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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  11 weeks 5000 miles - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Nick C - June 13 - 2:13 am

  Averaging 40 MPG per tankful. 42 MPG was my "high score". This car is awesome. We took it on vacation and averaged 38 MPG on the highway without suffering... air conditioning, 70+ MPH, etc. The body style is tight and makes the vehicle look very classy. Good trunk space fits 3 sets of golf clubs. If I could get my wife to drive with less of a lead foot, we could surpass 40 MPG, but oh well. The service light just came on and it makes regular maintenance easy as it will bug you to death if you dont get it in.

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  I never want to own another veichle - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DK8594 - June 12 - 10:43 pm

  What I had read was true. The gas mileage isnt great, there are blind spots, and the suicide doors are sometimes inconvenient. Still, I am absolutely in love with my FJ. It sits tall, handles extremely well on the highways, and is the most comfortable car Ive ever driven. I live in Ohio, and we have gotten an unusual amount of snow this year. Im never worried about getting stuck and feel extremely safe driving it.

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  This car saved my life. Highly recommend!! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By raro - June 12 - 6:38 pm

  I was recently in an accident on the hwy where I hit another car broadside. This car did everything it was designed to do. It crumpled in the front end, the hood buckled up and the engine did not come in on me. All four doors opened (I wish I could show you pictures), and let both my passenger and I out. I could kiss the man who sold me this car! I owned this car for three wonderful years and did ZERO REPAIRS. It had 150k and drove like it was new. Quiet, smooth, strong, reliable and SAFE!! Buy this car with confidence.

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  Good all around car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Speed_Racer - June 12 - 3:26 pm

  There are 2 outstanding features about this car: 1) The engine: It pulls throughout its entire range. 2) Room: So much back-seat room. More room than the previous generation Lexus LS. I have owned many cars, sports and lurury. The Avalon offers a superb ride. There is a little too much lean in corners, and it tends to oversteer when pushed. The flip side of this is a nice ride for commutes.

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  Sportrac to a Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By SW - June 12 - 1:56 pm

  Went from a Sportrac to the Camry when gas first went through the roof. Mileage is not as good as advertised, but better than the sportrac. Wish the Lumbar support would get a little more full. This car is great to drive and is comfortable for the most part. Trunk is huge and expands when you lay the back seats down. Stereo system is awesome. Saw some 07 models over the weekend and they are even better looking. Im sure Ill stick with Toyota, probably even the Camry.

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  Love It - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Erin - June 12 - 5:56 am

  This is the first Toyota I have owned and I simply love it. Of course it gets great gas mileage, but it is very comfortable to ride and drive and the Sports series I bought is very stylish and I have received many compliments on the looks. I am very happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend to anyone.

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  Drive it/buy it - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By mike - June 12 - 4:40 am

  I wanted a commuter car as my truck gets 15-16 mpg. My choice was a Honda or Toyota. The Yaris fit the bill. Good fit and finish, turns on a dime, 36-38 mpg around town/freeway and 40+ on freeway driving alone. I figured that in a few years I could drive to work -55miles daily- and purchase a new vehicle with the gas for the same price of just putting gas in my truck and wearing it out. The oil companies will make minimal off my driving. I purchased the arm rest-dealer installed for about $140. This has been great!! worth the money. Car is a blast to drive-co-workers say it reminds them of a remote control toy car. Great value, great car- Ive owned other Toyotas.

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  "Toyota Family " - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By doug - June 11 - 9:10 pm

  I have owned at least every car that Toyota has built, from the corolla to the Avalon, That is a Supra, 3 Cressidas, a 4-Runner. This truck is by far, the smoothest truck that I have ever ridden in. It rides and performs like one of my Cressidas. Heads turn when I pass. Its a joy to drive. The interior is great. Its sturdy and rides great. I dont think I went wrong with this truck...

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  175,200k miles and still going strong.... - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Halls - June 11 - 6:38 pm

  Purchased used with 30k miles, and put 145k miles on with mostly just oil changes and brakes. At 160k, I had new sparks, throttle cleaning, brakes, and valve cover gasket replaced. I have also replaced the fluids here and there. I am amazed at how reliable this little SUV is. Never a breakdown on the road. I have never been able to put this many miles on a car. I have been test driving newer cars and so far havent found anything that measures up. The new Honda HR-V has slow acceleration; the Jeep Renegade smelled like it had no oil in it after a test drive; the Prius V looked and sounded weird and has no space in the front seat. Even the new RAV4 seems a sluggish old bus compared to my little RAV. Wish Toyota had kept this model the same: petite and sporty.

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  Venza 6 months - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By rlionel - June 11 - 4:42 pm

  MyVenza was purchased new. After 6 months and 7,500 miles, it drives just like new! Have not had one problem with my Venza. The ride is smooth, just came back from a 500 mile trip! Gas mileage was 27 mph overall for the trip! I have the 4 cyl. At 182 Hp it is very sufficient! The Venza is versatile, the cargo space is excellent. Seats fold down all or 1/2! Plenty of storage space! Electric back door is great Sound system is also excellent, especially the blue tooth phone and streaming audio from my IPhone. Start button is great! The only issue is with the small back up camera. screen is way too small! I have had many suvs, this drives like a car, but sits up high. I would buy another!