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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  Fun car, excellent quality! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By rigator - October 12 - 9:50 am

  After owning Hondas all of my life, I decided to go with the Prius after driving the Civic Hybrid. I felt the Prius was unique, fun & an excellent automobile. Reading reviews of other satisfied owners reassured me that the vehicle is reliable and the right choice. I highly recommend a Prius!

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  100K and still going. - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Tim Kloth - October 12 - 6:36 am

  We bought this car because of its reliability reputation. We bought it new. We just turned 100K miles and have had no major problems. New battery at 3 yrs. New brakes and tires at about 86K miles. Thats it. We still get just over 30 mpg on the highway with one passenger, full trunk and A/C on. The front seats could be more comfortable and we really dont like the throttle-by-wire system. The excessive lag can be dangerous if you are not planning for it. Also, the five speed trans sometimes hunts between 1-2-3 resulting in a sudden downshift with a clunk or an up shift and surge. The readouts for the radio and temp controls are hard to read in sunlight.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Josie - October 12 - 4:33 am

  I traded in a 2004 Camry LE when the extended warranty ran out at 100K miles; The 2009 feels smaller inside and out. I feel cramped and like Im in a fishbowl - and I am a small lady. With the seat arranged for short person comfort, I have no visibility to check for traffic in my blind spot on either side. Maybe it doesnt have a blind spot? Ha! Im looking at the post when I look over my shoulder. I cant see over the hood to park it and keep missing the lines - yes, I know how to park a car and Ill adjust til I figure it out. Ive only had the car for 3 days and now Im not sure what to do - and Im really concerned that Ill miss another car sitting in a blind spot.

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  Not your [soccer] mothers SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Beeker - October 11 - 2:56 pm

  If you want comforts (e.g. leather, carpet, DVD), the FJ is not for you. Great recreational vehicle for camping, able to load up quite a bit of equipment with the seats folded down Note: one aspect I dont like is when folded down, the rear seats remain higher than the rear cargo area. That is, they are not flush. This makes it awkward to load/pack/carry some items. Fuel consumption roughly 17-18 for highway driving. Not as bad as Id expected. The FJ sits high on the road, making it great for the rare occasions you may need to go through water or snow. Biggest complaint, despite the great exterior design, the windshield is nearly vertical. I had numerous ding from stones, etc

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  OK car, but good value - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By TommyG - October 11 - 12:30 pm

  This car is priced reasonably, so you cant put too high of expectations on it. Its engine power is adequate, though not impressive. Road noise is quite high. So is the engine noise. It seems to be well-built, though we had a plastic engine compartment cover fall off of the bottom of the vehicle a few months after we got it. The snow level was fairly high, and since the car sits low, the snow probably pulled it off. Id consider it a design flaw. The Toyota technician said it was a common problem, but refused to replace it under warranty. The MPG isnt what it was originally rated. We have managed to get 40 mpg, but usually get about 30 (some highway, some city)

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  Love the 4 RUnner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike - October 11 - 8:03 am

  I am so happy I bought this vehicle. My biggest surprise has been how well it rides on the highway. Ive done a bit of off-road but missed the snow last year. I cant wait to take it on ski trips later this year. Im averaging 22.1 MPG at 8,500 miles, which Im happy with. No regrets.

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  My best car yet - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Terry Wisland - October 11 - 5:20 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive owned yet. Power is awesome, very comfortable, nice 22 MPG average fuel economy, Leather seats are comfortable. The cargo area is huge for a small SUV. I can fit a full size mountain bike in it in about 10 seconds. After 3,000 miles, Im averaging about 22 MPG, great for 269 HP and regular fuel. No complaints so far.

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  MPG - Gas Milleage and Horse Power - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Kevin Bui - October 11 - 5:16 am

  I am really disappointed by the gas mileage that I go for nearly a year, about 12,000 miles so far. I got about 28-30 miles/gal. Not sure because I live near a lot of mountain area; up and down hill; or short distance drive that caused the mileage couldnt be close to 34 or more. I took the car to the dealer and complaint about it but they ran diagnostic test and showed nothing wrong. Also, dont see a lot of horse power. Basically, me and my wife were driving like old lady style in order to see any improvement in gas mileage but it stay around 30 mile/gal or less. Not really happy at all.

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  8k mile update on Kitty - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By luvtoyota10 - October 11 - 12:06 am

  My Venza is the best car i have ever owned. It is very reliable. I love the blizzard pearl color. It performed well in the snow. I never slipped. The interior is soo roomy. Very comfortable also. I love driving it. I have had no problems with the car. But the gas mileage is not great I avarage 22.7 mpg and i think city on the sticker is about 25 mpg but besides that. It is a beautiful car.

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  07 4-dr 2wd Taco - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By DS07Taco - October 10 - 9:33 pm

  Drives quiet and smooth, brakes seem a little soft; occasional "surge" at stop with foot on brake pedal, but nothing major. Great ergonomics and functionality in interior; bed is well designed/functional; lots of good standard features. Overall, a very good value for the price.