and then traded it in on a manual. Both are very nice. Manual is harder to get the seat set just right, as you have to reach the peddle. Regardless, manual is the only way to go.

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  VW to Toyota- Return to Toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ex-VW Pete Roch NY - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I moved up to this mid size from a 96 VW Golf. It is smooth, quiet, great on windy days on a bridge, with a spacious interior. Fit and finish are tops, as are features, even with the stripped down version I purchased. It is not as much fun to drive as my Golf-Steering is a bit light. To quote an elderly family member-" the colors and features are nice, but it just doesnt thrill me." Acceleration is very good- all weather tires in snow are just OK- will get snows next year. Mileage does not match specs. Others more impressed with it than I. After 13 years of VWs, my reaction is perhaps not surprising.

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  Clock of Avalon is a big disappointment - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By sl465 - July 10 - 8:54 pm

  Everything seems to be perfect with 2013 Avalon. But, unfortunately, the clock is awful, to say the least. It is not digital, and you can only read 3, 6, 9, and 12 oclock, or 15, 30, and 45 minutes. In-between there are no marks. So, one literally has to stare at the clock for a minute to judge the positions of hour and minute handles in order to figure out the exact time. A clock inside a car should be functional not for decoration purpose, because when one is driving on the highway, he has only microseconds to read the clock without causing an accident. It is totally beyond me why Toyota "design" a clock that people cant read the time from.

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  A beast - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By kbert - July 9 - 9:23 pm

  I traded in a station wagon to get the Sequoia. With 3 kids, a spouse, a nanny, and a dog, I figured we really needed something bigger than mid- size/large SUVs like the M-B GL, Toyota Land Cruiser, or Land Rover LR- 3. After owning it for over a year, I was sort of right-- the Sequoia is a dream for family trips with lots of luggage. But, we only do those a 2-3 times a year! The Sequoia is nice for carting kids and sports equipment around, but a smaller SUV could do that too (though with the Seqouia, large/long items like skis and bikes can just be put inside without concern). In sum, its just a bit too big for my taste and 99%-of-the-time needs. Family loves it though.

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  One Year Synopsis - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Steve Rugg - July 8 - 5:23 am

  I have driven all sorts of trips over the past year from long, 9hr cross- country trips to cross-town trips. The car performed well in each scenario. It does live up to its rated gas mileage (I get 50-55 MPG in town and 46-50 MPG on the road). I have noticed squeal in HI fan mode and an annoying squeak on bumpy roads. It could a little better lumbar support on those long trips. But the most annoying thing Toyota has to fix is the blind spots. This car is built so aerodynamically that it is like a cockpit. The only good visibility is straight ahead. The headrests block views, the extreme slope back window does too, even the rear view mirror obstructs views. Good A/C. Heat takes while.

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  Good second vehicle - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By rav4brian - July 8 - 2:27 am

  I gave my son my 03 Corolla S to us for college, so I went out car shopping and after test driving the Rav4 is was hooked, it had a very comfortable drive, I knew I was driving a Toyota, . last winter here in Missouri we had several big snowstorms and blizzards roll through the area, my AWD Rav4 didnt have any difficulty getting around in the deep snow, the corolla would have never made it out of the drive way

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  Pleased so far - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Owner in Austin - July 7 - 5:50 pm

  We purchased our 04 Highlander new in Nov 04 after extensive research and dealing. 5000 miles later were pleased with our decision. In addition to day to day commuting we have used it for several long trips, including one with the vehicle packed completely full of furniture. It is comfortable and stable to drive, and has performed competently under a wide range of driving and load conditions. Very versatile and capable.

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  Not Too Shabby - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Stillc - July 7 - 4:06 am

  I commute 100 miles a day so my motivation was economy. Theres no doubt the Prius delivers great mileage. I average 48 MPG or better. I traded-in a F-250 Diesel Pick Up truck for this car and was lucky to do so just prior to the big fuel crisis. The Prius saved me about $500.00 per month in fuel cost based on what I was paying for diesel. Im not crazy about the style (looks like a bug) but it has plenty of head room and can carry more than expected in the hatch back with the seats folded down. Power is so so. Very slow to start off but will kick in and move fairly quickly once your rolling. Its all about fuel efficiency. I have to admit though, it can be a little emasculating.

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  Great mileage so far..... - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By rangerman7 - July 6 - 10:54 pm

  OK. I am the biggest conservative driver that I know. I really keep the rpms down. I have been watching the computer and average miles per gallon. My general rural commute and riding around town so far I have averaged......... 37-38 mpgs!!!!!! I said "aw shucks" when I saw the new Elantra come out with its 40 mpgs, but with the lifetime drivetrain warranty and 0% financing on my Corolla I still think I made right decision.

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  Great Pkg & Value. Its a Toyota .. DUH! - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By casper90651 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  At first I was skeptical at its look, not yet a Porsche, yet not a cheap looking American Convertible at the same price. The exterior look could definitely be improved. Though I can say, everyone that didnt know Toyota had a convertible thought it was a Porsche! ;) ... As soon as I drove it, that changed everything. The ride is go-kart like along with the cornering. A great zip-in .. zip-out kind of car. The luggage space is very limited at best, at best two small carry-on bags & a few smaller bags in the front will work! Best of all its Toyota value in a tight package. Everything is standard, what more can you ask for?