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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  An efficient compromise - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Buckeye - August 23 - 2:13 am

  I agree with the previous review that the Matrix is possibly the best compromise in size, comfort, fuel economy and handling. Zippier than the bigger beast I drove before, but definitely not the greatest sports-car handling. Love the storage and gas mileage. Put my bike in the back on its side with the seats down without removing the front wheel. I upgraded to get the side airbags. Stereo is excellent. Great for mostly city driving, with lots of potholes and stop-and-go driving. Plenty of headroom, but for someone 61" Id rather sit an inch or two lower than the seat will go. Still breaking it in--but Ive only filled up the tank once in the past month. THAT I can live with!

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  Love my ride!! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By luv2laff - August 23 - 2:03 am

  I absolutely love my RAV4. I have the most basic model, but I love it. I traded in an aging Camry -- this is my third Toyota and they continue to be my favorite. Kids gone, so this is my 50th birthday present to me, and I dont regret the purchase at all. Handles well, love the interior, does have a transmission clunk when put into drive in the morning, but otherwise its great. I did a lot of research before purchasing this SUV, and I definitely do not regret it. Getting older, so I love being able to "throw my hip" up into the seat instead of squatting down to get into a sedan (smile). No effort getting in or out for my elderly Mom.

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  v4 vs. V6 - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Rich - August 22 - 11:16 pm

  Having owned a 2007 Camry LE with the V6 I must say how wonderfully surprised I was when I purchased a 2011 XLE 4. Plenty zippy and wonderful on the freeway. First tank full of gas 28 MPG with the V6 on the same route just 23 Mpg. Highway blows away the 32 MPG estimate and this at 70 MPH. This time Toyota under-promises and over delivers. Leather seats excellent and ride may be cushy but I love it after a hectic day of work. The JBL sound is crystal clear and the speakers are dynamic. If your thinking V6 think again and drive the V4. In a Venza the difference is pronounced because of the weight difference. In the Camry quiet, smooth and MPG, trump 0 to 60.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Matt - August 22 - 11:00 pm

  I have over 51,000 miles on my 2008 hybrid and have had no problems. I got the base model with the only option being floor mats. Overall, I average about 31-36 mpg in city/hwy combined driving. Im tall and there is plenty of leg room and the seats are quite comfortable. It is quick, comfortable and dependable.

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  Excellent so far - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By John - August 22 - 2:46 pm

  My wife and I have had the FWD Limited Hybrid for one month. Gas mileage, as expected, has been less than the EPA. We average about 27 mpg combo city/highway. Ride is very good but you can feel the extra weight of the midsection battery compartment giving a slight truck like ride. We cant comment on reliability. It worries us that there is such a complicated transmission etc. but we are relying on the quality reputation of Toyota that this will be a long term excellent automobile.

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  My Fathers Oldsmobile - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By JLF - August 22 - 2:13 pm

  Strong acceleration, good fuel economy, flaccid handling, isolation in the passenger compartment, roomy, luxury without pretense, lots of features, reasonable price, unpretentious styling, this is my fathers Oldsmobile.

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  Great Fun and Works for my Business - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Weaselboy - August 22 - 3:16 am

  Bought the RAV4 as a work vehicle and it has performed outstanding. Gets the attention I like and the work done. Everyone in the office loves it. The roof rack rattles a bit and the brakes squeal sometimes when stopping ( they are not worn either). Other than that no problems and the ones listed are minor and intermittent.

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  This is a great car! - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By jemco93 - August 21 - 10:16 pm

  Wasnt the first choice for us but we like it a lot now. I was set on getting a Rav4 and then considered the Subaru Forester but though Id stick with Toyota. Because of limited choices here, we started looking for a Rav4 with 4WD and V6 which is hard to find without being over used. We found a Lexus RX330 and thought this might be it but then later going back we found out it was sold. I had researched the inventory they with had and saw they had a highlander that met our criteria. We looked at it and test drove it and found that we really liked it. So far it been driving well and we plan on using it for 200,000 miles

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  Overall beast! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By palermo - August 21 - 10:03 pm

  Smooth riding and big truck feel. Not a gas saving vehicle and only uses premium gasoline (more expensive).

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  Love my new Tacoma - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By NC ToyotaMan - August 21 - 6:06 pm

  This is my first pickup truck purchase in a lot of years. Ive had many SUVs. The Tacoma certainly rides like a truck. A little bouncy even on the highway. Visibility is excellent, especially with the double cab. You can turn your head and see just about a 360 view. No major blind spots. The seat is a bit short in the depth, but I think it is just the right height unlike reviews that state the seat is too low to the floor. The audio system should have more power. Not very impressive for such a nice truck. Sounds like a clock radio. First tank of gas gave 16.5 mpg. Not bad for an engine that isnt broken in yet. For a v6 mpg should be much higher though. Plenty of power. No trans hunting.