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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  What a Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Nick - March 26 - 12:53 pm

  This is a wonderfully designed automobile, fun to drive, quiet, responsive. Cant say enough about the styling, looks totally European. Kudos to Toyota, they have their hand on the pulse of the public.

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  Fussy driver has little to complain of - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By G Carter - March 26 - 10:23 am

  My wife and I usually burn less than 6l/100km, sometimes as little as 5.2l/100km on a weekend trip. Excellent fuel economy. It is not slow, it has plenty of acceleration. The ride is very smooth but I would prefer it be firmer to improve steering responsiveness. The fact there are no gear changes adds to the smoothness of the ride. Moving off when the light turns green is not noticeably different than other cars with an automatic transmission, even if the engine was not running during the red light. Plenty of room, comfortable for four adults, no bad seats in the house. In the first year of use, I have had no problems to report except my wife could let me drive it more often.

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  Reliable despite very basic maintenance. - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Amit M. - March 26 - 8:46 am

  I bought the car new - 5 sp. manual transmission. The car now has over 130K miles on it. Never performed any of the manufacturer-recommended scheduled maintenance. Change oil every 7000 miles (need to add a quart every 2000 miles or so). Havent yet changed the timing belt. Original battery died after 10.5 years. Replaced front brakes and spark plugs at 100K miles (neither was probably necessary). Ive been commuting 120 miles each day for over an year now - get 37-40 mpg on highway during winter (Connecticut), 42-45 mpg on highway during summer! I do keep my speed in check. Used to get lower mpg when they used to add MTBE instead of ethanol in the fuel.

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  Gas mileage WOW!! 54-60 MPG - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By metaz123@yahoo.com - March 26 - 3:18 am

  I love my vehicle, I am a lead footer and the more you push her the better the gas mileage :) I am completely in LOVE!! story of how awesome Toyotas are I had a 1994 Toyota Corolla DX 4 dr sedan, it had 310,000 on it, I checked with dealer ship and found out the tow capacity it could haul, I bought a pop up camper that if it would have been 2 more LBS would have been over for the vehicle, the Seller on the lot told me that I would not make it home with it since was hauling it with my vehicle oops I did and took it anywhere and everywhere I wanted I traded my Corolla in it had 455,000 miles on it and the lady that bought it traded in her 1997 Ford Focus on it. TOYOTA Awesome Vehicles :)

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  Thanks Toyota! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Jade1149 - March 26 - 1:03 am

  I bought my wagon used from a private party and am extremely happy I did. With 5 kids its hard to find something to fit our family, but this does, love the mileage it gets. I also love the fact that as long as you change the oil and tune it up when needed itll last forever! I will be sad the day it finally dies, but for now Id take this car across the country if I had to, I trust it more than our other car thats a 99, other than the usual brakes and exaust work occasionally, I havent had to do anything major. If I could find another one Id buy it again.

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  Amazed with this vehicle - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By dcboater - March 25 - 8:23 pm

  I had 3 requirements - A/C seats, GPS, Laser Cruise Control. Laser Cruise is awesome, drivers seat cushion extension is dynamite, voice activated GPS is too cool, smart key is superb, I am averaging 31.4 mpg at 75 mph with A/C on --- can you beat that ? Plus 280 hp, 0-60 in 6.5 secs, 15.0 second 1/4 mile - UNBEATABLE. The Blizzard Pearl White with Ivory leather is absolutely gorgeous, Ive had many compliments. Compare the interior dimensions on the new Avalon with ANYTHING out there and you will be sold. The A/C seats are superb and the 260 watt JBL stereo is outstanding.

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  Best car ever - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By gabe - March 25 - 3:36 pm

  Hands down the best car I have ever owned. I wouldnt trade it for anything on the market right now. This is the smoothest, best-looking and unbelievable car out right now. I cant believe Toyota has gotten this good. If you want a car that knows how you drive and tells you how to improve it then look no further. Wow.. unbelievable! This car is the real deal for 2007. I got sick of hearing all about technology that is coming soon. What I needed was that right now. I get 37 mpg average right now. A little bit of the window sticker but I can handle that. Everyone should rush to Toyota and drive this before they decide to buy anything else.

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  We Upgraded From BMWs to the Avalon - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe-Fix-It - March 25 - 5:13 am

  After seven BMWs and several other German cars we got smart. No more arrogant service department and $1500 bills to fix something. We upgraded to the Avalon. A summer vacation trip with four adults and lots of luggage saw mileage range from 29 to a high 36 MPG on regular. The rear reclining seats are worth the price of admission. The Bluetooth is simple to set up and use. Best of all is the interior room and comfortable ride. We are a very tall family (Im 6 2" and the shortest one). After @18000 miles we have had NOTHING that needed fixing or adjusting

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  Just what I wanted - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyota John - March 24 - 9:13 pm

  Looked at every truck available and almost got a Honda. The Toy was not as nice but much more fun to drive. Im on the fwy every day in LA traffic and love the 6 speed, original tires have 65k and will last another 8K months, clutch is solid as the first day. Overall quality is first rate. Interior room is fine but not spacious. I am 64" and my sons are 65" and they love to drive it. Plan to buy the exact same when youngest son takes this. Toyota no longer sells a 6 speed in SoCal so Ill go out state to get one.

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  30,000 Update - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By okedoke - March 24 - 8:10 pm

  Just hit 30K. Car running strong, developed rattle in front dash, fixed by dealer. Had Toyota service per manual, plus alignment, replaced OEM tires with Fuzion HRIs. These tires make a big difference in handling, the car now sticks like never before. As of this writing, the best car I have ever owned. Avg MPG in summer 48-50, avg fall through spring 42-44. Change oil @ 10K intervals, use Mobil Full syn 15K rated oil. Oil is still pretty clean at 10K, and still shows 100% full on the dipstick as it did when filled at the last change. Engine seems nice and tight after 30K. If they keep building them this way, Ill be getting another when time is due. Solid car!!