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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  2001 RAV4 AWD Automatic - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Blondebear1 - August 31 - 1:03 am

  I have gotten 25 mpg consistently with my RAV4 using synthetic motor, transfer case and differential oils. Acceleration is adequate for me. Do not listen to the automotive review writers when they tell you this car is underpowered. I can easily go 90 mph. I love the easily removable rear seats and the large cargo area removing them provides. I dont bump my head when entering. Good storage in the dash for stuff. Antilock brakes work great.

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  Great value - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By MadJen - August 30 - 11:13 pm

  I really wanted a Toyota because of their resale value and I managed to get this totally bare bones car and does not have any extra features AT ALL, not even power locks or windows. Having said that, I now have a very affordable Toyota that is holding its value, especially with gas prices going up. Gets 36 mpg in the city and over 40 on the highway. The lack of a tachometer has never bothered me. My main concern with the car is that in the winter on snowy roads (we had a doozy here this year) it is like driving a go-kart on ice skates. I plan to get new tires before this winter to see if it helps.

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  Worth the wait ....so far - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Larry S. - August 30 - 10:56 pm

  Had a very hard time getting a loaded 4x4 Limited V6. Only have it a few weeks but so far it was worth the wait. There is no other vehicle in its class that compares. The fit and finish, ride, look and everything about the car is great. The dealer experience was horrible. The car has electric steering, a great turning radius and most of the bells and whistles one could want. I originally was against having the spare mounted on the tailgate (which opens like a door instead of like a hatchback) but it isnt heavy opening the door and it affords internal storage space. Havent had an opportunity to verify the MPG but it seems good so far. Love the big 6 but settled on color due to availability.

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  I love this car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By YesMaam - August 30 - 10:50 pm

  I wouldnt be selling it, if I didnt receive a free vehicle from my company. This car is so fun to drive, I just love it. And, you wouldnt believe the looks I get in it! I feel very safe in this car and it handles very well.

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  sorry I purchased this car - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By merrel - August 30 - 6:49 pm

  27,000 miles, 4 years old, steering column shot and very noisy. Toyota was $1750 to replace this. My next Toyota will be a Honda.

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  What a GREAT Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Russ - August 30 - 6:20 pm

  The new body and interior are fabulous. The 05 is bigger, roomier, and gutsy beyond simliar model cars. I have a 95 Avalon with 230,000 that has been handed down to my son; car runs like a top. If you know anything about Toyota reliablity you know its second to none. This purchase broke one of my rules of normally buying year old, but when I saw this car, and then drove this car there was no turning back. There are serveral clever creature comforts inside and the 285hp make this a truly fun car to drive.

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  Better than Pilot - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Better Than Honda - August 30 - 5:53 pm

  I love everything about it! Went from a 2006 Honda Pilot EXL and have to say this car is a much better design completely. I have a loaded sport model minus the nav. The captains car make 3rd row usable. Couldnt live w/out power tailgate and back up camera now. I love love love how the extra seats folds away! On average I get 23.8 mpg better than my pilot. Accessories are cheaper than Hondas surprisingly. More bang for the buck than pilot all the way around! Sticker was 37k more than comp. Pilot but after rebate and wheelin and dealn got for 28K. The deals are out there just got to find them! Fun to drive mom car w/out looking like the soccer mom van but still very functional!!

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  total toyota - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Wendy - August 30 - 3:30 pm

  I have wanted a convertable since I was in grade school and have recently found myself living in the ideal state to drive one. I looked around for a vehicle with 4 seats (a requirement of mine) that lost none of the sporty good looks and driving fun. This car is it. It turns heads everywhere and it hugs the road like a dream. I have never had so much fun driving! I have owned many cars, both new and old, and this is far and away the best. Well worth the wait. I would highly recommend this car to anyone, although I love the fact that I do not see it everywhere I go, unlike the Sebring convertable.

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  My Wife Loves It! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Rick S - August 30 - 1:13 pm

  This car is a great little car! We sold her 2004 Prius to get this one. She was not getting to take advantage of the gas mileage on the Prius for the payment we were paying. So I sold it on ebay for $3000 more than we owed and bought the Yaris. What a deal. The payment was half and the mileage is about the same as she was getting. And the insurance is less. Plus, in 48 months the car will be paid for, just in time for our youngest to take it to college! The oldest get my Prius. lol The Yaris is very fun to drive I like to drive it when I get the chance.

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  Not for me - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeremy - August 30 - 12:01 pm

  Ill make it short and sweet toyota made a big mistake by changing to the 3.5 liter engine. This new version is so underpowered. It made my decision for a new truck easy. Ill check by with toyota in a few years to see if they have fixed the problems. Also the GoPro camera mount built in is absolutely stupid. Technology changes over time but that mount on your windshield doesnt. Same situation for the built in phone charger. Epic failure in the part of toyota on this one.