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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  Not what they used to be - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By yoda - August 21 - 10:00 am

  My hood doesnt line up on my car,and there is a rattle coming from the right side door

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  From Mercedes to Toyota - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Bobby - August 21 - 5:56 am

  I cannot say how much I enjoy my 2009 Toyota Prius. I used to drive a Mercedes SUV and never thought of getting used to a smaller car. Honestly I do not miss my SUV or the amount of money that I paid for every service and other things. This car is far beyond of what I expected. I carry same amount of stuffs that I used to carry in the back of my SUV. Just fold the back seats and you got all the room you need. It is a good car for any age group that has a great style. Way to go Toyota.

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  Transmission, Brakes, power port location, and rear door - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By mary1958 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I too think the transmission feels wrong. It seems to slip and jerk more than any car Ive owned before. Brakes sound as if they are dragging especially as I first drive down the driveway. The power port is inaccessible if drinks are in the drink holder. I like having a full sized tire and one which you neednt unload the storage space to access. Be sure to check the pressure in it if having low pressure readings. I dislike that you can not put longer items in to haul as I could with my old Ford that had a rear door that lifted up instead of to the side. I have yet to figure out how to put the baby anchor back in the roof compartment.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By PDJ - August 20 - 4:40 pm

  Went back to a minivan after 2003 Chevy EXT Trailblazer. Was waiting for Traverse but was getting killed on repairs. Wife and mechanic talked me into Sienna and I love it. Saved 10-15K and have more room, storage. Has better acceleration than the SUV with much better mileage. Smooth as silk ride. Still, got Toyota for perceived reliability and was driving on hgwy in first week when plastic trim piece on C pillar came loose and had to pull over in breakdown lane to push back in. So far it has stayed. The only other negative is towing which is non existent since it didnt come with factory.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By toyotasrock - August 20 - 2:06 pm

  Had a 2001 for one year, was a company car. Came in emerald green with wood and spoiler. Very comfortable, has a large trunk, quiet at highway speeds and looks great inside and out. Got a 2003 Camry in 2002, which I like less than the old car.

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  Love This Car - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Maricruz - August 20 - 11:54 am

  I bought my 2002 RAV4 at 106k miles. It is now at 118k and it runs as good as a new car. It is so comfortable and so reliable. Ive only had to do the basic maintenance which include oil change and brake change. It is so great on gas. It looks newer than a 2002. The paint and parts are all original and it rides so smooth. My only complain is the spare tire cover, unfortunately it is too difficult to remove. Other than that everything about this truck is great.

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  Old School Tundra Update - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By jwolfgong - August 20 - 7:13 am

  OK, maybe my first review was a bit harsh. I have 2700 miles on it now and am averaging 14 MPG without much highway mileage. Highway ride is very sound for a full size truck. Here are options I do have: CC2, CK3, DJ1, AA3, JC2, JZ3, KE3, KG3, LD2, LF3, PG2, CF2, LU3, ES1. I have rated each 1, 2 or 3. 1 equal low value and 3 high value. I would opt for EBD and VSC if I redid this purchase. On a truck with a long wheel base the EBD can really make a difference, IE keep you on the road by correcting your slide before you realize you are in one.

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  Blowing the gas mileage thru the roof! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Aubie - August 20 - 5:58 am

  So far after a week of ownership I am getting much better than listed MPG. Today I drove about 50 miles of in city driving with about 5 different locations that I stopped and parked the car I averaged over 70 MPG over the entire trip! Yep 73.1 to be exact (I figure a few mpg fudge by Toyota so lets just say 70)! I am thrilled with the miles per gallon, very impressed with the drive feeling, very secure feeling, decent acceleration, good handling. My only complaint would be the center console that the drivers right elbow sits on is made of some cheap seat material. It screams cheap cheap cheap. Feels cheap cheap cheap. You would think one person involved in the making of this car would have said hey lets make this better. Why not cover that with the fake leather looking stuff thats on the door handles? It would have made the interior much nicer... Update, going on second week, continuing to get 70+ around town. This weekend did first long distance round trip of 200 miles on highway, speed limit 65, averaged 63 miles per gallon over the trip. Still very happy with purchase.

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  Sienna Cruise Control Problem - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By texastuit - August 20 - 4:33 am

  Weve had our Sienna for almost a year now and thoroughly enjoy driving it. The pick up and turning radius are great. I have only two complaints.....Our LXE has everything but the DV D package and YET....No automatic headlights. The dash lights come on automatically but NOT the headlights....go figure. More annoyingly, when decending even a SLIGHT grade, the cruise control can not keep the set speed within 10-15 MPH. Took it in for check out and was told to read the owners manual...No other vehicle I own or have owned seems to have this problem. Granted, they may gain a few MPH, but will hold the speed much closer than this. Look out speeding ticket!

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  At 220K still reliable - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Bob Robertson - August 19 - 8:30 pm

  I cant say this car is without problems, however at nearly 220K miles it is still going strong and I hope it lasts me till 300K. I bought it new. Replaced a main brake cylinder & front struts under warranty, changed oil every 5K, timing belt at 90K and 180K, water pump at 180K, brake pads every 40-50K. Second shift solenoid went out around 190K miles ($280), rear seal small leak at 190K miles, an A/C compressor noise at 2500+ RPM around 200K. Alarm gets triggered if the car is left out in the sun for 2-3 hrs. A speedometer shows 5% higher speed than it is (you are doing only 76 mph when it says 80) with factory tires.