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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  Terrible - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Steve Mack - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a huge dissapointment.I highly suggest the 4 runner.

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  Its a Corolla! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bc_sizemo - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Its a Corolla people, an economy car. So far it hasnt given me any problems, it has enough power (needs more low end torque). I like the layout of the shifter, and most accessories. I had a 96 Cavalier and this is a nice upgrade. As for everyone who says it needs more power (v6/turbo, ect..) ITS an ECONOMY car, you wouldnt have bought it if is had a V6 cause it would only get 25 mpg. Go buy a WRX or VW 1.8T then, and pay for premiun gas.

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  A superior vehicle - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By keithb - May 11 - 10:00 am

  After owning the vehicle for just over a year, it has met or exceeded all expectations. No problems and just a great all round car- offers no logical reason to buy something more expensive. Engine is strong through the rev range and works exceptionally well with the automatic transmission. Handling is very good as is ride and noise control- although there can be a bit of wind noise on the highway. Lots of interior space and quite comfortable. Gas mileage reached 41 mpg -hwy. Car is far superior to my 97 Protege. Even after driving the well reviewed Mazda 3, I feel it still has an edge in many areas.

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  TRD off road double cab - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Matt - May 10 - 9:21 am

  So far I have been pleased with the truck. Shifting can be a little quirky at times but nothing major. Ride is nice and has plenty of power for me. Gas milage has been better than expected. Getting 21-22 for commute with up to 26 if I dont hit a bunch of lights. Cant wait to get it out on some trails to see how itdoes.

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  Feedback after 20,000 miles - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Geo-Green - May 10 - 1:20 am

  I am motivated to review the Prius again (after having the car for over a year and a half) because so many people are now interested in the car -- thanks to higher fuel prices. Regarding the mileage: It is always exceptional but will fall short of the EPA parameters especially in the heat of the summer when the AC is on. I drive a mix of congested local and highway. When very hot outside, the "worst" mileage is 44 mpg. The very best mileage? I am now averaging 54 miles per gallon in temperate weather. There are ways to improve your fuel economy and as one gets acclimated to the hybrid engine, mileage should improve even more. Its both patriotic to country and greener for our planet.

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  Loved this car!! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By janet stahel - May 9 - 11:22 pm

  Comfortable, reliable, good looking. Good ride, dependable. Cant beat it!

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  Glorified Tin Can - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By 49er fan - May 9 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car as a third vehichle for myself- basically to run back and forth to work in and for errands. I certainly did not buy it for its looks going in, but for fuel economy. This car did not deliver as advertised. I am averaging about 35 MPG highway/city driving- not the 50 MPG+ as advertised. I feel sorry for those who have this car as a primary vehichle- it is very uncomfortable after 1/2 hour- seats are hard and headroom is poor. The car is very slow merging on the freeway and keeping up with traffic. Very noisy at speeds of 60 MPH plus The "check engine" light came on, but dealer could not find anything wrong. This is a good car for a teenager or for short trips only.

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  hybrid doesnt = 30+mpg - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ken - May 9 - 5:00 pm

  The vehicle is comfortable, reliable, has decent power, pick-up and performance. However, even without exceeding 60 mph om the highway, I only get around 26-28 mpg, not the 33-35 shown on the sticker. Still, I am very pleased with the purchase.

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  Car Saved My Life - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By MK in NS - May 9 - 3:00 pm

  After an accident where an oncoming car spun out and into me I was thrilled and disappointed that it was our TCH that I was driving-we have two other Toyotas. The car did everything that it was designed to do. Only the airbags necessary deployed and the front end, including hood, crumpled as it was supposed to. I walked away with minor injuries. LOVE this car so much that when it was written off we bought a 2009. It had more than 100,000kms on it with no problems at all. Cant imagine a better vehicle.

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  I love my camry! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By jasonjb - May 9 - 2:48 pm

  I drove a 1991 Toyota pickup from 2005 to ~2011; after that I was given my grandmothers 1999 Toyota Camry. At the time it only had around 43k miles on the odometer. Since then Ive put around 30k on the odometer; driving to and from work/school in Connecticut as well as driving from South Carolina to CT and back 5 times. It still runs great; the engine air filter is miraculously still clean and in good shape despite being 3 years old. The only problem Ive been having lately is the motors for both the front driver and passenger windows dying...although thats likely due to age. All in all, its a great car and I bet mine will last for years to come.