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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  My New Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Nick - September 9 - 6:50 pm

  When we bought this car I thought it was going to be to boring. Another Toyota well not to put them down but, they can be boring. We had a Camry before and the only fun part was the V6, and now we were loosing that. Oh well I was wrong. This car is much more fun than the Camry. Easy to park, spunky, fast for a 4 cylinder. Got all the features on this baby its loaded, and I stayed under $18,000. Talk about the gas milage were getting between 36- 38 mpg on the highway. My Camry was lucky to get 23-24. I love this car and its better looking all around.

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  SE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Reg - September 9 - 10:00 am

  A well built reliable car. Not fantastic mpg for size of car. The downfall of the SE model came when I took my first trip. Those seats are the most uncomfortable of any car I have ever owned. Both drivers and passenger. An 8 hr stint just about ruins your back and bottom! Horrible seats. I cant imagine a toyota engineer ever road in them for any length of time. Around town they are great, they look stylish and the electric controls 8 different positions, All bad. Note My wife is 125 lbs me about 185.

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  Nice car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By kevin - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Nice car. Needs better interior quality. Compared to 2008 model 2010 le is heavier and slower on highways. Overall good car

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  Poor Exhaust Manifolds - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By HQ - September 8 - 9:20 pm

  This truck is great and will really go through the snow. Fun to drive but a little heavy on the gas. Biggest problem is cracked exhaust manifolds. Took truck to Toyota dealer and they want almost $900 just for the manifolds plus labor and gaskets. In doing some internet research this seems to be a standard problem and Toyota refuses to acknowledge it and take care of the problem. This is the first time I have known Toyota to not cover a defect. Remember they bought back all the Tacomas with bad frames but they refuse to take care of this. I love the truck but I cant say my next truck will be a Toyota.

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  Fantastic Car!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By strthusler - September 7 - 10:23 pm

  For those who complain of power youre expectations are too high. For an I4 this car has a lot of kick, if you want more power then go with a V6. No problems with the transmission at all. Only problem was that the cars bumper was a different shade of white, but Toyota was happy to replace it.

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  Totally Satisfied - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By love2ride - September 7 - 5:46 am

  This is my fifth vehicle and it is actually the first that I am completely satisfied with. I usually want to get rid of my new purchase a week after having them but, this car is awesome.

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  Yaris 4 door - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By limee925 - September 7 - 3:43 am

  Bought this vehicle as a second car that would be ideal for parking in the city. It fits the purpose there. Surprisingly sprite for a small engine and find that Im more than able to keep up with the larger vehicles on the road. It needs more input from the driver than larger cars, but that makes it more engaging and does add a little to the "fun factor!" Its a good car for what it was built to do. Cheap commuting and relatively comfortable with it. Throttle tip in can be a little aggressive and sudden, but have gotten used to it after 3000 miles.

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  gas milage - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By lowden - September 6 - 8:05 pm

  The hybrid avalon is rated to get 39to 40 miles per gallon.I have 4000 miles on my new hybrid.The first 2500 miles I averaged 33.5.on interstate at 75 mph.The last 1000 miles I averaged 34.5 at 59mph.It is not worth the extra money.

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  Practical & Reliable/Lacks Fun Factor - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By NewsJunkieLite - September 6 - 2:13 pm

  I like the Vibes styling better, but I got the Matrix because of the yellow color. Its extremely practical, like an SUV w/o the bad gas mileage. Ive fit a push mower and a old clunky stationary bike in the back with the seats folded down (not at the same time although that wouldnt be impossible). The gas mileage is good too; Ive averaged 27-30 mpg depending on how hard Ive driven. It doesnt bother me but if youre gonna get a yellow car be aware that bugs like yellow cars like they like streetlamps. Compared to other cars the A/C is quick to start cooling during the summer. My only issue with it is that its not very fun to drive. Maybe next time Ill go for the HHR SS,or the Audi A3.

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  Very Good Car but interested in a New one. - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Pauline R Poling - September 5 - 10:29 pm

  Very good Shape have keep up on oil Changes. New Tires.