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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  Outstanding car!! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Northwest mom - July 30 - 7:20 pm

  This car is both luxurious and economical. The driving experience is quiet and soothing. I do a lot of highway driving and its just what the doctor ordered. The brakes are especially impressive, but the gas mileage is probably the best part. The gas mileage feedback system really helps you drive more economically.

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  Died Before 2000 miles - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By maddyg - July 30 - 10:28 am

  I purchased the 2014 Highlander after months of researching the 3-row SUV market and test driving about 10 different vehicles. I loved the new vehicle when I first got it, comfortable, smooth, quiet, and fun to drive. It started having problems turning over to start a few days ago, now it wont start at all. Ive had it for 6 weeks, less than 2000 miles. I turned off all the automatic dome lights, keep everything off when I turn it off and until I start it, music, A/C, EVERYTHING! Ive never had so many problems with a vehicle starting, worst vehicle I have owned, if you want to pay over $30,000 for something to sit dead in the parking lot then buy this car!

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  Reliable - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By bob d - July 30 - 6:03 am

  Corollas are the car you can depend.

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  2018 Camry SE Thoughts - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Ryan - July 29 - 10:26 pm

  I recently purchased this car last month and it has been wonderful. The transmission can be a bit jumpy if you are too quick on the gas upon take off as it hunts to find the right gear (being an 8 speed auto), other than that the gearing has been really smooth. I love the style of the SE (mine is black so it hides those black plastic fins well) and the overall layout. With only 700 miles, I cant comment on long-term reliability but I expect it to be great being a Toyota. Gas mileage has been 25.3 mpg. combined so far and I only expect that number to increase. I love all the safety features including radar cruise and auto high-beams along with RCTA and BSM. For those of you looking at the panoramic sunroof, I wasnt that impressed as it only leaves a 12 inch or less opening if you are actually wanting to open the sunroof. So far the ride and handling has been great on the new TNGA platform and I hope to have this Camry for many trouble-free years to come.

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  My Third One! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Peter - July 29 - 6:01 pm

  This is my third RAV! So far I have had a White 2008 RAV4 LE 4WD, a Brown 2012 RAV4 Limited AWD, & a Gray 2016 RAV4 XLE AWD. Some have asked me why I went from a Limited down to an XLE and my answer is simply, "The cost has gone up way too much." Overall, for the value, you do get an immense amount of amenities for a Mid-Trim Level. I considered the Hybrid but I simply couldnt imagine driving a Hybrid with the way I drive. I did do some comparing before I came back to the RAV4 however. I looked at the Ford Escape Titanium, Honda CR-V Touring, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Limited, Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring, and the Subaru Forester 2.0i Limited. My top 3 in this order were... #3 Subaru Forester #2 Honda CR-V #1 Toyota RAV4. The reason why I stuck with the RAV was simply because of reliability. Now, I did however own a CR-V and Forester before having a RAV and they were great, great vehicles. I liked the RAVs styling the best. Its very... well, RAVVY!!! The thing that I like the most about my RAV is the storage. There is so much storage space and Toyota really thought this through with what a Small-SUV would need. I like everything about the car except for the Purchase Cost, Bluetooth, Entertainment, & Navigation. Personally, Im not a huge fan of Toyotas Entertainment system and navigation. I was apt to miss turns with the navigation and the Entertainment screen isnt intuitive whatsoever. The Bluetooth isnt the best system Ive ever used but itll cut it. Overall, I give my 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD 4/5 stars.

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  LOVE my Celica!!! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By bdnintendo - July 29 - 2:06 pm

  My Celica currently has 135,000 miles on it and is running STRONG! I do have a bit of a lead foot, but its really hard not to with this car. It just makes you want to drive like a race car driver! It has unbelievable handling, awesome looks, and a one of a kind design! This car turns A LOT of heads! VERY reliable, gas efficient, and easy to fall in love with!

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  Love it - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Franki - July 29 - 4:08 am

  Test drive it

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  Is there a better truck in this class? - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By B Sarlo - July 28 - 4:36 pm

  If your looking for anything else you will lose out. This truck has it all. Power, ride, comfort, fun to drive. Ive driven most of them and this is the winner and stands out above all the rest. Thanks Toyota. Great job in buliding a excellent truck.

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  Reliable Piece of Junk - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By g zeine - July 28 - 3:33 pm

  Since, I bought the car in Sept. 2001, I have had to rebuild the engine before 60,000 miles, had the brakes done twice, window motor replaced, catalytic converter replaced. I had the engine rebuilt due to burning oil, now about 50,000 plus miles later it is burning oil again. Door lock on passenger only works manually. While, it cranks up every time, I have never had a Toyota that has cause me such trouble or cost me so much while owning it.

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  Never sees repair shop - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By William C. - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Reliable, had small defective battery replaced for free.