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:

• 

  Dont buy an Avalon - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Sheri - March 8 - 8:20 am

  Dont buy an Avalon unless you want to be unsafe due to these problems: Transmission does not shift properly, causing severe hesitation and lunging, every single minute you are driving. The car will not drive in even a skiff of snow! Cannot disengage the traction control. My driveway is about a 25 degree incline, and it will not go up it. The car is basically "skating" on roads that are not dry. The exterior trim mouldings on roof have come loose and subsequently lost on the freeway, had to replace at my cost, not covered by any warranty. The sound system speakers are very poor design. An old VW has a better one. What a piece of junk! Stay Away! Shame on Toyota.

• 

  best buy for my money - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Christopher - March 8 - 3:50 am

  If I was given the money to buy a more expensive luxury car I would still choose the Avalon and keep the extra money. I might choose Touring with more options. The gas mileage has been great Regularly 32-34 mpg sometimes 37 mph hwy and 29 mpg city. Size is great for a family & reliability of the car has been excellent with no down time besides regular maintenance & oil changes. After buying 3 cars from Bob Smith Toyota they gets our families "kudos" in total satisfaction from sales to service. During my driving history (9 vehicles, 4 new) and driving over 25 years there has been no better dealership!!! The Avalon is tops for Economy, Safety, Reliability, Comfort, and looks.

• 

  OK camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ok camry - March 7 - 4:43 pm

  I have had it for almost two years now. Overall its a nice car to own. Reliability is excellent, but there are several annoying small problems. First, the car sways at any speed, making the driver and passenger move left and right. Second, the interior designer should be fired. You cant reach the window switch--its hidden behind the armrest. Third, the gear shifting handle become loose a little even in the driving gear. Fourth, the coin tray makes noise (not by the coins). Fifth, bad acceleration

• 

  Poor mileage - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By SI,NY - March 7 - 2:46 pm

  I have been very disappointed with the mileage. After 3000 miles it still averages 14 -17 MPG city & 24-26 highway. It has a comfortable ride& good pick up for a 4 cylinder. The stereo has good sound but the IPOD jack is in a difficult to reach location. The climate control in not near as good as the Buick Park Ave I previously owned. I cant believe it didnt come with automatic windshield washers. Dont waste your time with the GPS for $200 buy a Garmin- much easier to use.

• 

  A joy, but city MPG not always roses - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Steve - March 7 - 10:36 am

  I love this car, but I have used it mainly for city driving, with a long shallow upwards grade when I go north and a lot of stops, and it is a struggle to keep mileage above 30 MPG. I have read and written to innumerable folks who have a similar experience. The problem is the combo of a cold engine, short trips, complete stops, and moderate hills. I am learning better how to coast more, and this improved things, and I recently got almost 50 MPG in my commute when I went south (down). But in the city, particularly in the cold, it is certainly not a given that the mileage will be in the 35 MPG range. I have only 800 miles on it, so maybe things will improve. But I second all other raves here.

• 

  A wonderful car to drive, it glides - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By happy with my camry - March 7 - 6:46 am

  I bought the camry new. It now has 146,000 miles, I use it primarily in the city and occasionally for trips both within CA and to the midwest. It is just very comfortable and easy to drive, I can not stress the joy of driving this car too much. It is reliable too, even at its ripe age of 15 years, it has not let me down, I have maintained it though, with regular service. It gets 19 miles city and 25 miles highway.

• 

  Ugly but practical, and economical - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By autooracle - March 6 - 9:56 pm

  Uglier than a Pontiac Aztec. But reliable, economical and fun to drive. The best use of space from any manufacturer of any small car.

• 

  My third Tacoma. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By SPB - March 6 - 8:56 pm

  This is my third Tacoma and is by far the best. I indulged in the Limited. I traded in a full size truck for a smaller truck so it would fit in the garage of my new house. This truck is comfortable, I have leather and heated seats, and the road noise is greatly reduce. I have a Prius C also, so I am used to driving for optimal gas mileage. I get 21-28 mpgs. in the Tacoma and have reached 90.5 in the Prius C. The controls are easy to see and use and the sound system is great. I get a lot of compliments on the truck. It would be nice if the tailgate locked electronically when the truck is locked. The Blind Spot Warning system and Backup Camera come in handy. Some complain about the transmission shifting. I found if you need to accelerate and use the peddle it doesnt seem to have a problem finding the gear. I am not sure why the Prius has a locking gas cap cover and the Tacoma doesnt. The fit and quality is great. Look at other trucks to appreciate the quality. It is large enough to fit some big cargo and the rails and sliding loops are handy.

• 

  2008 Toyota Corolla CE - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By MikeAZ - March 6 - 7:23 pm

  35 MPG, head/legroom similar to my Altima and the feel of driving a Camry. Comfortable enough for my family of four on long rides and enough trunk space to fit everything. Weve owned small sedans and the kids were just too cramped. Now, they like riding in the "small car" because it feels more spacious. Its also incredibly quiet, which makes up for a rather plain stereo in the CE. Lots of cupholders and storage spaces - more than I know what to do with. I also like that the clock is separate from the stereo, so I dont have to choose between telling time and finding a radio station.

• 

  Safety is Excellent - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Tami - March 6 - 4:53 pm

  I reviewed 12 months ago when I first bought the car. I loved it then and now Im going to miss it. Last week we were hit broadside into the passengar side. The floor of the car absorbed all the impact and the airbags deployed. We all are just fine like it never happened!! The car is totaled : ( oh my baby... and Im sure well be buying another one like it... but where its most important the safety is superb!!!