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 ride quality for truck based SUV. - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tyler - September 4 - 9:48 pm

  I shopped the 4Runner against a G. Cherokee (unattractive/low quality interior), Pathfinder (superb ride quality but felt too much like a car - CVT transmission also a no-go - google Nissan and CVT and see what I mean), and Explorer (a little bland) and the 4Runner won out for superior styling, fit and finish, and third row seat. Ive had it since August of 2014 (~15k mi.) with no significant problems. I did have to have the navigation system program updated by the dealer who performed this service free of charge and promptly. It has ample power (I rarely tow but it is up for the job), decent acceleration and relatively good fuel economy for a SUV. I average just over 18 mpg in largely city/suburb driving but it doesnt go up much on the highway if you have a heavy foot in particular. Mine is two wheel drive but Id take it anywhere any other 2wd in the class may venture and then some. Good ground clearance (running boards are suggested if for looks if nothing else) and traction control performs well in light off road duty. Sharp truck. I was also sold on safety when my wife pulled across the path of a police dodge charger with push bar and under 2k miles and the impact totaled it but not her 2010 Highlander that were it not for a busted radiator and blown tire probably could have been driven away.

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  1st Toyota - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By zotos - September 3 - 11:10 pm

  This is my first Toyota. I drove the 07 Camry, but I found the LE Corolla to be more my fit. I love the looks, I love the economy and I love the price. You could get more with other vehicles, but I bought this for the reliability and name. Not disappointed yet.

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  Slug! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By John - September 3 - 6:06 pm

  I bought this car for my daughter. I purchased it for its size and safety features. Its built well and am sure it will have the reliability that Toyota is known for.

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  Wonderful car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By golfman - September 2 - 5:06 am

  Am finally moving on from this car after 16 years. Has been a great auto. Extremely reliable. This was basically the Lexus ES 300 with a different body and missing some bells and whistles. Toyota later thought this car was too good for the price and "decontented" it. Ive had no major issues or repairs with it. Replaced the timing chain around 80k miles. Im even reluctantly giving it up at this point, but there are just too many nice features on the new cars to pass up. I have the black exterior and tan interior and still think the car looks good today. A real peach.

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  50 mpg and going - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By bowlerx - September 1 - 12:56 pm

  great mileage, get up and go, sound system, quiet on road -- I commute 60 miles to work in SCAL -- what a benefit to get in carpool lane and save $$$. Touch screen and keyless operation are coolest parts. Front seat is uncomfortable but all else is A++

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  Very Bad stereo and sound system - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Garry - August 31 - 8:49 pm

  We purchased a 2015 Camry SE. Never thought I would be in such a disappointment with Toyota sound system ! I love to listen to my music while Im driving so therefore my stereo and speakers needs to have the best quality but is the worst car stereo sound ever.

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  Value for Money - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By amithw - August 31 - 12:10 pm

  I have 169K miles on my toyota. Still rounds great. Only change oil and filters, belts. I get 21city and 24hwy MPG. Great car very reliable. Use good tires and the ride is even smoother. Only defect I see is some clanking noise coming from front suspension. No mechanic could fix it. So I drive with it,

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Carl - August 29 - 11:16 am

  First off, people need to understand the main purpose of this vehicle - plain and simply, fuel economy. Once you get past the stiff seats and lackluster acceleration, the fuel effeciency is mesmerizing. Ive driven my new Prius almost 1,000 miles and am averaging 50.8 mpg.

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  New Buyer Reflection - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - August 29 - 2:20 am

  Just purchased a Rav4 with a V6. Given the size of the vehicle I had lowered expectations on comfort/ergonomics and general features. Pros to date - * Its quick. The V6 does indeed pack a punch. * Much roomier inside that its smallish outside might suggest. Cons to date - * Steering wheel is small and only telescopes a couple inches. When I move the seat to a comfortable position I feel like I am leaning forward to reach for the wheel. * Seats are small, compared to the larger SUVs. A sore posterior on longer trips has been the result as the body weight is less distributed.

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  Ride is nice and smooth - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By SP - August 28 - 9:33 pm

  Ive had this car for over 3 weeks, and I must say, its a great car. The ride is nice and smooth. Though the steering does "wander" a bit, it isnt unbearable. The seating is comfortable for me, and the radio/aux system is nice. The gas mileage is great! A really good economy car.