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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  Good value overall - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Randy - July 23 - 9:20 am

  Great value, could have a softer ride. It rides like a truck. But overall a very good vehicle.

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  Corolla 2010 - Great, save the Steering - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Steve - July 23 - 2:50 am

  Bought this car after many solid reviews (all before it became known about the acceleration problems). Initially thought the steering was different (electric assist), but that once used to it, it would not be an issue. Wrong. Toyota needs to step up to the plate and resolve the high speed (highway) wandering it does. The hydaulic system was far superior and the change was made purely as a cost cutting move. Gas mileage has been as advertised, and have had mileage figures from 33.5 to 38.5 mpg (the gauge is off by 2 to 3 mpg as it shows getting better mileage than you actually are). Frankly, if the steering issue could be resolved, I would rate the driving experience much higher.

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  Not a bad car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Donna - July 22 - 5:53 am

  I had a 2001 VW jetta before I bought this car and it was quite a sturdy and solid drive even in string wind, however not nearly as reliable as the 2009 Corolla LE. But the corolla LE is not that sturdy even with VSC option. I still sway quite a bit driving across highway bridges when its windy. Interior is cheap plastic and not enough lighting at night. I have 9,000 miles on it and so far no mechanical issues.

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  Bought on Reputation alone - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By ruffy25 - July 22 - 1:31 am

  Before I went car shopping, I did extensive research on several Makes and Models. Its a lot of money to spend impulsively after all. I decided on Toyota after test driving a Ford Fiesta, Honda Accord, even a MINI Cooper. I found a 2006 Corolla with only 47,500 miles and bought it, based on reputation of reliability/dependability and Toyota earned it. It was a bit pricey, but holds value very well. Decent acceleration for a 1.8Liter, and economy is superb, especially with my driving habits. I enjoy seeing how much I can squeeze out of a tank, and have gotten as much a 44mpg. yes, 44..but I did have a strong tail-wind and no grade for nearly 100 miles on a lonely S. Calif desert road.

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  A Great Daily Driver - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By twinturboZ32 - July 21 - 5:23 am

  I purchased a 5 speed Camry just this past November. This was to be my winter car and new daily driver. I must say it was perfect timing with the snow we had in northern VA this year. I bought it for $2,000 with 113,000 miles, you cant beat that. I had a 1993 Camry in college and I donated it with 240,000 miles. These cars can go past 200K miles easily. When I got mine I did the 60k service; timing belt, water pump, oil seals. I also put in a new radiator. I paid $1,000 for all of this work. So for $3,000 I have a good working beater car. My other car is a 1993 Nissan Twin Turbo 300zx. The Camry doesnt compare in terms of performance. But, I averaged 30 mpg highway on my last trip.

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  Had it a week and so far so good - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - July 17 - 7:14 pm

  Really rides nice. I hate the mpg but I drive a lot. The interior package is great. I can switch from radio to XM to podcasts all with my thumbs. The look is nice. I do feel the transmission looking for gears in the city but most of the time on the highway I can keep it smooth. I really want to drive it off-road but my wife wont let me...yet!

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  Venza almost a crossover - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By jerrylee1 - July 17 - 12:31 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 10k now, and it is pretty comfortable ... it is, as expected, of Toyota quality...AWD functions very well.... but it fails on several styling fronts. MPG is as advertised around 22 mixed.

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  Best car ever!!! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By carmom11 - July 17 - 10:53 am

  I bought mine used in 2005 with 20K on it. Just traded it in (2014) with 175,000. Never replaced anything but the typical disposables! This car just goes and goes and never brakes down or needs repairs. I wish they still built them like this. Best value and reliability!

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 42 years - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By thedadlord - July 17 - 2:50 am

  I paid $26,000 for mine new in 1997. I have over 198,000 miles now. The ride is a little unsettled, its better with a full load. Handling and steering is 2nd to none. I relocated the oil filter to the inner fender well with a bypass kit. I installed a hood deflector. I also installed a makeshift stainless steel screen inside the grill to stop damage to the radiator from road debris and bugs. The only repair Ive needed are the head gasket went out under the extended warranty. Also the front brake line cracked from fatigue after a mounting bolt rusted thru. Michelin LTX M+S are the tires of choice for this vehicle. I still have the original shocks, exhaust system, alternator, starter.

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  2008 Toyota Highlander Review - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By wrwilkins - July 16 - 7:46 am

  Replaced our 2003 Honda CRV with the Highlander Sport AWD to gain the third seat for hauling grandkids. Has been fun to drive, although it seems large in restricted parking areas. Interior comfortable & well appointed. Once the third seat is up there is no storage space. We did have to have one of the tires replaced when it picked up a screw in the sidewall. Because of its unusual size there were limited sources and it cost us $225 to replace it.