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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  Love my Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Robbar - August 7 - 7:13 am

  After a year and a half of driving our Highlander we have no complaints so far. We are averaging 18.8 mpg in the city and 23 mpg hwy. Good JBL stereo, quick acceleration and comfortable handling. We drive to the ski hill Sat and Sun and with winter tires we havent had any problems. The AWD works well in combination with winter tires. Lots of room for my family. I would definitely buy highlander again and recommend this vehicle.

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  Seats Cause Pain - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Sharon - August 7 - 5:46 am

  The seats caused excruciating low back pain. Had to sell the vehicle after only driving it 4 times. Car felt comfortable during short test drive, but once driven 30 miles, it started feeling like I was sitting on concrete. Never had a car seat cause back problems. Seats are poorly designed and too firm. Dont buy if you have ever had back problems. Interior looks luxurious, but it is not. It was my second Avalon and the last Toyota I will ever buy.

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  Clapped out camry but still runs well - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By vitzy - August 7 - 2:36 am

  I bought it second hand from a first owner who had from th start to now, its totally clapped suspension and some exterior panels needs serious attention, hoping to restore the car. I love this car.

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  Sleeper - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dave - August 6 - 11:33 pm

  This is my 4th Toyota and may prove to be the best vehicle I have ever, or will ever own. Make no mistake, this is a light truck chassis. It rides and handles like a box on frame pick up truck. I had to replace the starter motor right after the warranty ran out. Irritating, but thats the only problem the thing has ever had. A service at 78K miles indicated that the original brake pads and shoes were only 40% worn, and I drive hard. It would be a fine family hauler with its stock 180 or so horsepower as long as you dont mind the truck like ride. I added a TRD Supercharger and Exhaust System which has made a huge difference when entering the freeway.

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  I luv my Yaris ! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Nilda Gutierrez - August 6 - 9:43 pm

  I love my new Yaris, 5 door, white hatchback, I absolutely love it, it looks like a cute little toy, it runs awesome, the storage inside the car is awesome, cup holders, the storage behind the steering wheel is great. The only thing I dont like is the lite on the dashboard, too loud. The room inside the vehicle is awesome, roomy for all, in the back is awesome two people fit awesome!

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  Offers more for your $ vs odessey - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By josh - August 6 - 7:56 pm

  Very convenient with auto siding doors. Programmable key fob. Easy to tuck away 3rd row seats with just one easy pull of lever. Back-up cam comes in Handy. Awd offers great acceleration. Compared it to Odyssey. Sienna offers more for less.

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  05 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By houstonprius - August 6 - 7:36 pm

  I have owned my 05 Prius for about two and half months (took delivery in March 05) after waiting over a year to get it. Im enjoying this car more than any other Ive owned! Current MPG since taking delivery is just under 49. I drive 5o miles to and from work, speeds averaging 30-40 mph. Two kids in car seats fit great in the back. Acceleration has never been a problem, but Ive had limited highway driving in the car. Rapid acceleration does lower fuel economy, with which Ive been a little obsessed: hopefully afte a little while Ill shut off the mileage gauge and just drive! Cabin noise nonexistent, especially when on electric, you barely even know the car is on! Im loving it!

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  Super Cool - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By JW - August 6 - 1:36 am

  The Matrix feels like an SUV, but it is very low to the ground so theres a low risk of rolling over. It looks very sporty and feels very nice to drive. It is, afterall, a Toyota-- what more could one ask for?

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  Like this car, but have had problems - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By PennMom - August 5 - 10:03 am

  I was one of first in my area to purchase this model. For the first 18 months it was a great car, although the display needed to be replaced. Then it broke down on me (computer failure) at 18 months (15,000 miles). The computer was replaced, and immediately my MPG went down significantly. My 54 MPG highway went to 44 MPG highway for the same route (same seasonal temperature). My local MPG went from 41 to 35 MPG. Dealer thought the software recall/upgrade would help but it has not. Others seem to report this problem. Dealer has not offered any solutions. Aside from these problems, I have enjoyed this car, but I want my great MPG back!

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  great van , has its ups and downs - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By danlee4 - August 4 - 9:59 pm

  I have owned both 04 and 06 sienna Le model. 04 model had numerous issues with a/c and for 06 it got a minor face lift so we sold it with only 20k miles of use. The 06 le was perfect, had 40k miles of use, mechanically perfect, never had issue with brakes, engine, axles,trans, doors like most other people are complaining about. we averaged 22 mpg in its entire life, mixed city/hwy use. Honestly brakes are still had over 70% life left. My only gripe was it had a noisy acceleration, it likes to rev low, great for gas mileage, and provides a super quiet in cruising mode. It does shop for gears if you have it on cruise control especially climbing gears, so I just take it out of cruise.