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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  2006 SR5 after 3 weeks - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rob - August 19 - 9:36 am

  I like the following: V6 power & the smooth trans, moonroof, rear window goes down and the solid feel and the quality finish. The ride is smooth, esp. for a truck. The diagonal bounce of normal suvs is almost completely absent. Love the headlights and tail lights that are normally found on the highend luxury cars. Dislikes: there are some things that I totally dislike and didnt take me long to notice as follows: the placement of the window switches, power outlet and the auxillary jack are in a bad locations, the seats get hard after a short time, the base stereo is just that, 3rd row seats are tiny and lots of blind spots. finally, when exiting vehicle my pants get dirty on running boards.

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  Reliable Point a to b transportation - otherwise kinda boring - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By dreamer123890 - August 19 - 8:05 am

  Camry is a good reliable car. Driven it 41k since Aug09. Doesnt get your pulses going and begs to not go fast but its reliable, comfortable and spacious. The 4-cylinder engine is ok. Not as fuel efficient as compared to the current crop of midsize cars. I get about 26-27 mpg with mostly city driving. Highway driving gets 30 mpg. I am mostly satisfied but the interiors are cheap plastic and downmarket. HOwever seats are comfy. Suspension is soft but hits its max pretty quickly. I wouldnt buy a camry again - too ordinary and cheap looking for me. The new Accord looks amazing and has the same reliability, better fuel efficiency. I will probable consider that before i consider Camry.

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  traded my 2006 for a 2008 - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rob - August 19 - 8:00 am

  Well, we traded in our 2006 V8 Limited X-REAS for a 2008 that is exactly the same in every respect. The new Michelins ride nicier but have less grip and are softer (bouncier) than the Bridgestones, we do not like the new tires. The X-REAS suspension is softer on the 2008 and does not handle as well, if the shocks were a little stiffer it would be perfect. We drive fast generally and live in the country, the handling is important to us.

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  Small car saves big - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By JBMoorpark - August 19 - 4:51 am

  I got this to be a commuter car. Its perfect for that, in my opinion. The gas mileage is through the roof. After 25,000 miles I average 52 mpg overall and higher under certain circumstances. Its not the quietest car but its a lot quieter than my minivan. Its comfortable. The controls are easy and logical. The built-in USB support is really nice. Cargo space is tight if you have the back seats up but great if you fold them down. I really, really enjoy just tooling along in this car.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joe - August 19 - 1:20 am

  I tow a boat so I feel more comfortable with a body on frame setup. I fell in love with the 4 runner after the first drive. It is comfortable and has a great quiet ride. I got 21 mpg in mixed driving which I was pleasantly surprised. I traded in a 2002 Tahoe which was a great vehicle and I use to get 16.5 mpg under the same driving conditions. My only complaints are that you cant get some options on the SR5. I dont like leather seats, there cold in the winter and hot in the summer, but most of all in my opinion they are not nearly as comfortable as cloth. So I dont want to pay for something I dont like. I dont know why car companies dont offer their upper end models without leather!

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  This car will kill oil dependancy! - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By yochivazooo - August 18 - 4:23 pm

  Saving me $200 a month in gasoline. 53mpg avg. Stereo sounds incredible on Prious C (4) Confortable seats and I am 5.11, rear confortable for 2 full side adults, 5 tight for the center. Only complaint, no rear camera on level 3 & 4. GPS could be better. If you want to save money this car is for you, dont expect power or luxury ride. Ill use my CR-V for long trips. Cant go wrong for commuter.

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  80,000 miles and still lovin it - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Kim - August 18 - 2:43 pm

  This is the 6th Toyota I have purchased new and love it just as much as the day we brought it home. There have been no major mechanical issues. We recently had a new computer update put in for the jerky transmission. That problem is gone now. Take note if you still have warranty get your dealership to install the update. Love the gas mileage average 27 mpg & have had it up to 35 on expressway road trips. The motor has had a tick in it since day one (sounds a bit like an old Mercedes diesel, not as loud) but it doesnt seem to be having any issues. New brakes & rotors @ 60,000,and it seems like the muffler may be getting ready to be replaced. Have done all maintenance as scheduled. LOVE IT LOVE IT!

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  Save Yourself the Pain - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Kim - August 18 - 12:33 pm

  I bought this car new and when I drove it off of the lot it had a rattle in the steering wheel area. I thought it was not a big deal that they could fix it. I was so wrong! Over a year later and many trips to the dealership the problem still exists. Toyota reps said live with it. The transmission is awful and Toyota is aware of this problem. This was the first year with the new transmission and they have problems; The transmission can sometimes "drag" when you are trying to move forward which makes driving on I-95a lot of fun or it may take it upon itself to move forward when sitting with your foot on the brake. My air conditioner likes to blow warm air in the summer.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By bruce - August 18 - 5:30 am

  After looking at many cute utes and mid-size SUVs, my wife and I settled for the Highlander. After driving a 1992 Subaru Legacy we feel like we are driving a great handling and powerful SUV. I am very pleased with the overall appearance and driveablility. The only drawback is a slight hesitation when accelerating to merge into traffic. I found if I dont punch down on the accelerator, but give a more gradual throttle, the hesitation is minimal. Even though we bought this Highlander used, it comes highly recommended. Any vehicle that can stand the heavy usage that comes with a daily rental and still feel very solid is well designed and solidly put together.

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  The Best Small Car in the market - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Abe Ganguly - August 18 - 5:00 am

  Toyota Corolla 2005 is a fun to drive good looking compact car. Reliable, quiet, smooth, powerful sound system, attractive dashboard, automatic headlights. Excellent buy for recent graduates and others who love compact cars at an affordable price.