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:

• 

  PRIUS -- THE ONLY HYBRID - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By daveb - December 24 - 9:36 am

  I have logged 140K miles in five years, averaging 45+ mpg. The greatest feature of the car is its rock solid reliability - it still has the original brakes. I like the car so much I just purchased a new 2009. This car may not be everyones cup of tea, but it fits my lifestyle - plenty of room for my family of 4 and the hatchback makes it useful for those occasional runs to Lowes or Home Depot. It is a well engineered vehicle that has retained it rock solid feel over the many miles that it has traveled.

• 

  Great Car - Very Happy Big Guy - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve - December 24 - 4:46 am

  Ive put over 12,000 miles on my new 06 XLS since Feb 1, and I couldnt be happier. Great ride, performance and mileage have made this the BEST car Ive ever owned. I believe this car is the best value on the road. Luxury amenities and ride for a modest price. Im 63", and can sit comfortably in rear seats with the front seats fully back. Short drives around town or long road trips, my Avalon makes driving a pleasure. One warning! It drives so well and cruises so smoothly, I got the first speeding ticket Ive had in 26 years (72 in a 55). It felt like I was going 60. The policeman, while giving me the ticket, commented on how much he liked my ride! Buy this car & enjoy!

• 

  Startup problems - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By tsoupy - December 23 - 11:36 pm

  Im having problems where my new RAV4 V6 4x4 just wont start up. Eventually - it will start but Toyota doesnt seem to have any handle on this issue. I notices that a couple other reviewers have had the same problem. Im not willing to live with this problem.

• 

  80,000 miles and counting - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Professor Fred - December 23 - 11:20 pm

  We have over 80,000 miles on our Prius and only bought new tires and oil/filter changes.We have owned over a dozen new vehicles from Ford, Chevy, Pontiac, Dodge and Chrysler and this is the BEST vehicle weve owned. Read more comments on the interior room (my son-in-law is 64" and has more than enough room in the back seat. I have six houses and have hauled 8 foot 2x4s in it and even stoves and clothes dryers. I was in a national test in the "early years" and the mpg was 50.9 for the first two years of driving. It is doing well and I smile each time we fill it up. Cant wait for the 2010 to get 60+ mpg.

• 

  Love my Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Alex Mullins - December 23 - 9:26 pm

  This has been a great vehicle. Even after 90000 miles it is tight and smooth. I enjoy the handling, tight turning radius, smooth Lexus-style and ride, great meileage, high-cube storage, rides level under heavy loads, excellent heat and A/C in all zones. It has never been in the shop other than for routine maintenance and the few factory recalls to correct issues that I would have never otherwise noticed. I appreciate all of the standard options, such as tilt/telescopic wheel, rear power passenger windows, 5-speed automatic transmission. My next Sienna will be the XLE with leather, sunroof, power lift-gate, back-up sensors, etc.

• 

  My Rav - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Laurie - December 23 - 8:36 pm

  We rented a Rav in Las Vegas and fell in love...We came home and purchased one and still own it today...I would buy another one in a heart beat...!

• 

  Good car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JD - December 23 - 6:06 pm

  Have not had the car long. It stayed on the lot for a while due to black color which is not real popular in Texas. I like to drive and ride in this car. The fuel mileage has been around 36-38 mpg. I like the styling and comfort. Would buy this car again.

• 

  Reliability but not much style - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shaggydog1776 - December 23 - 2:46 pm

  Toyota Tacoma offers a reliable vehicle, but option packages were not flexible. Wanted cruise control but that only comes with extended cab. Color and other options very limited. Design is cookie cutter. Lots of extra holes in the dash for accessory switches that will never be used and so on. I4 engine is underpowered making it necessary to manually shift between 3rd gear and drive. Cruise control is useless on roads even with slight inclines. The transmission downshifts constantly with a very jerky motion. Driver and passengers are constantly being thrown back and forth. Even slight side winds whip truck around on highway. Fuel economy not even close to what I thought it would be.

• 

  I dont get it - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Dean - December 23 - 6:41 am

  I am reading all these negative reviews. I must have gotten lucky. I traded in my Mercedes Benz C320 for this car and I am not disappointed at all. I am not getting any rattling, road noise is at a minimum, navigation and braking is wonderful. I love this car. Sound system is great and the bluetooth is easy to understand and operate. I feel this is probably one of the if not the best car I ever owned.

• 

  I Love My Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Charlie - December 22 - 2:36 pm

  This car is an absolute wonderful experience to drive. I have taken several long road trips with great gas mileage and it is fun to tool around town and the engine never kicks on.