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:

• 

  Be Wary with Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By aesthetitican1987 - April 17 - 1:36 am

  I had a 2 door hatchback for almost 2 years. First off, I describe it as driving a Pepsi can on wheels. I got so many dents from the littlest of things with this car. I had an accident from sliding down a hill of ice and hit someone from behind. The car handled well in the accident, but was expensive to fix. The worst part of having this car, was when it was windy. I had an issue where the wind hyper-extended the driver side door and it wouldnt close afterwards. It was raining at the time, ergo, the interior got soaked, which led to an interior odor, and even after the door was "fixed" by the body shop it still never worked properly. Very noisy interior.

• 

  Love my 2nd RAV4 even more - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By jduffy09 - April 16 - 1:52 am

  I had a 1999 RAV4 that was bulletproof. I recently upgraded to a 2009 Sport V6 w/appearance package. The power of this V6 is amazing and yet fuel economy is not compromised. On a recent 500 mile round-trip I got almost 28 mpg. The 2009 is much more refined and significantly roomier than my old 1999 model. Rear-seat room is significantly improved, as is cargo room, and it is great for families with children and pets. The only disappointment for me is the ride. You feel every little bump, but I think that is specific to the sport model. And hey, its an SUV after all, not a Cadillac.

• 

  An Update - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By santa3 - April 15 - 5:00 pm

  Update at nearly 1 year and 15,000 miles: Still like the Venza but have noted that while not perfect this car still is unique and we like it. Positive comments & questions in parking lots. Had to have windshield replaced due to a stone - took the red truck guys 3 tries to get the right one. Apparently 2 different shapes, depending on options, plus heated/not heated. Hard to spot the wires under the wipers. 3 tries was a charm. Still prefer our 81 Subaru 5 speed manual for snow - seems to leap onto the snow rather than plow through it. Did get used to downshifting with an automatic. Still dislike rim design and how they accumulate snow and ice causing the vehicle to shake at higher speeds.

• 

  Great car - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By captivemind - April 15 - 1:15 pm

  After owning a number of different cars (Volkswagen, Audi, Infiniti), test driving all the 2012 usual suspects, I was looking for a simple, reliable, fuel efficient vehicle. Reliability was key after my experience with German cars. The Camry is not a luxury car nor does it offer sporty handling or neck snapping acceleration but it combines solid value, reliability, comfort, superior gas mileage and common sense everyday drivability and usability. Gas mileage from 4cyl is approx. 30 mpg combination of city/highway. My last Infinity G37 got about 15 mpg in similar driving. First time Toyota buyer and after 4k miles my verdict is you simply cannot go wrong with the 2012 Camry

• 

  Great but needs more front legroom - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - April 15 - 12:50 pm

  I bought this so I could put my bike in the back which I can with no problem. I can also put in a diswasher in the box that I picked up at Sears. A large dog crate also fits in the back without a problem. If you have long legs you might be a bit cramped.

• 

  Great example of Toyota quality - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By RandyH - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck at 73k miles. It now has 168,300 and runs just as well as it did the day I bought it. I did however have a major breakdown at 90k miles. The tensioner arm pulley and the water pump pulley had both frozen up. The fix which included a new OEM waterpump, timing belt, thermostat, tensioner pulley and radiator fluid cost me over $700. Fortunately this is a non interference engine so there was no further damage. Aside from this one problem the truck has run flawlessly. I get better than expected gas mileage (22MPG average, mostly highway)The window sticker says 16 city, 19 highway but Ive never seen numbers that low out of my truck.

• 

  Another great car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tom - April 15 - 6:53 am

  Like the Toyota a lot. 4th Camry owned. Give this 2007, 4 cyl, a 90, or B+. 4 cyl a little under powered, (my 96 was better). Do not like radio controls on steering wheel. When turning wheel with palm of hand, the stations change! Also same happens when I "toot" the horn (my fault). Would like to see better gas mileage too. Car is noiser than my 96 Camry. But still a great bargain in todays market.

• 

  Prius is a winner - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By jimsimpson - April 15 - 6:40 am

  Bought my Prius as ex-demo with 670mls in Dec 07. Now have 8150 and got over 50 mpg(US)/62(UK) with last 6 tanksful, best mpg in summer and cruising under 60. Thats about 20% thruway/80% city and suburbs. Hard ride on 195/55/16s but comfortable and quiet. As usual its very reliable and well-built. Im sold on this one but look forward to the bigger, better 1.8.

• 

  trailer package - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By dave354 - April 13 - 7:37 pm

  I bought my highlander with the trailer page. All the printed material clearly states the package come with a wiring harness. When I got it home I found no such harness. A check at nthe dealer confirmed there was no such harness, it must be purchased. Most of the in the service department were aware of this fact. After a discussion with the sales department, they agreed with me that the printed material from Toyota and the window sticker clearly stqated that a harness was included in the trailer package. The sales department had it installed at no charge. Cramer Toyota of Venice Florida did an excellent job of resolving my problem. but Toyota clearly has an advertising problem .

• 

  Great daily driver - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By germanbeer101 - April 13 - 6:33 pm

  No its not the prettiest car, nor the funnest to drive, but this Avalon now has 210,000 mi. of hard city/highway miles on it and has never seen a tow truck. Ive replaced tires, brakes, belts and oil. The car has the original everything else, including the battery, spark plugs and even the muffler.