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:

• 

  I loved that car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By I loved that car - December 7 - 1:56 am

  I bought this car used with only 6k mls. It was always very reliable, enough room, gas mileage great. I still own the car, although some idiot decided not to look before pulling out into the highway and hit me in the side, my rav rolled 4 times. I climbed out without many injuries, nothing broken. My car on the other hand looks a sight. Although to everyones surprise, it still runs. Wrecker man brought it to my house and parked it on the street. I told him I needed it in the driveway, so he got in it and DROVE it to the space I wanted it. Still quiet running, sounds great. I dont know what I will do with it, I know I am going to miss driving it.

• 

  Last of the 2005s - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By moulton - December 6 - 7:00 pm

  Toyota is "updating" much of its model line this fall, including the 4Runner. I wanted to purchase the 05 before the end of the model year because of its excellent track record and high ratings. Im sure the 06 will be equally as successful, but theres a lot to be said for acquiring a "classic"! The Limited model is an impeccable amalgam of engineering, design, form and function. Its GX470 Lexus counterpart is a really a Limited 4Runner in disguise! My wife and I love the quiet ride, impeccable safety features and rugged capabilites of the 4Runner. Former owners of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, off-roading capabilities with street manners was a must. We highly recommend this vehicle!

• 

  Acceleration Catchup - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ERN - December 6 - 5:50 pm

  When I round a corner at normal speed the acceleration hesitates and cant make up its mind if it wants to stay high or go down lower. Its very irritating. My Toyota dealership said it is a gas saving computer thing and the only way to correct it is to drive more aggressively around corners. I tried doing that and my wife put a stop to my NASCAR aspirations. Also, constant issues with the tires. I have owned Toyotas in the past and never had to add air every time I filled up.

• 

  A Fantastic Car That Needs Fine Tuning - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mikie - December 6 - 2:53 pm

  This is one fantastic car. I love how quick it is on the road and it drives like a luxury car. People are always telling me how beautiful this car is. I only have a few problems.The paint on the front of the car chips easily. I have lots of chips from stones. Maybe an extra coat of paint would help. The mirrors should turn in so I can get the car through the car wash. There are two blind spots if you look to the back of the car. Other than that, I love this car. Oh by the way. I still have a 1995 XLS with 160,000 miles and the car purrs like a kitten. Only thing Ive had to do is put a timing belt in the car. These Toyotas run forever.

• 

  A hybrid that makes saving gas a blast! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Sparky - December 6 - 5:00 am

  This is our 3rd hybrid. We owned a Honda Insight, and currently have an 04 Toyota Prius. This one has got everything we desire in a comfortable, well appointed auto, along with excellent gas mileage. The EPAs can be attained, and even passed with a bit of "hybrid driving technique". If I maintain a freeway speed of 60-62, and avoid frequent passing, I get 40-41 mpg on my daily commute. In town averages 35. The hybrid power train works as smooth as glass. Seating is supportive and comfortable. The heating/cooling system is state-of-the-art, the JBL sound system sounds superb (an option), and the navigation system is decent. This is one of those cars that just feels right from the get-go.

• 

  Extremely pleased - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Greggie - December 6 - 4:53 am

  We bought the Highlander Hybrid at the end of September 2005 and now have 5000 miles on it. Rides like a car, incredible power, very roomy, and environmentally friendly. As noted in other reviews, the gas mileage is not quite what is advertised, because most people who buy an SUV are not using it in real city driving. The gas engine kicks in very quickly when accelerating. Real world mileage is 24- 26 mpg combined, likely less if most of your driving is on the highway at 70 mph and more if you are in a true bumper-to-bumper city. This model is in such demand that you must pay full sticker. Our dealer wanted $2700 for the DVD navigation system, we passed.

• 

  What a Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gary Long - December 5 - 5:50 pm

  The Prius is the most Outstanding Car I have ever bought. I have a 2005. It took 9 months to come in but well worth it. I am a loyal Toyota buyer and this is another exceptional car.

• 

  Good mountain car - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Madeleine - December 5 - 4:47 pm

  I have had this car about a month. I live in the mountains and wanted a car with decent acceleration that would be good in winter weather. The 2.5 engine has been fine even on steep hills at altitude. Ive driven it in snowy, icy conditions (with snow tires) and it handles well and feels smooth. The automatic transmission can slide over to manual and a nudge of the shift lever up or down changes the gear. This gives the car the clutch breaking of a standard transmission and I have used it on icy, snowy downhills when I dont want to brake a lot. At first, I used the sport setting on hills, but Ive found it climbs as well on the normal setting. I got the Limited because I love the push button start (Im a key loser) and the automatic headlights. I also like the vinyl seats which are easy to wipe clean. The technology features are helpful. For example, a yellow light appears on the side mirrors when a car is in your blindspot and, when youre in reverse there is a warning if something is about to pass behind. Update- have the car 8 months- 10,000 miles No mechanical problems. Driving this winter, it was really handy to be able to push a button and go into 4 wheel drive. Twice during snowy, icy weather, I used it on an uphill highway ramp. The second time, a light on the dash flashed "4 wheel drive not on" or something like that--hint, hint. It gave me instant traction and shuts off around 25 mpg. The all wheel drive was really excellent the rest of the time. Pros Roomy. Decent back seats and plenty of storage area. Headlights and fog lights great on dark roads Smooth ride with good feel of the road Two memory settings for the drivers seat! I am 52" and everyone has to move my seat. My 62" husband is comfortable as a passenger. Cons Radio with Sirius is a touch screen- It takes a lot of attention off the road to change stations or settings and its impossible to see if the sun is hitting it. Also there are no preset buttons for the radio. I can change preset stations (on the touch screen) from the steering wheel but I still have to look down too much to see what is on. Short back window so the rear wiper only cleans a small area. Overall Im happy with the car. I havent had problems with it so far. 12/17 I ended up trading this car because I found the controls unsafe. I do mostly highway driving. The Rav4 had a large busy touch screen that took a lot of attention while driving; not just because of the reflection from sun, but listings of radio stations (I have SiriusXM), for example were small, and I needed to look down at the screen, even with the steering adjustment. The heat mode control was in the center and low, with small stick pictures of the heat/def selected. Also the on/off switch for the blind spot monitor is low on the right of the steering wheel and I accidentally shut it off once getting in with snow pants. I tried to remember to check that the light was on when I started driving. There are no dashboard warnings when it and other features, except for traction control, are off or on. I wanted a car with all wheel drive and I like all the techie features. I got a 2017 Impreza Limited with Eyesight because it had a simple touch screen plus a screen on top of the dashboard, in the middle of the windshield, that shows radio info, heat/AC settings, etc. without looking down. Also dashboard warnings when something is turned off or not working because of weather, etc. It also has CarPlay, an app you can use with an iPhone and use voice commands (Siri) for navigation, etc.

• 

  What a Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gary Long - December 5 - 4:43 pm

  The Prius is the most Outstanding Car I have ever bought. I have a 2005. It took 9 months to come in but well worth it. I am a loyal Toyota buyer and this is another exceptional car.

• 

  Love It!! - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jeni729 - December 5 - 11:10 am

  I just got this car last week on a 4 yr lease and I love it. I love the inside. I love the stylish look you get from the outside but yet it is so roomy and practical. It is nice and heavy for winter driving! I am glad I made the purchase!