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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  257,233 miles and going strong - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By kas76051 - January 15 - 7:06 am

  Bought this car when it had 85,409 miles on it. Have replaced struts, brakes, tires, keep the oil and all fluids changed according to Toyota specs/timings. This has been a great car, so much so I just gave it to my youngest daughter for college and I went out and found another great 97 Avalon XL with leather and sunroof. These cars will go the miracle mile if you do everything on a regular schedule, this is especially true of the timing belt--dont push past the 90K mile interval.

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  We Love Our Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Robert - January 15 - 1:33 am

  Even though the Touring Prius is rated at 42 MPG we get several more MPG on average all the time. Our current average MPG is 45. The hatchback design is perfect for us. My handicap folding mobility scooter fits in the left side of the hatch perfectly. We find the Prius very comfortable on trips, even with 4 adults in the vehicle.

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  Great Truck For The Money - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By BDana - January 14 - 9:36 pm

  Have owned this truck for about 2 months. Traded in a 2002 Dakota as I was sick of 15 mpg. The Toyata has delivered an impressive 25-26 mpg. Recently returned from a 2 week fishing trip. Towed a 14 ft boat, motor, and enough equipment to last the average man 6 moths. Even with all the extra weight it averaged 21-22 mpg and on the ride home with less weight it climbed back to over 23. For a 4 cylinder vehicle it pulled my boat & trailer with little problem, going in the Berkshires with little downshifting. Only problem I have had is with visibility. I find my view blocked when checking oncoming traffic to my left so need to rely on the exterior mirrors more and direct sight less.

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  Value-ablility - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By bman - January 14 - 7:16 pm

  Just at 173K and this car has been as reliable as could be. Other than actual scheduled maintenance, we have little or no "other" stuff to do to this car. I wish I would have put leather into the car. I did put a XM radio and upgrade the music system at 130K and its well worth it. My 18 y/o son wants this car and we think it could go another 100K or better.

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  Awesome Car - Buy it! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill from NJ - January 14 - 6:43 pm

  WOW. Great car! Ride is wonderful. Navigation system outstanding. Everything solid and tight. Good fuel economy. Very happy with selection of this car.

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  Love My Sky Blue Pearl Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Diana - January 14 - 1:50 pm

  After much research I purchased a 2009 Sky Blue Pearl Toyota Camry Hybrid. I have put 1,000 miles on it so far and love this car. The seats are comfortable and for me, the rear view vision is so much better than the car I drove previously. I got 36.7 mpg on my first tank of gas so am very pleased. I like all the storage and cupholder placement. Love the sky blue color - was tired of gray and white. A/C system works so much better than my 2006 Mercedes. The Toyota is quiet. It does have a slight whine when you slow down to stop.

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  Lust, Love, Commitment - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By rpaulh - January 14 - 12:36 pm

  The tank is still FULL from the dealer, after one week and 100 miles! I cant stop thinking about "her" at night, in the morning, and during my day. Is it possible to Lust, Love and Commit to Prius? "She" is even better than MapQuest and Google maps combined! Always powerful, sultry looking, Smart in multiple ways, an efficiently pumping Heart, and filled with Soul. Luckily, my wife approves - and we are a happy family of three :) I LOVE YOU PRIUS!

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  Outstanding - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Fran Patane - January 14 - 8:20 am

  This is the best car I have driven in a very long tine. Comfortable, easy to handle, and I feel like I am riding in a classy car. People have told me they tohought it was a Lexus. The heated adjustable seats are a great feature. Controls for heat and CD from the steering wheel are so much easier then reaching over. This is one classy car. Top of the Line. Fran Patane

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  Luxurious Without Luxury Price Tag - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By JayGee - January 14 - 8:03 am

  Just drove 2600 miles on 2 week vacation. Car is great. Was hesitant at first to buy a sedan, because driving positions on SUVs are more comfortable. But after all the miles and all the hours in the car on this trip, I had no back pain or discomfort. Averaged 28 to 29 mpg on highway but I was cruising at 75 mph most of the time. Could have done better at lower speed, but car is so well built that 75 mph feels like 55 mph. Luxury looks, luxury ride and luxury features without the luxury price tag. Very glad I bought this car.

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  We are a Camry Family - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Mr. C - January 14 - 3:43 am

  My four children each had a camry to drive to school. Safe and dependable. My Camry is a 2014 and a half. The SE sport is a far nicer vehicle than the LE. The LE interior is just sad. The SE sport interior is very nice. Love the paddle shifters. Just drove 1500 along the West Coast. Traffic on mountain roads going down hill would get to 75 and 80 miles per hour. Hard to keep control going downhill at high speeds. I could paddle shift down to reduce speed. I was very grateful for the extra control the car had by downshifting. Love my paddle shifters! Did not need to keep pumping brakes to stay at safe speeds. The metal in the side of the car is thin. Someone opened their door and gave me a ding in my front fender. Going to cost me $95. to get it fixed. Smart phones connect well with the car sound system. Too bad it does not work with two phones for my wife and I. It connects to the first phone in the car when it starts. I have over two years of driving on the car and no transmission issues. Excellent acceleration. If the car went any faster I would just be getting speeding tickets. The two year free maintenance was a nice addition. Keeps the car in top condition. Expect to buy another Camry when needed. (Not sure of the production dates for this car)