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 Corolla - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By ghfg - June 30 - 9:40 pm

  The gas mileage I get is 35 mpg. This is excellent. Ive always been a fan of Toyota reliability. I am still satisfied with the Corolla.

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  Beware Prius severe road noise - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By alowin - June 30 - 1:57 pm

  I regret buying our 2012 Prius. Wish I knew what I know now. Road noise is horrific: both tire noise on pavement and wind noise. Travel at higher speeds and over 1 hr are very unpleasant; the ride not a bit enjoyable. Sound and vibration insulation seem minimal. Also: Prius interior is cheap, car seems tinny, but, yes, it has a fabulous power technology. We do get close to 50 MPG. Considering selling it because trips are so unpleasant. Think about whats important to you.

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  A RAV4 for Retirement - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Titanic - June 29 - 9:40 pm

  We bought it to explore the US, Canada and South America. It has ample room for luggage. Its all plastic interior is well designed and built. The V6 is powerfull yet economical. The climat control works well yet the display can not be read in bright day light. As the RAV4 is defined as a truck, we expected it would have strong bumpers. When backing up into a light pole at 2 miles per hour we found out it has no bumper, just a cover. The damage was $2300, it damaged the rear door! The 4 wheel drive is great and fully automatic. The seats are firm but comfortable for long trips. Road noise is high on rough roads. Options are very expensive.

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  Nice car but miss my 4Runner - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Lover - June 29 - 4:26 am

  The XLE is a nice car with plenty of power, as long as you dont mind waiting for it. The delay between the time you hit the gas and the time the vehicle actually responds is almost scary it takes so long. I actually have time to think to myself, "I hope the car goes before I get hit" and then it lunges forward, typically faster than you intended so you have to act quickly so you dont hit someone in front of you. I think I really miss the 2006 4Runner I traded for this Camry and the Camry isnt holding its value as well as the 4Runner did. Im disappointed and I guess Ill just have to wait unit I can afford to trade back to a 4Runner.

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  Toyota Reliability - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By sqwerty - June 28 - 5:32 pm

  The best thing about the 2011 Rav4 is the smooth ride. Getting the 4cyl means it drags quite a bit. This is good for drivers like me who like to hang back, but makes me nervous if I ever need sudden power to escape a reckless driver. Fun is gone forever driving this vehicle, but I am hoping to make up it with famous Toytota reliability. I get compliments on the exterior a lot, which is a plus. Overall, I think it was a wise purchase.

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  MPG - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By msib1 - June 27 - 5:00 am

  LE 2007, 4cy, minor transmission hesitations as I see many other are experencing. Biggest disapointment is gas mileage. 3000 miles on car and just checked MPG, 23.4 MPG and I do 60% highway. City is rated at 24 MPG.

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  Fast for its class, not comfortable - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Steven Bradley - June 26 - 11:46 pm

  Ride is pretty rough. Fuel mileage definitely not as advertised. If youre tall, youll hit your head almost every time you get in. Comfortable once inside, plenty of head room, but getting out will be a challenge if youre not agile.

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  Hit the jackpot - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By opinroad84 - June 26 - 11:20 am

  I bought my Matrix, new, in Sept 02 and since then have only put 52K on it. I have done all of the routine maintenance and have only ever had to replace the serpentine belt a few times and one brake light bulb. This car has been more reliable than I ever could have hoped for. Plus, it has great cargo capacity. I can load it with dozens of bags of mulch, or a weeks worth of camping gear. Even my 29 inch mountain bike fits in the back with the seats down. I will admit, on long drives the seating position can become annoying, but bring a small pillow or something and you can go for hours, plus, you wont need to stop for gas often! Avg MPG, 30 in summer, 26 in winter.

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  Overall a good car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Jennifer - June 26 - 12:10 am

  I bought my Corolla when it was at 12000 miles. It is at 82000 now. Just recently I had to replace a head gasket (and the interior door handle broke). While the head gasket was an expensive repair, its the first problem that Ive had with the car. The steering has loosened over time, but not to the point of concern. The gas mileage is very good (although I dont seem to get as good of mileage as the LE is rated to have - 32 city, 39 highway).

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  Good/safe/reliable care for the price - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By cheapgoodcarguy - June 25 - 11:10 pm

  I bought my 95 Camry LE with 120K miles in 2008 for $3,000 and owned it until last week when it was totaled in an accident. My engine was still running like brand new at 146K and I was expecting to drive it to 300+K. At 140K the transmission needed to be rebuilt, but that only cost $200 (labor and parts included) and came with a lifetime warranty from my mechanic. Windshield wash pump never worked since I bought it, but that didnt bother me. This car is all about reliability, cost, and comfort. Even the insurance was cheaper than my other cars. Very safe, one of the last cars built with actual steel bumpers instead of plastic "facias", so its a real old school tank.