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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  My 2012 was better! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Tammy - November 27 - 6:35 am

  I just purchased the 2015 Rav4 LE. I had a 2012. After driving it a few days Im missing my older Rav4. For starters the daytime running lights no longer exist. When I use the headlights there is no small light on my dashboard to tell me my lights are on. And my headlights do not automatically go off when I park my vehicle, the way the 2012 did. The windshield wipers do not have that interment option anymore either. The console area has less compartments than the 2012 also. Im just very disappointed that Toyota would take away these small options. They make a big difference. I did read reviews that there is less space in the 2015 Rav 4 and that is true. But I was expecting that.

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  Beware of interior - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By JFlaggot08 - November 26 - 5:16 pm

  I love the exterior design and engine of the RAV4, but if you are expecting typical Toyota quality the interior of the RAV4 will disappoint. I have had to have parts of the dash replaced as pieces did not fit securely and rattled, in fact lots of squeaks, creaks and rattles in interior. Many parts of the interior just feel like they dont fit together or are loose. Feel stuck with the RAV4 rather than loving it. Though it is small, tall drivers will fit comfortably. Lots of storage spaces in both front and rear.

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  Worry-free ownership - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave S. - November 24 - 12:39 pm

  We bought this new from dealer. This is the best, most reliable car Ive owned. Owned Thunderbird, Expedition, Civic, Toyota truck, Suburban. Best so far. Never been in shop for repairs. Always had synthetic oil. Runs like a more expensive car. Does 80-85 easily on freeway. Gets decent mileage, especially with K&N filter. The paint is the only negative. Very thin, gets scratched easily. Other than that, weve been very happy with it. Wife does not want to give it up. (I wanted to trade it in.)

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  Almost There - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By New to Toyota - November 22 - 12:23 pm

  This is my first Toyota and I wanted an SUV with more reliabilty and better gas mileage than my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This vehicle is perfect in size and the 3rd row seat is great for short trips with more than 5 adults. I like the styling and features of the LTD. However, the front seats are not padded enough to be comfortable on long trips and the gas mileage is disappointing. I have driven 3,300 miles and have average 15 mph in city driving and 19 mph on the freeway.

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  The best little car available - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Jason - November 22 - 6:36 am

  I bought my corolla over 2 years ago from my mom, she had it for 8 years herself. She never had one problem with it and neither have I. Just replaced the timing belt and thats it besides normal maintenance!! It feels like a 5 year old car with 50,000 yet it has 180,000 and is now 13. If youre looking for reliability this is the car for you.

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  Greg01 - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Greg01 - November 21 - 12:03 pm

  Great relibility boght brand new 145k miles service by my self have transmission oil changed twice no issues so far very happy with it

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  Greg01 - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Greg01 - November 21 - 11:44 am

  Great relibility boght brand new 145k miles service by my self have transmission oil changed twice no issues so far very happy with it

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  1st SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By bch - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Quiet ride, roomy 1st and 2nd row. 3rd row seat should fold flat and optionally with a touch of a button like the Expedition. Getting in and out of 3rd seat thru folding of the 2nd row seat can be improved. Loved the different readings available in the convenience package. It tells me the actual mileage per gallon used. The mileage improves as the car is driven more. Cant assume that keyless entry is standard in the SR5.

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  Tunnel Vision - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By aquadog - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The dashboard instrument cluster is like looking into a tunnel and very hard to focus on the dials. The clock is part of th climate control and is very difficult to see in bright light. The back door needs to have a remote latch in the drivers area instead of using your key lock. The mirror needs to have a light, all ladies look for this option. Other than the mentioned deficiencies the truck is great.

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  Improvements and Upgrades - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By El Supremo - November 21 - 4:13 am

  Toyota has upgraded the vehicle significantly. I have previously owned a 1996 and 2000 XLS models. My biggest complaints are the seats are not as comfortable as the 2000 model and the laser cruise control backs the speed down when approaching the rear of another vehicle without regard to what is behind your vehicle. I dont see the practicality of the rear window sunshade.