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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  4 Runner Worth Every Penny! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By TC - September 30 - 2:00 am

  My 1999 4Runner was my first venture into the SUV market and it was an excellent choice. Ive put almost 77,000 miles on it with virtually no problems at all. Routine maintenance is all Ive done. Its a comfortable and reliable vehicle that is worth the price!

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  2001 RAV4L 2WD - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Jeff Adkins - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun Ive had with a Toyota. Perfect vehicle for active D.I.N.K.s (dual income no kids) with dogs, and weekend home projects. Put new All Terrain tires on it. Now we are really going to have fun.

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  A very slow AWD wagon ! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Emerson_ng - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I test-drove the Matrix in March 02 with my sister. She did eventually bought the AWD in July 02 after coming back from a trip. I dislike the fact that it is a VERY SLOW wagon. I drive the AWD Subaru Outback, it is also 4 cylinder and with 165 horse and 155 lb-t, some areas get 158 lb-t. Man, I feel that the Matrix is just a shameful product by Toyota. It does get you to the snow mountains, but only without much passengers and other additional lugguages and weights.

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By RTAB18 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  After renting a 2002 Avalon for two weeks, and driving it for over 2500 miles, I was very impressed as to how this car rode at high speeds for hours, without making me tired. The seats are comfortable, the back seats are like sitting on a sofa, the interior is roomy and very quiet, and the stereo is excellent. I decided then to buy a 2003 Avalon XLS, and I have not been disappointed. For a relatively large car the handling is very nimble, with decent acceleration. Breaking is smooth and competent. The only complaint I have is a ticking relay noise that eminates from under the dashboard.

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  RAVoulus - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Tony - September 29 - 11:16 pm

  This suv is incredible! The performace of 269hp v6 is awesome. Comfort is great - I am 63 250lb - still have lots of room.The fuel mileage is 25mpg. I look forward to driving this suv. I love the new look of the rav it is bolder than old model. Build quality is typical toyota (excellent) This suv is very quiet around town or on the highway. Ride quality is excellent. Gearing of the v6 rav is great with cruise on 1900rpm at 70mph the 4cyl is about 2500- 2600 at 70mph. Stop looking take one for a test drive!

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  First Hybrid and loving it! - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By chanchu1 - September 29 - 2:47 pm

  I was skeptical at first, but as many have stated, Toyota has been making hybrids for quite some time. Every person I know that owns a Toyota hybrid raves about their vehicle. That was the convincing point for me. The vehicle is comfortable, stylish and gets the MPG advertised. We commute 180 miles daily. Owned and commuted with a 2013 Accord that was very reliable but extremely uncomfortable. So far, our new Avalon has exceeded our expectations...

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  2007 Tacoma PreRunner - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By kpri101 - September 29 - 2:36 pm

  Ive only had it a few days but after driving a 6 cyl. manual Ford F150 for 4 years this is a godsend. I bought an 07 Tacoma PreRunner with the TRD off road package. It has been an exceptional truck and Ive had several of my neighbors/co-workers comment on it. I think I made the right decision. The Indigo-blue looks outstanding. It beats the Ford F150 6 cyl. into the ground for power.

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  Peppy, economical, cute, and fun! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By David H - September 29 - 2:46 am

  I have owned my Yaris for 6 weeks. So far, there are no problems whatsoever. The car is a lot of fun to drive. Due to the variable valve timing, the engine is very flexible. It pulls, no matter what gear you are in or where you are in the rev range. Have no fear about this car being under powered. It is not. It is best described as peppy. The fuel economy is fantastic! I average 33 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway. I am 6 2" and find the front seats very comfortable. I really like the center gauges. When I get in a "normal" car, I wonder why the gauges are hidden behind the steering wheel. I love the cute styling.

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  Awesome in so many ways! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By sconlogue - September 28 - 10:16 pm

  I am used to small cars so a Yaris Sedan is not unfamiliar territory. What amazes me every time I get in it is how it has all the things I love about small cars without feeling small. All my other cars felt cheap and cramped. Not the case here. The performance on the manual is impressive for a 1.5L! You get plenty of pep. Now is a great time to buy too, got my 2008 used for almost 2,000 below TVM and I admit, I am no negotiator. I went with base model and I dont miss anything. Nice radio, solid handling, great styling, VERY comfortable. So I have to lock the doors and roll my own windows. Big deal. What a value.

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  XLE review - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Ric - September 28 - 8:33 pm

  High quality vehicle with great safety features!