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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  Great Car Fuel Economy a problem - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Justin D. - March 2 - 7:06 pm

  I purchased a 2008 2wd Limited in Atlanta in November 2008. Its a great car, interior well thought out with the right touches in all the right places. Ride is nice if not sporty. My only complaint is the following. My gas mileage for city driving is consistently around 15.5 to 16 significantly below the 18 Toyota promises. I use Costco gas, dont put much in the car, have tried to not acclerate very fast but this problem continues to persist. This mileage issue is a real disappointment.

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  2006 4runner Like a Timex Watch - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mikes 4runner - March 2 - 12:12 pm

  Only thing I have replaced is battery a couple of times and just recently the alternator.

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  My Review - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Boo - March 2 - 2:06 am

  Smooth, quiet, comfortable ride that is easy to handle. The Limited model has plenty of comforts, including automatic climate control and auto-dimming mirror.

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  2006 Toyota Corolla - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Valerie - March 2 - 2:06 am

  I just bought the 2006 Corolla, and so far I love it. Its small, spunky, has pep, a great interior, is perfectly sized for me as a small person, and has Toyotas great reliability/durability history. Im on a budget, so I didnt get keyless entry. Wish I did. I havent ridden over 35 miles on the fwy yet, so cant say.

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  Best Car Evar - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jimintampa - March 2 - 2:03 am

  I drive a lot - bimonthly trips from Florida to Arkansas, a lot in Florida, its simply the best car I ever had (and Ive had a lot of cars). Best part is the way it teaches the driver.

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  dont buy this car get a 2004 and up - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By jlevitan - March 1 - 11:50 pm

  bought the car from a dealer. car needed the starter and fan system replaced 2 days after. car runs really hot. oil is seeping out of the engine. car has 103,000 miles on it for a Toyota this shouldnt be much. there is a known issue with camrys from 2002-2006 with the headbolts stripping off the engine block causing the engine to overheat and then blow at any givin time.and there is no support from toyota they could car less selling the car on name alone instead of quality. if i could go back in time i would tell the dealer to keep it and got into something else. purchased it for Toyota name and quality and got the worst car experience ive ever havve to deal with do not buy this car

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  I got it right this time. - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Happy in Omaha - March 1 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my Camry Hybrid after reading its reviews in Edmonds. I was worried if I made the right choice until my first gas purchase. I averaged 34.9 mpg on my first tank, and then over 38 on my next two tanks. I am convinced that I can average 40 mpg as I learn how to drive this car. This car is both fun to drive and very comfortable. I would like to have a job selling only Camry Hybrids. It would be as easy as being the weatherman in San Diego. The only person that would not like this car is someone that has to be the quickest driver in traffic. The rest of the adult driving world should be very happy with this vehichle.

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  Buy one now - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jaybird - March 1 - 7:26 pm

  I really cant say enough about how much I enjoy driving this car. The ride is smoother and quieter than my Lexus. I cant speak more highly of any car that I have ever had or rode in. I started out not caring if we got a hybrid or a 6 cylinder but we found just what we wanted in the hybrid so we bought it. After having driven it almost 800 miles I just love it.

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  Value - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Sam - March 1 - 6:30 pm

  Test drove this car on a lark after lunch after planning to purchase a Pontiac G6. The G6 might be more sporty looking but doesnt drive as well and gets half the mpg. I really wanted to wait to make a purchase, but my wife loved it so much we bought it immediately. The Prius has plenty of get up and go and will seat 4 adults comfortably. Our mileage has been in the 50s with every tank of gas so far.

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  Dissapointed - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By stovester - March 1 - 5:26 pm

  First Toyota I have ever bought always owned "American" trucks but thought Id give Toyota shot since they (used) to have a great rep. Lack of power off the line and have had several instances where it just wont GO! Even with the pedal to the floor. I was told by dealership thats how they are and if there is no check engine light then nothings wrong. Finally after having the recall performed the check engine light came on and turned out the emissions valve was bad. 2 days to replaced that (no loaner vehicle provided) and still having problems. Even more prominent with the AC on, loses power bid time. Last Toyota I will buy, not impressed at all.