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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  Amazing Vehicle - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By MJD - April 11 - 8:26 pm

  I really enjoy my 2007 RAV4. The ride is extremely smooth with a car-like feel. The exterior gives a sleek, handsome look which makes the RAV4 look like a real SUV (unlike, say, the Honda CR-V or Nissan Murano). 4-cyl engine has enough power to get me going on the freeway, yet it is quiet enough at high speeds where I can have a quiet conversation. Gas mileage is outstanding - Im averaging 25-26 mpg with mixed driving (roughly 28-30 on the highway). All around, for the look, performance, handling and cost, I cannot imagine a better mid-sized SUV on the market today.

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  Happy With This One - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By David W - April 11 - 8:10 pm

  After 1 month the mileage has been 22 city and 29 highway. The mileage computer is not as accurate as my calculator but it is close enough. Plenty of room inside and materials are of respectable quality. Venza handles well in town and on the road. The ride is a bit choppy on the road compared with the Volvo wagon it replaced, but is an OK ride. The in town ride is smooth and awesome. Very happy with Venza and would recommend it to anyone.

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  YOULL EITHER LOVE THEM OR HATE THEM!! - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By hunting45 - April 11 - 5:35 pm

  I have wanted one since "07" and finally have a 2012 4x4 automatic. If youre one that likes to look out the side of your auto to see whats beside you forget it in this ride, Ive always used my mirrors so it doesnt bother me. If you have hair on your head and like to ride with your window down you better carry a cap for when you get out cause your hair well be parted right above your ear. There will be no equalizing the wind blow by trying to equalize with the other window nor with side window visors. When stopping at some stop lights youll need to get use to looking up from the steering wheel. I do truely love mine, the gas mpg is great even pulling my 21 bass boat. Lovem or hatem.

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  softex seats - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By edward_001 - April 11 - 1:24 pm

  my ratings for the vehicle are based heavily on what I believe to be inferior seats for the extra money that is paid for the limited. there is a big price jump from the ex-l to limited and they try to justify some of it with the softex seats. if you are want good quality leather seats, these will fall way short. when you are doing test drives, pay particular attention to how the seat feels. compare it to the leather seats in the Honda crv or mazda cx-5. you will feel the difference. if seat comfort is not that important to you and you dont mind spending the extra $3000 for limited, then you can disregard this review.

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  AWESOME CAR! - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By esueo - April 11 - 1:06 pm

  I love, love, love this car! Its my first car that I just bought last October for a great price of $3000. It has over 200,000 miles on it and is still going strong! It is so smooth to drive, I feel like Im just gliding down the road. I was looking dot something reliable, small, and good gas mileage, I got it all with my Camry! My dad has driven it across the state of Kentucky multiple times without a problem. I dont ever want to get rid of this car. I didnt want something that looked too "old lady like", which this car is not. Its stylish enough for me and very comfortable to go long distances in. I would trust it to take me anywhere.

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  A Perfect Combination - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By dt100 - April 11 - 12:56 pm

  We have a 2010 Corolla LE and couldnt be happier. Traded a 2008 Camry SE and have found the Corolla more than meets our needs in comfort, gas maileage, and overall performance. Not a luxury car and perhaps a little dated, but fun to drive and with two years FREE maintainance.....a bargain to own!

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  Love my new Toyota - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Karen Brown - April 11 - 11:15 am

  Shop around for best value

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  Great Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lori - April 11 - 6:10 am

  Ive had my car now for 2 months and I cant believe the great gas mileage I get. Its fun to drive, small yet roomy (NOT for big people though) so far, Im loving it! Im a bit anxious to see how it handles in the SNOW!

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  Happy owner - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Phil Goveia - April 10 - 4:43 pm

  This is truck has every thing I was looking for in a pick-up. Comfort to drive, looks good, and reliable.

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  8 th Month - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Patricia Sapnas - April 10 - 11:42 am

  I have had the car for 8 months and love the car