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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  Run flat tires - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By oscar3cat - August 4 - 9:06 pm

  Do not buy any Toyota with run flat tires. You do not get a spare tire you get a harsh ride and short tire life there is no place to put a spare tire. Replacement run flat tires are very expensive !

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - August 4 - 8:36 pm

  I bought the car as a Certified Pre- Owned in 11/07 with 16,000 miles on it. I have 49,000 miles now and I absolutely love it! I have not had ANY problems with the car. All it asks for is gas and oil. I had a 2001 Avalon prior to this one and this one is far superior in every way... style, comfort, power, features, reliability. Toyota definitely took the Avalon to the next level! I receive compliments on the car all the time. It is the best luxury car value on the market. I am averaging 23-24 mpg, and routinely get 28-30 mpg on the highway.

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  Toyota 2009 S 5 speed - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Peter M. - August 4 - 2:23 pm

  I had a 2007 Toyota Corolla CE bought as a second commuter car for business. After driving it for about 11 months, I got tired of it small size and basic features. I traded it in for a 2009 Corolla S, 5 Speed 1.8 L. This car is much bigger inside, heavier and feels more substantial and less cheap. It is said that the first two years of a model are the best for build quality and then the manufacturer cuts corners to make more money. I noticed this in the reviews of the previous 2003 to 2008 editions of the Corolla. The steering could be a bit heavier. The car is very quiet, enhancing the audio system.

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  Update - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Western Plainsman - August 4 - 9:53 am

  After 14,000 miles, the mileage @ 70 MPH is now up to 24 MPG. Thats satisfactory for a 4x4. Pickup is smooth and the bench seat okay on long trips. Dont care for the Dunlap tires; theyre smooth, but sure dont have the quality of Michelins. I added a factory cruise control and 2 factory D ring tie-downs to the front of the bed. This little rascal ought to come stock (or at least available) with intermittent wipers & cruise. It rides & handles just fine. For a basic 4x4 under 20 Grand pickup, I dont see how you can beat it. Tight, no rattles, easy to do maintenance, pretty dog-gone good ride. Im a bear to satisfy...and Id buy this one again in a second!

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By mike - August 4 - 7:50 am

  My wifes vehicle, she loves it. Looked at Honda CRV, no comparison. RAV is much sturdier and roomier. Great utility, Camry reliability, pretty good gas mileage (for SUV its great) and lots of room. I cant imagine a more space efficient vehicle. Takes me a while to find a comfortable seating position for a long drive - Im 62". Wife is 53", says the RAV is even more comfortable than my Camry for her. Swing-out back door is a little awkward at times, but you get used to it. Tire pressure sensor is a pain at times (cold weather), but you can disable it. Overall, weve had the RAV 15 months, couldnt be happier.

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  I LOVE my 4Runner! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By janet - August 4 - 7:30 am

  Our 4-Runner is the BEST vehicle we have ever owned. I am so sorry to see the lot full of 2008 runners with a 6 instead of a V-8. The V-8 is why we bought one with AWD. The Gas mileage is NOT significant between the 6 and the 8. We are active so this SUV really suits us. I could NEVER drive a dinky smart car or anything remotely like those... I am used to feeling safe in my runner.

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  Great SUV! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob S., Reno,NV - August 4 - 1:26 am

  I have owned various 4WD SUVs since 1990 and to date this is the best overall. Fit and finish is outstanding, great ride, a real fun vehicle to drive. We looked at the 2007 Santa Fe and 2007 CR-V and the RAV4 wins on all most all features. The jury is still out on the 4WD.. Need to drive in some Sierra snow. We lived in Western New York State for 35 years, we still value 4WD.

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  MPG Not Even Close! Rip Off - 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By wintersjaw - August 3 - 9:49 pm

  Me and my wife dont even come close to getting the advertised MPG of 38hwy/ 43city. We get a range of MPG from as low as 28 to as high as 34.5. We dont drive fast and have even tried to drive as slow as possible to get the maximum MPG. The computer says we do great, 38, 36, 39 but when we fill up it is apparent the computer is wrong. Toyota corporate tells us there is nothing wrong with the car because the computer says we are close to the proper MPG. The proof is in how much you fill up at the pump, not what the computer says. We spent thousands extra for the hybrid model and we feel like we were duped. We will never buy another Toyota or Lexus again. Would not recommend!

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  Love my new 2008 RAV4 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Vicki - August 3 - 9:46 pm

  After lots of research, I traded in my Camry SE for the 2008 Limited, 4wd,4 cyl RAV I drove a V6 to compare, and it was fast, a quieter engine, but they didnt have the V6 available in the Limited. However, the 4cyl is peppy enough for me. From a dead stop it takes off with plenty of speed and for my commuting needs the 4cyl is fine. The overall feel of the car is super and spacious. Im up much higher than in my Camry and I like that. I love the interior, the safety features and its a smooth drive. Wind noise is nil. I am very happy I bought this vehicle.

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  Love this Vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By face60 - August 3 - 9:43 pm

  The FJ Cruiser is one phenomenal vehicle. The interior space is excellent and exterior just looks down right cool. Plenty of Horsepower, smooth transistion in the gear changes, ride quality better then expected in a SUV. The oversize control buttons make it great to operate in the winter when you are wearing gloves. Easier access to rear seating then expected while providing plenty of leg room. Gas mileage is not bad for a vehicles of this size and engine size. I am currently getting around 23 mpg if I run on 93 octane and 22 on 87 octane. (Manufacturer recommends 93 octane gas.) I did go with the 17" tires but the ride quality was better then the 16" tires.