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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  My Wifes Car - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Edward Sander - September 2 - 11:41 pm

  The two features that I find most disappointing is the interior noise level. With the radio on at a conservatiive volume it is difficult to carry on a conversation. Second is the navigation system. This is simply an embarrassment. The category search feature is next to useless. I use my dashboard Garmin, my reliable Garmin, my feature rich Garmin.

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  Most quiet car Ive ever owned - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Love_My_Prius - September 2 - 4:40 pm

  The Prius is a well thought out vehicle. Im on my second take in 6 weeks. First two tanks averaged 43.5 MPG. This is low due to the fact that I make very short 1-2 mile trips and its cold in Ohio. Summer should bring the mileage up in the 50s. The car rides very nice and is extremely quiet. It truely is a techie car with the on-board display screen and optional navigation. Im thrilled with my purchase and would recommend the car to anyone!

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  So far so good - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Bonnie - September 2 - 3:00 pm

  Fun to drive, great pick up and is not as tippy as other SUVs. I can carry lots of kids and gear in a car that gets nearly 27 mpg (still not the epa 31 though) and Im emitting less carbon. Liked how it has "smart" air bags for passenger side. For a limited edition, it lacks amenities: seat warmers have only one temp; cooling system has only one zone vs. driver/passenger dual temp zone; sun visors seem plasticy; lack of AC outlets in 2nd row; doors dont auto lock. Also, the third row is really meant for small kids. Although I am glad it doesnt scream enviro-weenie, wish there was more "green" signage on car to help lessen the stares from non-SUV drivers - perhaps a small window decal?

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  Side View Mirrors - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Marcia - September 2 - 9:54 am

  The side view mirrors are so large that they block my view of the curbs and cars on a round-a-bout. Im a petite woman so that makes it a lot worse. I side-swiped two cars because I could not see to the side of me. I am trading this car in with only 2000 miles.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2013 Toyota 4Runner
  By treerollins - September 2 - 9:13 am

  This is one of the very few mid sized truck based SUVs out there. I like to do some mild off road activites and have a boat to tow, so a car based SUV is not an option. So far I have loved it. Even though it is a mid size SUV, it has a very commanding stance on the highway. It feels larger than it is, people even comment on how large it looks. The handling is good for this type of SUV, especially since its truck based. It takes some adjustments at first, but once you figure out how to drive it, youll be pleased. The ride is a little on the bouncy side, but again its a truck! It does well on basic off roads. A great alternative to a full size suv if you need 2 rows of seating.

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  not my best purchase - 2018 Toyota RAV4
  By JCB - September 2 - 7:58 am

  1 The rear window, offers limited visibility and is constantly cover=ed with either dust, dirt or snow because of the dumb airfoil operation in the rear. 2 The front grille offers poor air flow especially in the winter, the grille clogs up with snow and ice thereby blocking the air flow and causing the engine water temperature to rise unless you manually remove the accumulated snow and ice. 3 The front doors have a poor bottom design that accumulates snow and ice that if now removed freezes the door closed or packs mud or dust that seeps into the vehicle interior. 4 The swept back design of the front doors is a safety hazard as it sweeps backward and smacks a person in the head because of its design not permitting proper clearance when opening the doors. 5 The antiquated technology of a push start/stop button is terrible, a normal key ignition is far superior to this Model T technology. 6. The dash electronics are absurd and useless not to mention very distracting, ever hear of “distractive driving” that describes your electronics. 7. Heat rotary switch are ridiculous, you are in one confined car interior do you really think that one side of the interior is going to be a different temperature, must be a millennium design person to think that is true. 8. Floor mats do not cover the floor except when the seats are fully in the forward position. 9 The wheel wells do not provide enough clearance in the snow, ice or mud, use of 17 and 18 inch wheels are the major cause. 10 The 17 and 18 inch wheels are absolutely useless, they accumulate snow and ice so fast and hold it that you constantly can feel the vibration in the vehicle, unless ever time you stop driving you remove all four wheels off the care and scape the snow, ice or dirt off the inside of these wheels. 11. Rear suspension is terrible, the angled direction of the shock do not offer proper operation of the shocks and therefore the rear wheel drop with a bang when driving. 12 The rear hatch door is impossible, in the cold and and snow the outside switch to operate this door freezes and is then useless, In normal weather the door electric opening and closing is absurd, useless and very slow, better to have a manual opening door opening left to right of right to left over vertically opening door. 13 Swashed roof line is useless and absurd not to mention ugly. 14 Rood rack useless unless extreme caution is used otherwise the rear hatch open up into what ever is on the roof making the design very poor and thoughtless. 15 Mileage, I get better mileage from my 1967 Land Rover 109 than with is electronic ignition, injections etc 16 Old saying: do not change things that work, the old er design and technology was better and in this case very much better than your new design and technology

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  Its fun - and cheep - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By John - September 2 - 6:30 am

  Was looking at new Lexus ES 330s and decided their cost was more than I really could afford. Started looking at lesser cost mini SUVs. Had really never paid attention to Toyota other than the Lexus. The Matrix caught our eye and we grabbed it for the inherent quality we knew Toyota has. If youre looking for high Resale, overall Quality, Sporty good looks, very Economical, good Comfort and a deceptively Roomy little rig,, look at the Toyota Matrix as your next car. We very much like ours because it fills our and most peoples needs.

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  Toyota Never Again - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nick - September 2 - 2:26 am

  I am very disappointed with the Tacoma. So far the engine sounds like a diesel engine, its burns oil when first started and the stereo has a mind of its own (on, off, on, off volume up and down by itself). Toyota factory rep. says everything is normal. Its safe to say that I will never acquire another Toyota again. Back to my Jeeps.

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  Awesome Little Roadster - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MR2RDSTR - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a very classy looking sporty roadster. It turns lots of heads and is extremely fun to drive. The 5spd. SMT sequential transmission is most appealing. I purchased the optional hardtop, which further enhances the overall appearance of the car. It is often mistaken for a porsche boxster. The very limited production numbers make the car quite unique. You occassionally will see one here and there. The overall quality and value for the $$$ is most attractive. This car will prove to be a true classic from Toyota.The resale value is extremely high.

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  96 camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By frankyboywhatajoy - September 2 - 2:00 am

  the best car i ever owned, better than the honda accord.