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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  Excellent Reliability, Great for Families - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By onthe4frnt - July 28 - 12:53 pm

  I drove the 2012 Toyota Camry LE for approximately 3 months/3500 miles as a daily driver with 60% highway/40% city driving. First impressions were very positive. Its a Toyota, its rock solid reliability and build quality are unmatched. The cabin was incredibly quiet, the 6-speed automatic transmission very smooth. The gas mileage was very impressive, yet didnt feel like it compromised power (for its class). This car would be great for relaxed drivers and families looking for excellent value.

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  Reliable transportation - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By downsb - July 28 - 5:36 am

  This car is a very reliable economy car. That being said, the economy part should speak for itself in terms of interior room, comfort, etc. Short on inside space and features, but fairly easy to customize or add to. Small but fairly peppy 1.8L engine gets me an average of 34 mpg, and as high as 41. Excellent turning radius, and very good at maneuvering in heavy traffic, as well as very good field of view. Perfect for a small commuter car. Excellent for students, as its fairly inexpensive to repair in most cases (for a foreign vehicle). Only complaint is that it has a problem with oil consumption.

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  Pleasant experience - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By britjunkie - July 26 - 11:46 am

  Im quite surprised by the performance of the car. No trouble keeping up and passing on steep mountain interstate. Mileage after a whopping 160 miles is 52.4! A/C is colder and better than my old V8 [2007]. I had rented a series II last year and found the dead spot in the steering unacceptable. This steering still has a little dead spot but Im sure Ill either forget about it or just accept it. Typical Toyota quality. My wife hates little cars but is very impressed with this one, says she wont mind driving this around town.

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  Im happy with this car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By greatest car ever - July 26 - 7:00 am

  My Prius had been owned by the city of Chattanooga. It had minor damage to the front. I bought it with @12k. on it. I love the car and for me to say that is a real tribute to both the build quality, comfort and economy. I get pretty consistently @44 mpg around town and the highest I have ever gotten is 51. The car would be better served, however, with other radio options. Cant adapt an off the shelf radio because the radio in the car is integral to the function of the display. With gas prices approaching $3.50 this car is wise choice and I am doing something for the environment that I respect.

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  Terrible Reliability - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By AZ Owner - July 26 - 12:26 am

  120000 mile on SUV to date. Thankfully, warranty covers new VSC board. It did not cover all my time wasted (5 visits) at the dealers trying to figure out why the interior VSC light and brake light kept coming on. Now, at 115,000 the brake light comes on intermittently. When light is on the truck brakes differently and it scares me. Happened in the snow a few weeks ago. Engine must be restarted to reset the brakes. Kinda tough on the highway in the snow. I bought a Toyota for reliability, its been anything but. The oil gauge quit working when I drove it off the lot, brand new at $48,000.00. Took 3 trips before they could fix it.

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  Premium Car Price Without Premium Ride, Quietness or Seat Comfort - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By gemigniani1 - July 24 - 7:21 pm

  2013 Avalon does not not feel like a $35,000 premium sedan. The ride is busy because even small road imperfections are felt and heard. Theres no sound insulation under the carpets or in the doors so the road noise level is high like being in a Corolla. The front seat bottoms are small in size and thinly padded. So my seat bottom gets sore after only 20 miles of highway driving. The only "premium" car qualities that the 2013 Avalon has are rock solid directional stability on the highway, a smooth, quiet and responsive engine and transmission, and a fairly luxurious looking and feeling interior.

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  Excellent reliability, some cost cutting evident - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By mattwc1 - July 24 - 2:17 am

  I purchased a 2009 Base 2.5L/AWD Rav4. First and foremost, I really like the Rav4. I have had it for about 10 months now and average between 25-28mpg (mostly highway driven). Interior is laid out well with great room for drivers and passengers. Rear passenger seats move fore and aft and recline. Sightlines are very good and all instruments are well laid out. Toyota revised the base engine for more horsepower/torque and smoother running and it is apparent. The engine is smooth and revs freely. Fuel economy is very good for a CUV. behind the rear seats provide ample storage with under floor storage bins and handy remore release levers to lower rear seats from the hatch.

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  Wouldnt Recommend - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Turner - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Dont trust everything you read in Conumer reports about this SUV. I purchase my 1997 4runner in August 2002. Vehicle had 57,000 miles and was a Toyota "Certified" Used Vehicle. Two months later I noticed a heavy shimmy when I applied the brakes between 40 and 50 MPH. Then on cold mornings the transmission wouldnt shift into drive until the engine warmed up. Took it to my dealer, $800...!! to replace front rotors and rear brake drum which had cracked (still under Certified warranty but brake parts not covered). Tech couldnt figure out why the transmission wont shift when cold...

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  Excellent Safety poor emergency handling - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Alfomega - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Got hit in the drivers side by a Camry going 60mph. Camry folded; I came out unscathed and walked two miles home. Inspite of ABS, vehicle skidded on wet street on a medium grade curve at 40mph. It was near impossible to move in direction of skid due to road surface and body weight of vehicle. It also performed poorly on icy roads. Ill buy a Tundra again with limited slip differential and 4WD, as its a life-saver. But I wont be lulled into complacency by its smooth engine and quiet interior.

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  Lacks navigation systym - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike N. - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Love this vehicle. Only thing lacking is a navigation systym.