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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  BUY THIS CAR - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By CM & LM - November 17 - 7:56 am

  NEVER LOOK BACK! Liked it so much, traded in an 04 for this one. Ride could be quieter. Love the mileage of 42 with my lead foot. Have the loaded option package and would not do without any of the features. Navigation system is unbelievable! Interior room galore for full sized adults (I am 350, 6). Exterior will scratch too easily but not too badly. Voice recognition needs improvment due to interior noise levels in traffic. I will never buy another gas only vehicle. Thanks Toyota.

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  2 Years of use 2007 Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Larry Hathaway - November 17 - 4:40 am

  I own a 2005 BMW 530I and have owned Mercedes, a 1999 JagXJ8, and love cars. The Camry Hybrid has better acceleration then you would think. If I drive it rather hard I average about 33 miles per gallon. If I try to not accelerate on every stop I can get up to 38 miles per gallon. This is not bad when you consider the size of the car, comfort, styling and for the price compared to the higher priced cars a very good deal.

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  Great all-around car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Derrick - November 17 - 3:10 am

  I bought my 1999 SLE in 2004 with 68k on it. Last night (6/25/09), I finally traded it in as it approached 149k. In the time I had it, I did a tune-up at 90k (more of a preventative thing). At that time, one O2 sensor went out and a little after that I had to replace the front brake rotors. Otherwise, it was simply regular maintenance. The styling held up over time and it was a very comfortable car. It was no hot rod, but it was never meant to be. I really enjoyed owning the car and only traded it because I wanted a hatchback.

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  Great Car... But - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By eveyy - November 16 - 3:36 pm

  In June 2009, I purchased a 2010 Camry LE with leather seat option. I traded in my 12 yr. old Buick Century for my first Toyota and I miss the smooth ride on long trips. Its roomy, has great pick-up for a 4 cyl. and is easy to handle. I have automatic transmission and notice a definite bothersome downshift when slowing down. Averaged 32 mpg on a 6 hour road trip with mostly interstate driving. Very pleased about that. Not so pleased about comfort of the car and seats on the long trip. I had to purchase a donut cushion to sit on for the return. Unlike my Century, on bumpy patches of highway, I felt every bump & vibration. Road noise was also high and had to turn the radio way up.

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  Great looks, Great Car - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Robyn - November 16 - 3:17 pm

  So Ive owned hybrids for quite a while -- mostly various Prius generations. My 2005 Prius was an absolute workhorse -- never an issue. I decided to try a 2013 Ford C-Max, and the thing was in the shop *every single month* since the moment I bought it (sold it 8 months later). When the 2016 Prius became available, I was really torn. I love the look of the Chevy Volt, the ability to plug it in, and all the features it has over the Prius (remote start, parking assist), but reading reviews for the 2016 and 2017 were shaky at best. I test drove a couple of them, and although they were quiet and responsive, they had a few cons as well, and I just couldnt bring myself to spend that much money on something that doesnt have a proven track record for reliability. So, I test drove the Prius 4, with technology package. Although the acceleration isnt meant for drag racing, the car is pretty quiet, and it is such a smooth ride. Brakes are leaps and bounds better than the Volt -- seriously. I read a lot of reviews on the 2016 from other Prius owners, claiming theyre getting in the high 50s, and that Toyota really underestimated the MPG this time. Let me just say... I do NOT drive like a grandma, Ive been in Normal mode the entire time, and over 600 miles later, its showing Im averaging 64 mpg. I thought, "No way!" My husband also has a 2013 Prius, and his just barely gets 50mpg. First fill up (over 500 miles later), I double checked, and its 100% accurate -- 64mpg. Between the reliability and the gas mileage -- I absolutely adore my Prius!

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  Prius Driver Upgrades to Another Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By KlnAir4U - November 16 - 2:56 pm

  After driving an 03 Prius for 80,000 Km (50,000 Mi), I was so pleased with everything about the Prius, that I traded it in on the larger 05 Prius. Besides getting me to work in Toronto Canada and volunteer driving of seniors, I drive to the cottage, to Florida, to New Brunswick and just this weekend, drove round trip to Wisconsin. The drive is so quiet and smooth that I do not tire at the wheel and do not have a problem with "Road Rage" because my engine is off when Im sitting in traffic and this can be actually quite "calming".

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  1 Year Later - More Props for the Prius! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By bluegrass in hogtown - November 16 - 8:53 am

  Its been exactly 1 year and just shy of 20000 miles, and my little blue "bug" just skitters right along, worth every dime! It still gets 50+ mpg, not one problem or glitch, and theres a big plenty of room for the upright bass, a passenger, and other guitars, banjos, fiddles - well, you know what I mean. We had some bitterly cold weather, and "little blue" stayed warm & toasty & CHEAP to run. The only "green" reason for me buying this vehicle was the "green" that I save at the pump, on maintenance... and oh, by the way, the "green" color some peoples eyes turn when they see and ride in it! Ha! I love it! I used to think these vehicles were ugly, ugly, ugly - but not any more...

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  Just My Style - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Gary Perruzzi - November 16 - 3:10 am

  Looked at Sierra, Silverado and F-150 but decided on the Tundra, first on looks and style, but ultimately on ride and quality. The 5.7L is quick and responsive, and so far 16.5 mpg around town. For all the concern over cam sensor problems...so far so good. Many options for the same price as a standard F-150. Love it, and would recommend picking one up!

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  Best Choice I could have made!!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Linda Taylor - November 15 - 7:40 pm

  I have a bad back and right leg and the Avalon is so easy to drive. I can drive for longer periods of time and the comfort is great for long legged passengers both in front and in the back seat. The size of the truck is fabulous too!

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  Camry Hybrid - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Brukat - November 15 - 11:36 am

  3rd Camry, 1st hybrid. We LOVE this car. It teaches you how to get more MPG. Passed on big nav/stereo. Leather was well worth the $. I can keep up with all traffic and stay at 40 mpg. Quiet, roomy, comfortable. Driver classes should consider this car. Power when needed. Consider trunk size when testing, it works for us. CD player has trouble with home made cd/mp3s. Patch in an iPod and go. Watch traffic and red-lights, you CAN beat the stated MPG. We save money at every red-light, the car is off. I have traveled over a mile on electric in town. This car gives all the data you need to make the most of your fuel. Toyotas are like spouses, you may be tired of them before you wear them out.