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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  Great SUV/CUV, with a few caveats - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By tradedcmax - June 6 - 12:14 pm

  Updated 2 years later: I enjoyed the RAV4 and RAV4 hybrid for just over 2 years, but didnt realize the negative effect the front seat was having with my leg, and how I would develop a problem that could have caused or helped to contribute to neuropathy, something that developed during my RAV4 ownership. I had come to believe the RAV4 was the only car I could drive, without hurting my feet more. By chance I recently drove a Buick Encore, and while the seats were slightly more narrow, the bottom cushion side bolsters pushed up and provided support in a place that needed to be supported. I could not believe how much difference this made. I thought it was a fluke, and tried again and even again. Same thing, less problems with my feet hurting. Now, 4 weeks into this new relationship and Ive been able to do more than before. I have reduced the pain meds a bit, and I can go longer without the pain. I dont know if the condition is fully reversible or not, it came on during a 2 year period, so maybe it will take awhile. Maybe never. And maybe nothing to do with it? I dont know. But I do know Im getting better support with a different cars front seat. And I can get around without as much trouble - the need to limp from the pain is going away. As for repairs, I had the rear tailgate door switch that had to be replaced, and the problem of hitting the switch more than once was still present after the repair. In addition, the left front fog light burned out and was also covered under warranty. The last thing I noticed and didnt have serviced, was an intermittent issue with the brakes acting a bit odd, and without any consistency. It would feel like the left front caliper was grabbing or something. It was too intermittent to take in for service, and had recently passed the state inspection without issue. Is the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid a great car? Yes...and a great value. The paint on the RAV4 Hybrid, made in Japan, was way better. And the 30mpg average was just incredible. I miss the extra space, and the fact I was saving more gas. What I wish was that the seats were more comfortable, and that Toyota realized that not everyone is a certain shape and size, and plan accordingly with the seats. UPDATE: At about the one year anniversary of owning this great SUV, I traded it in with 18,000 miles on the odometer. Why? I traded it for a 2016 RAV4 Hybrid XLE. I enjoyed it so much that I took a small loss to get into the hybrid version. The gas mileage is anywhere from 31mpg around town and higher speed commutes, to 37.5mpg on a trip from Phila to Baltimore and back - going just about the speed limit using the adaptive radar cruise control. While I gave up the faux leather heated memory seats, I gained a significantly better technology equipped hybrid version. The tech package includes front collision avoidance with cars and pedestrians, lane departure, front and rear parking assist sensors, and of course blind spot monitoring. My wife misses her heated seats for her back issues, but agreed the cloth seats were more amiable to not sweating when hot, and not feeling as cold when it is cold outside. The RAV4 limited (non-hybrid) model did GRRRRREEEAAAAATTTT in the snow, it did a really good job in fact. The hybrid AWD is different, and havent had a chance to try it in the snow. But the limited non-hybrid was perfect in the snow - hoping for the same with this one. The only thing I found I didnt like on the non-hybrid version, which is made in Canada, was that the paint was as thin a layer as you could imagine and I got alot of chips from driving on the highway. The hybrid is made in Japan and so far, not a single chip. I did have to replace the windshield as a stone must have hit the windshield, and then it spread, but no chips on the hood.....so if you like a good paint job, get the hybrid because they seem like they are better painted as they are made in Japan. I would highly recommend the RAV4 to anyone......from the cargo size, to the quality, to the MPG, to the lack of problems, etc. Id say the RAV4 is a homerun! All in all, Im pleased with this vehicle. I upgraded from another smaller wagon cuv with all wheel drive, because it could not handle the speed of I95 in the Philly metro area. I was pleased with the handling of this RAV4, at those highway/rush hour speeds. I havent tried out the AWD as I bought this in the spring season when there was no snow. But so far, it is doing well. Ive had this for about a month and have just over 2,000 miles on it. But this is getting anywhere from 24 mpg on my suburbia trips, up to 28 mpg on the highway (higher speed) drives. I realize Id get more MPG if Id be able to go 45-50 mph, but that is not possible.

