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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  great car if it didnt have electrical system problems - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By conicelli2 - May 8 - 11:22 am

  Problems w/new loaded Camry. Intermittenly radio sounds like it is skipping or has no volume. Dealer said this happens if the radio is shorting, but they couldnt reproduce problem. When I picked the car up from dealer, it was dead. Dealer replaced the battery. Also, sometimes when we press the electronic ignition button, the car doesnt turn off. Dealer cant reproduce this either. This week the car went dead again. Got battery charged and took car to dealer. they said the battery was fine and the back ordered radio came in. But when they turned the new radio on, it had no volume. So Conicelli wanted to put old radio back in?? I said no and they need to figure out what is wrong/left car

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  Navigation crashes, resets, and just doesnt work - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By rsjoberg - May 7 - 7:26 pm

  Dont a Prius if you need the navigation. It just doesnt work. I have had my 3 month old car in twice and Toyota cant get the navigation to work. It crashes, restarts, and one misdirected me. Too bad because the mileage is great and otherwise I am happy with the car. Right now I wish Id gone with anything but a Toyota. They used to make great cars.

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  Venza: The Un-SUV - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Jon - May 6 - 6:43 pm

  I bought the Venza because after about 15 years of driving sports coupes and sports sedans, I wanted something different, something with more room for those occasional trips to Home Depot. The Venza is replacing a Lexus IS 350. The Venza is quick, not fast, but quick. Because of a lower center of gravity than the typical SUV, it handles mostly like a sedan. The 20" wheels (standard with the V6) probably help with that. I like the Venzas aggressive styling and its room cargo space. Overall great car.

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  Krakow - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Wojciech Skrynkowicz - May 6 - 3:57 pm

  Mechanical engineering,check engine sign is on,one cylinder down,car computer to change,slowly starting!electronic problem!

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  Overall a good car, with one issue - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By baratis1 - May 6 - 12:13 am

  Had it built about 2 months ago. I got the red with tan interior. I am completely satisfied with the buy apart from one issue, as stated above. The suspension is rock hard. Im not entirely sure ill be able to put up with it forever. My previous car was a 2003 subaru outback. The subaru was MUCH more comfortable and also had better handling. A 41,000 dollar car like this should be MORE comfortable than a 22,000 dollar subaru thats 10 years older. The suspension really is unfortunate. I also feel somewhat cramped in this car. My outback was very open and didnt have quite as much legroom, but it had tons of headroom and hiproom. Thats something this car doesnt have.

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  Question on Electronics - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Becky - May 5 - 11:40 pm

  Yesterday, I hit the wrong button, pushed Power instead of Park. This morning, it took three tries to get started, and any time I park on a slant, it really doesnt want to start. Its my fault, but the dealer cant find anything wrong with the electronics. Other than that, its been wonderful to drive and I do a lot of that!

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  400 miles and still unsure - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Carol Quick - May 5 - 12:02 pm

  Wish I had looked longer. Purchased an LE as that was the model of previously owned Camry (learning curve a positive). Second thoughts after only 3 weeks. First a door rattle that seems to be related to seat belt on passenger side. Had ride with friend with a 12016 SE... and I liked the feel and comfort of that car. Should have not been in such a hurry to buy the first one test driven.

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  Convert to Fuel Economy - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Rob - May 5 - 10:13 am

  My Prius handles well and has been a pleasure to drive. Takes time getting used to driving a car without as much initial pickup as my old Pontiac, but there is no comparison in mileage and visits to gas station. Mileage around town avg about 45 mpg. Recent highway trip averaged 53 mpg. I use cruise control a lot to help with mileage. Im saving over $200/mo in gas since I got rid of my former gas guzzler. Tax credit a big plus. I bought the basic model and love it. Lots of room for luggage for vacation or weekend trips.

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  It was simply the best car for the money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By maximapitko - May 5 - 12:33 am

  My wife and I were on the market for a new vehicle for over a month. A long story short - we bought the Yaris and although my wife says she had a little buyers remorse, I had NONE. My impressions so far: it was sluggish at first but 5000 miles later its a different car. The mpgs are between 37 and 43. It seems like the AC doesnt affect the fuel consumption at all. At first the car seems a little cheaply made but it grows on you tremendously. 1st, 3rd and 5th gear are EVIL! The only thing I would change is firm up the suspension and put slightly wider tires - the car doesnt like to take corners fast. Advice - always break in your new car (3000 rpm MAX for the first 5000 miles). Thks.

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  Great Car Until I Lost All of My Oil - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - May 5 - 12:20 am

  The engine oil line (rubber hose) ruptured unexpectedly. I lost all of my oil. The mechanic is hopeful that the engine wasnt damaged. However, this is something that should never happen to a modern car. Toyota may be the new GM/Chrysler. Reliability sells. Unreliability gets you out of the auto business.