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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  What a car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By steve - April 9 - 11:46 pm

  Averaged 50 mpgs plus in town in 6 months of ownership. On the hiway, 800 mile trip, avg was 46 mpgs at legal speed of 75 & 70 mph with air. This was with a fully packed car, 4 adults. Terrain varied from level to hills. Dont drive with a lead foot and youll pass tons of fill up stations. Backup beeper real annoying & people outside of the car cannot hear it. A definite minus. Be careful in parking lots. In electric mode it runs silent & people not paying attention will walk in front of you. Several cell phone use walkers have been sent sky hi when I hit the horn to warn them of what they were doing. 0w-20 weight oil is not the easiest to find. Its required! Oil filter is not a spin on.

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  2000 Mile Review - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By adkdad - April 9 - 4:34 pm

  I have had a Ford Escape, Honda CRV and several Subaru Outbacks. I also looked into the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue. The Toyota RAV4 won out for many reasons. So far this vehicle exceeds my expectations. Im getting 28.7 MPG average (yes AWD)! I love the seats, they seem to "grab" my rib cage and I do not sway either way when doing a sharp turn. The ride is solid like a truck. Visibility is great. There is plenty of room for 3 road bikes in the back without removing the front wheel.

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  Fun and practical at the same time! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By bwat - April 9 - 9:50 am

  We purchased our Matrix this summer to replace our aging and unreliable Plymouth. It has been a great decision so far. We have taken it on several weekend trips and it is a great travel car. Lots of room in the back for the bags and the dog! It has also been useful in around town driving. The fold down seats in the back are one of the cars best features. We never need worry about bringing home bulky items. I dont find problems with highway driving that others have mentioned. No issues with wind or milage. We average 30-31 mpg around town and 40+mpg on the hwy. Though heavy traffic or driving consistently above 65 mph drasitcaly reduces fuel economy.

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  Love my Camry XLE - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By EBoyer - April 9 - 1:20 am

  This is my first Toyota and I purchased it because of the high gas prices. I traded in my Nissan Pathfinder for something more economical. When I test drove the Camry, I knew this was the vehicle for me. It as a professional look and the feel and how it handles the road is exceptional. I had reservations about owning a car after my SUV, but I was wrong. Thanks Toyota, I love the experience.

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  Good gas mileage - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By HC - April 9 - 1:03 am

  I have 2007 Camry Hybrid (standard) for more than two years and have learned how to drive it to get good gas mileage: 45 MPG for a full tank average. Note that all batteries are on rear side of the car and the trunk is small.

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  Still going - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By djcowboy - April 8 - 10:13 pm

  I have had this car since new and the only thing I have had replaced has been the timing belt, water pump and tires. I have 180,000 on the odometer and have not even replaced the clutch. The strut mounts will need to be replaced because I can hear a clunking noise over speed bumps and this seems to be a common problem with the Solara. The tires also seem to be an issue because they wear out pretty quickly. I have no complaints because even after 9 years I still get compliments on the looks and even the way it drives. It also still gets great gas mileage. The original stereo was okay but an upgrade to a Sony made a world of difference, sonically speaking and the speaker are still OEM.

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  Gas saving appliance.... - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By manu77 - April 8 - 11:33 am

  When the salesman first showed me the Prius Four with solar and moon roof, and all sorts of gadgetry, I was overwhelmed by all the fantastic features coupled with the great mpg that the Prius is renowned for and, plus its reliability, which it has proven to be a reliable car. But, and this is a big but....they have failed to address driving ergonomics. While this model four has power seats with lumbar support, I figured out about two months and 3000 miles later on the car that the driving position of the driver is quite awkward and this could not be addressed by changing my seat position. If you are planning to buy a Prius, I suggest you carefully observe your seating and steering first.

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  RAV is a dependable car! - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Lainie - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Got my 97 RAV used in 99. Ive only had to replace brakes in 2001 and from there, just regular maintenance. I rarely seem to see them for sale used, so I think there are several happy customers out there...

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  What a great truck!!! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Extremely Satisfied - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this truck in the last week and I am extremely impressed. Although its a big truck, it doesnt feel that big when driven. The ride is unbelievable. It has a firm ride (unlike large vehicles) but handles bumps and corners extremely good as well. Acceleration is very good even though the motor has a 240 HP rating. It feels very strong. This is the 4th Toyota I have owned (second truck, 1st was a 4-Runner) and at this point I would never buy from any other manufacturer. Their build quality is impecable, their prices reasonable, their resale great, and they last forever. What more could an owner want!

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  Motor Happy - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By happymo - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 95 Celica. Very satisfied with Solaras ride and comfort.