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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  Empty Nester crossover SUV - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By rich comeau - August 11 - 12:43 am

  My wife choose this vehicle as she will be driving it the most. We have only owned the vehicle for two weeks but are very satisfied with the RAV4. The V6 is freaky powerful with lots of fun acceleration. She did not like the rear door mounted spare tire, as it detracts from the nice style of the Rav4. She said it looked utilitarian with a Jeep CJ look. Choose the Sport with rear tire delete. I did notice a stiffer ride with the sport tuned suspension and 18" tires compared to the Limited we drove. Good mileage for our new found freedom to travel yet enough cargo space to fit our daughters dorm room in. At 6",2 the seats run out of thigh support for me, but wife finds it comfortable.

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  Replace water pump! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4 Owner - August 10 - 7:16 pm

  Bought my Rav4 brand new in 2004 which is a 2005. Have had no major problems with it except for replacing the water pumps constantly! They are made very cheap, and its not cheap to replace either. And rear breaks are for sure bad as well like previous reviews have stated. Also, when it rains the car does not stay put on the road.

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  TIRE PROBLEMS - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Kevin McCloskey - August 10 - 6:40 pm

  Bought this fourwheel drive V-6 Sport for my wife who travels 60 miles per day. The car is great, the problem is with the original tires (toyo open country A20) wore out at 18000 miles. Replaced them with four brand new Bridgestone Duelers HL 400. ($900.00). These tires are equally as bad and down right dangerous in snow/wet conditions. I am now purchasing a set of winter tires for the car (bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 (another $900.00). Sure the car is great. Good luck finding a tire for the car that works in the ice and snow. This is too bad for such a highly rated car. Is it the fault of the tires or Toyotas fault for choosing such an odd size tire/tire design fault. Good Luck w tires!

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  06 standard cab 4x4 Tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By gene - August 10 - 3:36 pm

  I bought this Tacoma in oct of 2006. Its a 2.7 i4, 5spd manual, 4x4 w/ ac. The truck itself is great. Handles well on the highway as well as offroad. My only complaint is the 5spd manual transmission. It does not shift smoothly. It sometimes hangs up going into reverse and 2nd gear. I have taken it back to the dealer a few times and was told that while they test drive it there wasnt any problem shifting. I am 55 yrs old and have been driving manual transmission trucks and cars for a while. This is the first one that felt like the trans was low on oil, or the shifter was bent out of shape. That has been the only problem I have had so far.

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  It looks nice, but has been a nightmare - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Timothy - August 10 - 1:56 pm

  Before purchasing our XLE Limited we had rented an LE for a 3 week road trip....that sold us...into a nightmare. Bought it for almost 40k, fully loaded. All of the features are nice however at 60K miles we are on our 4th AC system rebuild, 2nd center differential (first one locked up at 70mph on the freeway), 2nd drivers door (check strap broke, punch through the outer skin). In short we have had it for 4 years, and spent almost $7000 in REPAIRS (not maintenance like oil changes, tires, brakes, etc). Our case has been review by Toyota several times, and we have been told the situation is normal...both my other cars (Cadillacs) have 170k+, and have cost a lot less then this to keep running.

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  Powewrful, gas sipping midsize SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By gary - August 10 - 1:46 pm

  My wife commutes to work in it daily and aveages 35 MPG per tank in combines city/hwy use. Plenty of room to pack all of out sailing gear fro a weekend, or even week long cruise on our boat. Very comfortable for extended trips of six to eight hours or so driving. We love it.

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  Best all around - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By norman - August 10 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased my FJ in January not really knowing what I was getting into. I had read all the reviews and looked at all the videos. My friends were trying to discourage me but I went ahead and got it anyway. I have to say with all my years in vehicle ownership this by far is the most well built, most reliable, and the best priced out of the box car I have ever owned. It drives like a car, its a beast off roading, and is priced so anyone can afford it. Gas mileage could be better but the power and torque it produces outweighs it. Interior is surprisingly spacious with lots of leg room front and back. It feels like a solidly built SUV. Test drive!

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  Family fights to drive the Sequoia! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Curtis Berge - August 10 - 11:43 am

  ItÂ’s a 2004, owned for 18 months, with 21K. It has been very reliable, so far. Yea its large, yet doesnt ride like a big a boat. Makes you feel like your driving a vehicle half the size. Has a smooth, comfortable ride in any seat. Engine has nice pick up and the gas mileage isnt as bad as I thought it would be. I have gotten up to 19 miles to the gallon (speed limit driving) on the highway! Love this SUV!

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  Corolla 6-speed - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By schooby - August 10 - 4:10 am

  This is an addition to my previous review. If youre looking for a sports car the 6-speed might not fit. Passing with the 6 speed can be a bit challenging, although its still capable. At 55 mph in 6th gear drop it into 4th and punch it to moderately pass on the open road. Do not challenge on coming traffic, give yourself room. When shifting from 5th into 6th ride the shifter to the far right as to not accidentally drop it back into 4th. A sloppy shift may end up going from 5th back to 4th. Also mind going from 4th to 5th as to not accidentally drop into 3rd. This advice applies to folks whom are new to driving manual transmissions, seasoned folks will not find this problem.

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  A great little car. - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By happy echo driver - August 10 - 3:16 am

  The car gets great mileage and has decent power to boot. Its easy to park, but has plenty of passenger and cargo room. Handling and ride are acceptable. Exterior styling is pretty good, but could be better. Interior looks kind of cheap. I like the center-mounted instrument cluster because the steering wheel doesnt get in the way of the gauges. Its solidly built and wont squeak or rattle. The cd stereo is great. The Scion xA and xB are based on the same platform, but have much less cargo room with the rear seats upright. The echo makes more sense if you need to carry around four people and cargo.