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 1st Car - Brand New Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Garry - June 19 - 5:40 pm

  The only thing I have to tell about the drive is simple. The best thing to do before driving this car is to start the engine, put it on drive, hold the brake and wait for one or even 2 minutes like this. After what you can enjoy a perfectly warm oil for the transmission and a better engine and transmission maintenance over a long period.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Art Ginsburg - June 19 - 12:43 pm

  I feel good driving this car. In the past 20 years Ive owned Mercedes, BMWs, Lexus, and Infinitis. I liked them all, but I get a lot more self satisfaction driving my Prius. I have driven 85 mph just to test it, and it handled just fine. It is very gratifying passing those high priced gas stations. I loaded my bike in the hatchback rear, and drove 6 hours on half a tank. This hybrid does as advertised.

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  The Sweetest Little Truck in the World. - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ramona L. Duffy - June 18 - 9:23 am

  How do I love thee, let me count the ways. :) I have loved it from the moment I saw it and I have never seen another truck that I would rather have. Even the later models of the same truck, I find wanting, style-wise. I didnt like the wide edging over the tires on the later models. Of course I own it now and my mileage is low and it is still adorable! It has never been one moments trouble. I am only five foot tall and the perfectly placed handles over the door make it snap to get in. I am 70 years old, by the way, and feel like a young chickie when I drive it. I have the bed liner and haul all sorts of stuff in it. I would buy it again. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Great car! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Stan Sarama - June 18 - 5:46 am

  Great quality and quite a value when compared to competition. Have been an Acura owner and fan for the past ten years. When compared to the new RL this car served my needs and wallet a lot better. Love every aspect as compared to either RL or TL. Have no comlaints about either my old 2000 RL or 96 TL; however, at this point the 2005 Avalon is a much better buy for me than either of the Acura current offerings.

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  TRD Off-Road - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ryan - June 18 - 2:33 am

  Awesome truck! I previously owned a 2004 Chevy Silverado and went to the 2006 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, and have no complaints! The off road capabilities are amazing and with the 4.0 engine, you can do just about anything and go anywhere. This truck can do it all, from launch a boat to rough trails in the desert! in addition to off road the tacoma handles extremly well on surface streets. All around GREAT truck!

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  reliable quick hot lookin - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By stevefox42 - June 17 - 11:16 pm

  excellent car. best so far out of 4 or 5 cars. real quick responsive engine and handling. 8300RPM redline, huge power boost at 6K. good on gas. almost exotic looking from certain views

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  Best all around SUV in class - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Terry - June 17 - 4:10 pm

  I drove all the SUVs and this was the best overall choice. I own 2. A Limited and the SR 5 for my wife. The only drawback to the SR 5 is leather and a power seat should be an option in the SR 5 V-6.

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  Great Topess Fun - Something Different - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MikeS - June 17 - 1:10 pm

  Having owned three Chrysler Sebrings in a row, this was my try at "something different". Glad I did. This is one great car! The 3.3L VVTi engine (the same one in the much pricier Lexus ES330 and RX330) is a jewel. Buttery smooth with plenty of power. So far, my only fill-up since I got it averaged 23.5 miles per gallon on regular. Filled it up with mid-grade and the mileage computer says Im getting 25.5 mpg in combined city and highway (I drive 25 miles each way to work). Another nice feature is that they are rare enough that you dont see yourself coming and going as in a Sebring.

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  FirstToyota - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Jaclyn - June 16 - 10:43 pm

  I was on my way to purchase a (Nissan Pathfinder), reluctantly. I purchased a beautiful Black Currant (new color for 2016) RAV4 XLE AWD right off the lot on my way to the Nissan dealer instead. The color is AWESOME, the drive is absolute FUN and Incredibly competent, visibility is wonderful, love the power lift gate, not a CVT (sigh of relief), its cozy inside, decent sound system, awesome Michelin tires I insisted be on any test driven or purchased Toyota, etc. Its sporty, sexy, unique, and Ive only heard excellent things about Toyota reliability (maybe goes with out saying). It is the closest thing I have found to perfect in this class. After six months of research I.e. Consumer reports, jd power, car gurus, the car connection, multiple extended test drives (Mazda CX-5 2016, BMW 328x drive, MINIs, VW, Volvo, Audi A3, Honda CRV, Subaru crosstrek, 2015 Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and I owned a 2014 pathfinder (loved it, but so big). I had it for 7,000 miles with no problems (long story). I owned a 2013 CRV loved that, too (the 2015sand 2016s are totally different; in a BAD way). The Mazda felt cheap and Im glad I didnt get into that due to the recent CX-5 "total recall". I did try the 2015 Rav4 and I wasnt a fan for multiple reasons, but this 2016 is so AMAZING...I cant believe it (beyond grateful I loved the 2016). Im glad I didnt go luxury, because Im not printing money in my living room. I owned and loved a VW for 6 years. Although I loved it, that taught me a lesson about reliability. Reliability, handling, visibility, comfort, and asthetics are all extremely important to me in my early thirties. I believe this RAV4 has it all. Thank you, Toyota! Hopefully, this is the start of a great relationship for years to come. I will update on reliability after a road trip.

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  My Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By William Jeffers - June 16 - 8:50 pm

  I love it. Ive owned many cars over the past few years. I bought the Camry for its reliability and reputation and am not disappointed. The car is quiet, smooth, comfortable and I can tell its built better then anything Ive ever owned prior to it. Best purchase Ive ever made. I definitely recommend it.