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:

• 

  A Symphony of Creaks and Rattles - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By LF - February 28 - 2:30 pm

  The only real complaint we have is the many creaks and rattles in the car which make for a very unpleasant environment. We have had to buy self adhesive padding to try to stop glove box rattles, armrest rattles. We have yet to discover cause the rattles that emanate from the rear of the vehicle. Clearly a good eal of the annoyance is due to an overabundance of plastic used in the interior design.

• 

  2010 Toyota Prius III - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dancergirl - February 27 - 10:40 pm

  We had wanted to buy a Prius and were relieved that my 63" husband could fit in it. We bought Prius III for the better sound system and Bluetooth (although we dont yet have a need for Bluetooth; thought it best to plan for the future).

• 

  Not A Bad Little Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Tenlee - February 26 - 5:16 pm

  As a 14yr SUV-veteran, I had to face the fact that it was not long for the road. I thought of going for another SUV but I figured gas would be going through the roof and I needed a more economical vehicle for the frequent short trips I was now making. It took a few months for me to adjust to the change in height and performance of the Prius but the tradeoff has been worth it. It has a surprisingly smooth ride on the highway and doesnt feel like its going 70 mph. Pickup from a stop is decent, maneuverability is good, not crazy about the backup alert, passenger room is comfortable for 4 people. My trips to the gas station have been cut in half compared with the SUV guzzler.

• 

  The best of whats available today - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Coty - February 26 - 4:16 am

  We have 5 kids and this is our 3rd minivan. This is not the "Perfect" minivan in the world, but it is gosh darn close. It seems like the accountants stepped in at the last minute and prevented Toyotas engineers from making this a benchmark vehicle. The ride is very compliant and it handles the typical curvy mountain roads just fine without feeling to floaty or tipsy like many other minivans. My biggest complaint is that the steering feel is way too light and provides almost zero feedback in the Limited with AWD trim. I dont expect a BMW driving experience from a minivan, but I expect the steering to have more feel than a 1980s Lincoln Town Car. The acceleration and braking are great.

• 

  2005 Tacoma 2dr , 4cyl, access cab, - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By dennis - February 26 - 12:50 am

  Very dependable. Have no complaints, only wished it would get better gas mileage. It seems to be very durable. No part failures or recalls on this one. All small trucks should have 16" wheels and leather seats. Tacoma 2dr 4 cyl. Does not. My concern at the present is, a vibration coming from the drive shaft, under acceleration. If a person wants or needs a small truck, this is the one.

• 

  2000 Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Jay - February 24 - 5:50 pm

  Constant problem with front brake rotors warping. No help from Toyota, turned rotors 1 time during warranty. After 36,000 miles, cost were my own. Occured about every 15-20k miles. Poor support from Toyota. Internet posting confirm that I was not the only one with the problem. Other than that no major problems.

• 

  2015 Camry LE - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By wyddon - February 24 - 2:38 pm

  Came from 2001 Chevy Impala LS with 109,000 miles, sensors going out, and LOUD bearing noise between 40 and 70 MPH. In short, it wore out. Was looking for something reliable, as this is probably the last car. Was comtemplating a "gently" used rental with a warranty. Lucked out through TrueCar.com to land a 2015 LE! Good price, good deal, friendly transaction via internet AND Dealership. THE CAR: Cosmic Gray Mica with Flax interior, 4 cyl, 6 speed auto and enough Air Bags and Curtains to float a boat. Highly reccommend the the car. Helps when wife and grown sons approve. ;-)

• 

  Keeps going - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By mdr000069 - February 23 - 10:04 am

  I purchased this car with 72,000 miles on it. I have 130,000 with no major problems. Get around 23 MPG over all. Runs good for only having a 4 cyl. I would buy another.

• 

  Phils 2003 Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Philip in CA - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I now have 17,600 miles on the car (8 months). Fuel mileage took a spike up after 12,000 accumulated. If I keep the speed between 60-70 mph, I can get 41 mpg fairly often. The automatic transmission has a "grade logic" feature that senses when you have crested a hill and are gaining speed down the other side with the throttle closed. The transmission will downshift to 3rd to assist braking when certain conditions have been met. Passing performance is quite good... so long as you have the engine above 3,500 rpm.

• 

  Toyota city of Japan - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By andycindy8288 - February 23 - 9:37 am

  Since my wife and I purchased the 2012 Camry LE; I was blown away about how the interior of the car looked. Toyota really came a long way in turing the camry into a more mature grown up car, rather than having it look like your grand pappy owns it. Driving this car feels so good in such a manner that it wants to play rather than go to the grocery store and back home. Gas is much better than our older 09 Camry, though if you drive it rough with the 4 Cylinder, you will get terrible gas millage. I give Toyota credit; Their really changing the future with adding the technicalities within the car and yet offering its customers great prices.