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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  A Great Crossover and Redesign - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By habl - July 18 - 6:31 am

  Just a short review. Have had my new Rav for a week and 500 miles of driving. It replaces my horrible 2010 Equinox which was trouble times two. My new Rav4 drives fantastic, is fun, comfortable and is a great buy. Exterior is great looking, interior same, have had a dozen people comment or ask to see the car. The electronic system is great, entune system working perfectly and with the upgraded JBL system, audio is incredible. I cannot believe how. Great my old Philadelphia rock stations sound in HD radio. I actually like to drive again with the new Rav, I put on about 2,000 miles per month, it is now not such a chore with such a great vehicle.

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  Exceptional - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By TONY - July 17 - 9:50 pm

  What is there to say, the 4runner is the best. Number one in resale value in its class, great looks, super sporty, great engine and performance, super shiny paint, and of course great Toyota reliability. No trips to dealer for knucklehead repairs.

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  Really fun to drive - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Chris Kingston - July 17 - 1:40 pm

  I love my new RAV4. It is a kick to drive, has lots of room for my groceries, chicken feed and dogs. My only complaint is the gas mileage. I am not getting anywhere close to 27 mpg, and if anyone should, its me. I live in a very rural area and do not do any "stop and go" driving." For a matter of fact, every tank so far has gotten worse. I started at almost 27 mpg and when I filled up today only got 22mpg. My first oil change is about 60 days away so I am hoping that the dealer can make some adjustments that will help.

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  #1 Car for People of All Ages - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Rita Mele - July 17 - 8:20 am

  My husband is 84 I am 75 this RAV4 is outstanding getting in and out of. It drives like a very expensive British baby carriage and is very comfortable. We have three Toyota vehicles and just feel safe, and the reliability is the best. We would suggest all seniors try RAV4, you will be amazed at reliability, look and comfort. Thanks Toyota!

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  First time Toyota buyer - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By khymburlie - July 15 - 7:46 pm

  I recently just traded in my 06 Saturn Ion for my new 10 Corolla and I couldnt be happier. I havent experienced the wind/steering issue... it did in my Saturn so its one of the things I love about my Toyota. Also, in my Saturn, it constantly felt like I was hydroplaning when driving over a puddle. Not in this car! I feel safe. My only complaint is the position of the clock. Its way too low and difficult to see while driving. Gas mileage seems to be great so far... averaging about 30 MPG and thats city and HWY driving.

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  2014 Prius "3" Model - Bought 5/25/2014 - 2014 Toyota Prius
  By brian20675 - July 15 - 11:27 am

  Me:63"(240 lbs) "tall back" Headroom (good): few inches to spare legroom (good): would be nice if the steering wheel telescoped a few more inches toward me, so I could move the seat back more. (can live with it though - not unsafe to drive). legroom width (good) - plenty of side2side room visibility (good): Rear View is just a little restricted. Would be nice if side view mirrors were larger/larger field of view. display (good): placed away from driver for ease of viewing. -smooth ride so far (new car) -quick acceleration when needed -back head/leg room (ok) -Its a commuter car (mpg=priority#1), not a luxury sedan. Toyota did an awesome job.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By MARecycle - July 15 - 6:16 am

  Just a very nice vehicle.Handles like a sportscar.

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  Getting The Best - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By gary - July 15 - 5:46 am

  I find the pick-up (my 4th toyota) to be incredible. Its room, solid to drive with great steering and braking. The suspension is very stable. All the controls are in the right place even the parking brake which has been noted as "not easily accessible" by Edmund. The dash and gauges are well placed and viewed easily. I need leg room and this truck has it. The 4 wheel drive controls are very simple. Con: the seat beal is a little hard to connect. and I would like some protection from door dings i.e. side molding.

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  A super vehicle - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By skidaddy - July 15 - 12:57 am

  Weve owned our Highlander Hybrid for 4 generally trouble-free years. The hybrid batteries significantly help gasoline mileage for under 45 mph trips - which covers much of my wifes daily routine. But the added horsepower of the hybrid also improves acceleration, which makes driving it more fun. Great room inside. Ours is awd, and it performs good in snow and great on slippery roads. We just did the timing belt/water pump at 97k, along with a new radiator. Looking forward to many more years of great, reliable transportation.

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  Love It! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By MomzToy - July 14 - 11:03 pm

  This is my second 2008 Cruiser, I survived and walked away from a accident involving being hit at over 60 mph and rolling over. I was cut out of the car and advised the only reason I walked away from the accident is I was driving a Toyota. I was told this 3 x at the scene and in the ER by police, paramedics and a Dr, I bought the same car again on 4WD.What fun! I have just spent my first winter in snow and ice and it went everywhere.. It is dependable, durable, and always has people looking at it!