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 gas mileage, thats about it. - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By BillD - May 7 - 10:36 am

  Ive owned this 2010 Prius IV for 1500 miles. Ive been getting 55-60mpg mixed city and highway. Thats about the nicest thing you can say about this car. For the $29k I paid, I expected a LOT more. A mazda3 or a civic and a big gas bill would have been a much better value. The brakes are ridiculous. If you go over a pothole, youre going to lose all braking power for about 3 seconds. For a car with traction control and electronic brake distribution this is simply unacceptable. In power mode the car drives well and has some spunk. Normal and Eco modes are just nanny modes that deaden the accelerator. Thanks, but I know how to drive and like to accelerate without having to floor it.

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  Jekyll and Hyde Impression - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By R.Carr - May 4 - 4:03 pm

  My initial impression and test drives with the 09 Venza were great. But 2-1/2 months and 13,000 later... I wish I could take it back! A lack-luster 23.5 mpg average and 90% of that is Highway and non-aggressive driving techniques. The drivers seating and placement is extremely uncomfortable after only an hour or two of driving (makes me wish I had my Honda Odyssey back). Road Noise at Highway speeds is excessive! You cannot drive with just one hand or the steering starts shaking (maybe the 19" wheels?). Hit a medium-sized dog at 50mph... the front-end fell apart. $3,200 damage!!! Love the Style and Looks of the car, but all other aspects remind of a Yugo.

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  Poor Design, Little Comfort - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By formula - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The rear brakes squeal so bad that the van announces its arrival each time you stop. Toyota has no fix. Theyve replaced the drums, pad and brake cylinders to no avail. The recessed windshield causes the wiper on the drivers side to compact snow and sleet on the the windshield up against the windshield frame instead of removing it. There is a small 17" wiper on the passenger side that wraps around the corner of the windshield is so small that it will not flatten out in the cold weather leaving the passenger side uncleaned and a blocked view. The seats are overly firm even for leather. Access to the third seat is difficult.

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  Almost there - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Pedro - April 30 - 4:56 am

  I bought a 2006 Toyota Highlander in July. It was a good purchase but a little more than I could afford - dealers have a way of making you spend more than you should. I love the color and the smell of the car although I bought it used with only 8700 miles. The ride is good but a little noisy - it may be wind noise when the windows are down. Gas mileage seems pretty good but not as good as I was promised. I drive mostly in the city and get about 19 to 20 miles to the gallon. I have a large family and needed the extra seating. The rear seat is a little cramped for my older ones but it is OK for my younger kids. I hope this is a reliable car.

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  Wears out quick - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By steve - April 27 - 1:26 am

  Bought car with 10k on it. 1st week plastic piece inside broke didnt even touch it. Car was very reliable, not much maintenance, but was getting very, very used feeling at about 65k, then at 74k transmission went! This was on a manual. Never had a tranny go in my life. Other cars have been driven to 150k plus never had to replace tranny. Oh well disappointed in Toyota. Gas mileage was good though. Also Windows rattled a little from 20k on.

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  Corolla review 123 - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Alan Feiveson - April 24 - 9:41 pm

  One thing kept us from considering this car. The visibility out the back was very poor due to the high rear seat headrests.

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  Corolla review 123 - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Alan Feiveson - April 24 - 9:41 pm

  One thing kept us from considering this car. The visibility out the back was very poor due to the high rear seat headrests.

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  Vibrates on the highway - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By BJ - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I almost did not buy a Rav4 due to concerns of Quality going down at Toyota. We had a 2005 Camry that vibrated of the highway if the wheels were not perfectly balanced. Well, I took a chance and got burned big time by Toyota. My 2010 Rav4 vibrates at speeds greater than 50. Other 2010 Rav4s tested at the dealership (after I bought it to compare) also vibrate and Toyota officially told me that they were just built that way. I have come across a couple of nearly identical complaints on the internet. Now I am looking to trade for a SUV that does not vibrate. Toyota could care less, but I would never buy another Toyota.

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  Not To happy - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lanenn - April 21 - 9:30 am

  I did heavy research before I traded my 2004 Chevy Maxx. Read every report, drove some other cars,and this Camry Hybrid seemed to be the very best I could buy. Safe, good trade value, good mileage..maybe at 71 years old my last car. Now after almost 8 mos. I have been very sorry I purchased this car. Gas mileage not so great, better in summer then winter. Interior very plan,fun to drive, answer: no.Now with all the bad coming about Toyota, even if this Camry Hybrid is not on any recall..YET the value is sure to fall off. I should have stayed with Ford or Chevy. There all some other things about this Camry that are becoming more of a disappointment to me and my wife. The AC/heat control are poor.

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  Great but needs some bugs taken out - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By larser - April 20 - 2:00 am

  First of all, the mileage is great. I dont know if Ill ever break even but time will tell. Happiness is only buying 9 gallons of gas at the pump so by that perspective, Im a happy camper.