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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  2 weeks and great gas mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Teresa - February 13 - 1:50 am

  We filled it up for the first time in the two weeks we have had it and average getting 37 mpg, mostly city driving. Fun to drive, handles easily. I suggest DRL on all vehicles and a little better seat quality on Yaris, but what can I expect at this price point. My husband and I cannot decide who gets to drive it. We both love it. I think the radio sounds great. Cup holders are fine for summer because I drink iced tea. Lots of storage places. Needs one extra 12v outlet.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RickH - February 11 - 7:56 am

  Bought the SLE Convertible used with 40K miles. It has been a great car. I added aftermarket heated seats (about $350) and an XM commander radio with PIE adaptor (it plays using the CD button and not with FM modulator). Normal oil changes and maintenance - car runs great and is a blast to drive on sunny days, especially in the spring and fall. Mileage is about 24/gallon. Quiet ride with the top up.

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  Toyota like a war tank. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Toyotafan - February 11 - 6:16 am

  To SNP Camry..The vibration on your new car comes from the way the tires are mounted. As you may know, toyota does not install good tires on its cars. My suggestion, take your car to the nearest dealer and ask the technician to dismount the tires. By doing so, they will be able to match the two marks, inside the tire and the other being on the rim. In light of that, the technician should consider doing a dynamic balance on the wheels and should not experience any problems thereafter.

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  Better than expected! - 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Bill - February 9 - 3:10 am

  Bought a new fully loaded Limited Hybrid. Hoped to get the EPA est. gas mpg and with about 2200 miles Im getting way better than that. Best trips are fairly low speed, 40 and under which usually yield 33 to 36 mpg! Highway trips top out around 29 mpg. I live far out suburban, little city driving, and I keep up with traffic. Very smooth and comfortable, very QUIET. Mastered the nav. Its okay, not great. A tall step in, had to get running boards for my wife. Goofy hump for rear wiper and small rear windows restrict rear vision. All else better than expected. Intend to keep it 10 years like the Ford Expedition it replaced. Lost a little space, use half the gas, no regrets.

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  Unlevel truck bed - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By flhoss - February 9 - 2:00 am

  After I took my new 2004 Tacoma home I noticed the bed wasnt level (left side over 1/2 inch lower than the right)and took it to Toyota of Puyallup for maintenance. Their first corrective action was to inflate the left rear tire to 34 lbs., instead of 29 lbs.. I wouldnt buy that. A Toyota factory representative "advised that up to 3/4- inch discrepancy in height is acceptable and no adjustments will be made under warranty". Refused to consider defective shocks, springs, assembly, loose or miss aligned u-bolts or noncompatable components. Where has the vaunted Toyota quality gone? Hello Honda!!!!!

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  SO FAR OK BUT............... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By BIGBOYAL - February 9 - 2:00 am

  SO FAR SEEMS FINE. CLOTH SEATS A BIT UNCOMFORTABLE.AND BACK DOOR IS A PAIN TO CLOSE.

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  My 2nd FJ - 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By dano100 - February 9 - 1:27 am

  The FJ Cruiser is the perfect vehicle for our situation. We have 3 dogs, a pop up camper and live in Ohio, where the winters can be rough. The rubber floor and water resistant seats, the ability to tow 5,000 lbs. and the off road and bad weather capabilities make it a joy to own.

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  2400 miles later - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Eroc69 - February 8 - 9:46 pm

  OK, Ive had my 07 V-6 for 2 full months. WOW what a disappointment. There are as many rattles, squeaks as my old 97 Grand Prix. Worse when its really cold but thats ok. The engine is still phenomenal and it does get good MPG. The seat comfort is not as it was and I found that the gas-brake pedals are offset too much to the left of my body centerline. The tranny housing is too wide and as such causes an unneeded bend in my right leg, RE: KNEE PAIN. Still a quiet car, looks good, good MPG, but the rattles even if NOT moving are a major distraction. WAIT til the 08s come out to buy one.

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  Fine For Me - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Silver Man - February 8 - 5:36 am

  Seeing that this is my first SUV purchase it was well worth it! I test drove the Tahoe. I wasnt feeling it at all. The Expedition just didnt look appealing to me either. Once I saw the Sequioa. I fell in love with it. Once I drove it I knew this was the truck for me. My wife who drives a Honda Accord even likes the way it handles. Im 6`4 so its just fine with me!!! Thank you Toyota for getting it right!!

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  2009 Camry Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Toyota Camry Hybrid - February 7 - 6:13 pm

  I bought this car in July, 2009 over a Prius because I wanted a larger car. I love the mileage. I recently drove to Canada along I5 keeping to the speed limit and I got 41 MPG and 550 miles on a tank of gas. This is much better than the published highway mileage of 34 MPG. I quickly noticed a rattle caused by the dash console. Also the center console extends much too far into the back seat, so only a child can sit comfortably in the center seat. Toyota has acknowledged the drivers floor mat problem that seems to be the cause of accelerator sticking and potentially causing serious accidents. Yet Toyota still hasnt recalled it for repairs.