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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  Perfect light duty - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Andrei - January 15 - 1:46 am

  I bought mine with 50k on it. Now its 90k. Had to replace shaking brakes at 60k. Otherwise no problems, it runs like new. It rides very comfortable and quiet at any speeds. I used to average 19 MPG, up to 22 MPG on highway at 80-90 mph. But now I put 1 size bigger tires and Im down to 17 MPG, 19.5 MPG highway. I have tonneau cover too. This truck rides effortlessly anywhere you take it.

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  Toyota does it again !!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Rgolf1960 - January 15 - 1:46 am

  This car has a very peppy 4 cyl. Good gas mileage at 30 combined. Interior noise could be improved. Low profile tires give semi-rough ride. Overall, very solid and dependable car. Cool design.

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  Interior design - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Mark - January 14 - 1:20 pm

  I had a 2002 Tundra and decided to trade it in for an 08 and couldnt believe the size difference. It is very quiet, but seems to have more bounce to the suspension, which is not rough though. The interior change I hated to see go is the sun visor redesign, which has no pull out extension when turned to the driver window. The sun is always past it!! Also, the visor in front of the main visor is gone. Both of these in combination was the perfect sun block no matter where the sun was. Now I am blinded from front and side. The front visor is worthless as far as I am concerned. It is too short.

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  Happily hooked on RAV4s - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV enthusiast - January 14 - 11:36 am

  This is my 2nd RAV4 and I absolutely love it!! Ive had it for 2 wks now. I had my first one for 6 yrs with no problems. This new RAV4 gives me what I didnt have in the 1st...its a much quieter ride, its bigger without being too big for manuverability, and it has more muscle in its 4cyl engine while still being more fuel efficient than some other SUVs. The durability and reliability I have had with my 1st RAV4 made the decision to buy another very easy, along with it having such a great, new "grown-up" look. It definitely has everything I loved about my 1st RAV4, and fixed most of the little things I felt needed improvement.

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  2 yr. update on my 05 RAV4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By harshad - January 13 - 8:03 pm

  I have my RAV4 for almost 2 yrs now. Its been wonderful so far. 5 speed is a blast to drive, mileage has been between 25 and 28 (city). No problems so far (touch wood). The stock tires are not the best in snow but TC and VSC overcomes the problem. Lots of room after removing back seats.

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  Awesome - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ben-David Kaminski - January 13 - 11:26 am

  With the proper driving you can get over 40mpg. The car is great in snow. It is a great car to customize and turn heads for little money. Toyota quality should last a long time.

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  2016 Highlander LE Plus - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Ken Francois - January 13 - 10:32 am

  Consider buying LE Plus AWD...especially if theres a chance of moving to snow country.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Igor K. - January 13 - 12:40 am

  It is a smooth riding small car with nice style and acceptable performance. I only have 637 miles on the car so I dont really know about economy but I suspect it will be very good. I like the way it drives on the highway and its easy to park and handle on city streets. I am getting lots of positive comments about the car... that happens to be radiant red. Overall it will meet all my needs.

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  First Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Djz - January 12 - 10:43 pm

  My family outgrow our 2003 corolla. We test drive Accord and Camry several times and decide to go with Camry because the comfortable drive and quietness. The reverse pull at 35 and 25 mph when the gas pedal is released bugs me little bit. It interferes with anticipating driving when running up to red light. Got 28mpg for the first tank, 80% local/stop/go. Not bad, thought miss my corollas 38mpg. Pay more on gas for more space. Cloth arm rest does not make sense as it will get dirty quickly. It is boring to drive but I prefer comfort over excitement when hauling the whole family in it. Trunk fits 2 big luggage side by side. Was hoping to get a manual but hard to find. Cannot wait any longer.

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  Wonderful Commuter - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By DriverMike - January 12 - 7:36 pm

  I have had the car for two months so far and have over 5K miles on it and no problems. Low tire pressure gauge has come on, that may be a nuisance. The car rides great and feels like a baby Lexus. I drive 200 miles per day. The A/C is awsemome and the 6CD player is great!. I am extremely pleased so far.