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  Face the Facts - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Edward G - June 6 - 11:36 am

  Why this car? It saves gas. Also, it is HIP and very TRENDY. Why not an Insight? Prius gets a better MPG. Why not a hybrid Civic? The new thing is the hatchback and cost less. Prius still gets better MPG with more storage space. It doesnt matter whether you are a middle or an upper class of society, it is Cool for all. For a smaller family it works just as well as a minivan. It has enough room for two car-seats and storage space for quick trips. Saves GAS, GAS, GAS. When I first started driving I only average mid 40s. After learning, yes you have to learn, the techniques, I now average mid 50s on regular streets (saves even more in downtown areas) and high 40s on highway.

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  Good car with looks and features, noisy cabin - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By mixer - June 6 - 8:47 am

  Bought a 2015 Corolla LE Plus. Love the looks vs the Camrys or the Corolla S Plus. The S plus has a bigger grille and darker rims which I did not like vs the smaller grille and shinier rims on the LE Plus model. I liked the steering on low speed with this car, but the thing I really disliked was hi-way driving. It is too sensitive in the steering at that speed, so it is kinda like a struggle to keep the car straight and it doesnt help that the car is more prone to wind blowing, so that makes the struggle even harder (especially near trucks). Acceleration is adequate. The ride is actually a little firm (good thing I didnt get the S Plus!) But the road noise can get harsh in freeway driving. I love listening to music and I upgraded my sound system by adding a subwoofer to the factory unit. Sounds much better, but I still have to crank up the volume because the road noise is too loud. Sometimes, it makes me have a slight regret that I didnt get the camry instead. This is what I like about the Corolla though... Good price, good looks, good gas mileage (35 avg), reliable so far, Michelin tires, led headlights, lots of interior space, and I really liked the color combo of the White exterior + Ivory/black interior. Disliked road noise, sensitive steering (harder to keep car going straight), average acceleration (engine noise too). Overall, its a great car if you dont mind my dislikes. For me, its a good buy mainly due to pricing because I couldnt afford the camry since it would be stretching my money too much (kinda poor but wanted new reliable car). Always have a slight regret due to knowing that the Camry is quieter and its acceleration is smoother. At $3000 more, it was hard to swallow the difference, thats how I ended up with the Corolla.

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  Its a good car that will go for the long run - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By borquezmike - June 6 - 8:28 am

  We have had our Camry for 6 months now and can say with certainty it is a very good car. There have been no issues and having 2 kids riding along 70% of time would have brought something out if it existed. The car has good power and commendable handling. It never feels inept or under powered. I have driven several cars with electric steering and this one is well weighted, not great, but good. The car has plenty of room and I like the softtex seat material as a alternative to leather. I really like the fact the car is equipped with Michelin tires which provide a smooth and quiet ride, steer clear of the bridgestones. The radio and steering wheel controls are definitively the best feature.

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  2 yrs review - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By hborgaonkar - June 6 - 8:13 am

  after 2 yrs and 29000 miles the car has been a great commuter car. I consistently get 36-38 on my 56 mile daily commute. It did great in a very snowy minnesota winter with snow tires. I am happy with this $14k vehicle that has great value.

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  Too much fun! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Joe - June 6 - 4:56 am

  Saw this online as a concept quite awhile ago. Got mine at the beg. of May, 06. I traded my 04 Scion xB which was like a toy in comparison (no pun intended). The FJ is fun, turns heads, holds quite a bit of stuff and then some. I already have 6,000 miles on it and its great. I have been getting about .5-1.0 MPG better than the window sticker. I have the 6sp and the shiftng is not as smooth as I thought. I can also feel too many vibrations through the steering wheel. This takes away from the tank like feel. I live in Seattle and this thing is horrible for visibility. The triple wipers do nothing to move the water off the windshield in time, even at the highest setting.

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  Lovin my Matrix XRS - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jeanster1010 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This car handles very well. Manual 6- speed fun to drive. I got the completely decked out w/ moonroof & 6- disc in dash CD player. Cargo space is comparable to a small SUV. Just overall a nice car.

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  2003 4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Riker6889 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I drove many SUVS and hands down the 4Runner has everyone beat.

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  I love my Camry - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Paul Huet - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my Toyota Camry. I love everything about it. My Camry is always reliable, and it is a pleasure to drive. I love the way it looks inside and out. I could not be happier with my it.

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  great car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By kk - June 6 - 2:00 am

  love it - it is a great car and perfect look and size for me - a girl