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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  Very happy after 9 months - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By susieq33 - March 15 - 4:06 am

  I waited to write this review, since I wanted to take a decent road trip. Having just got back from a trip to and from Ohio to SC, I now feel I can write an honest review. This is a great vehicle. I have owned Hondas for the past 25 years or more, the latest being a 2008 CR-V, and was bored with the same interior look and features. I test drove multiple vehicles, SUVs and sedans. The RAV 4 is extremely nice looking (Pearl White) and runs and rides perfectly. Got 29.6 miles per gallon on average, using heat, defrosters and air conditioning through rain, fog, and sleet. The RAV-4 Limited offers a comfortable ride, great handling. The heated seats/lower back are outstanding No complaints. ****UPDATE**** Ater having this RAV4 for almost 3 years now, and after several long road trips, it continues to make me happy. The only problem Ive had is that the tire pressure sensors are extremely sensitive and tend to show low air pressure frequently in winter months with temperature changes. Otherwise, the ride, acceleration, and gas mileage is great. Averaged 30 to 31 mpg on our most recent trip from Ohio to SC. The power in the normal mode is so good for passing or entering freeways that I have never switched into sport mode. The economy modes mpg was equal to using the normal mode, so why have a more sluggish vehicle and not gain anything? I drive in the normal mode all the time and with combined city and highway driving, usually average around 28 mpg and 27 in the winter. Have had many back seat passengers remark on how roomy and comfortable the back seats are. Oil changes are a bit more expensive due to using synthetic oil. The only changes I woukd make to do something with the cup holders, which are too deep for some items, adding a smaller, covered storage area for a cell phone or similar, a button to program the garage door opener, and automatic headlights when windshield wipers are in use, and better speakers as the sound is not the greatest at lower levels. That being said, even without those fixes we would purchase the RAV4 again, without hesitation.

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  Great Little Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Daryl - March 14 - 5:43 am

  I bought this car for the gas mileage and it does the job. Three fills so far and the mileage has been 39.1/40.1/41.7. It is also handles extremely well and is extremely enjoyable to drive.

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  Awesome Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Mahn - March 13 - 1:30 pm

  Very responsive truck. Lots of room. Very please that this 5.7 will out pull others 5.7. Lots of fun to drive. Love the rear sliding window and the tilting head lights. Mileage is awesome. been averaging about 14city and 20hwy on this 5.7. I will add cold air later which will improve the mileage even more. I was having withdrawal when I traded in (trouble free for 10yrs) my 2000 tundra. After driving the 2010 tundra, I dont miss it anymore. More power more room spills a lot of fun.

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  From a Prius to Highlander... - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Otto - March 13 - 4:09 am

  I recently purchased a 2017 Highlander XLE while my 2010 Prius (107,000 miles) was getting an oil change. Call it an "impulse" buy, but I had been researching the Toyota Highlander for quite some time and with 0% financing available & a great deal from the local dealership, I left my Prius in the service department and drove home a brand new 2017 Highlander in Celestial Silver Metallic. Ive now had it a little over a week. Initial impression? Fantastic vehicle. Very quiet. User-friendly. Creature comforts that arent "over-the-top". Entune system is great. Of course, Im putting more gasoline in it than my former Prius, so that will take some getting used to. My biggest surprise? I emailed my insurance agent to change coverage over to the Highlander and it is over $100/year CHEAPER to insure the brand new 2017 Highlander than it was to insure a 2010 Prius!! What does that tell me? This vehicle is safe on the road. The sight lines are much better than the Prius (thats not really saying much) and the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is very helpful along with the Lane Departure Alert (LDA). I am enjoying driving a bigger vehicle and will write another review after the "newness" factor wears off a bit. For now, very impressed and confident in this purchase. More to come, later...

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  The Prestigious Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By EF - March 13 - 3:30 am

  As I am a first-time owner of a Prius, I really am enjoying the sleek design, interior comfort, and of course, superior gas mileage. In order to maximize fuel economy, there are certain ways of driving that differ from conventional fuel vehicles. That makes the Prius interesting to learn to drive and fun as well! I certainly feel safe in this vehicle, even though I have driven an SUV for over 10 years. Overall, it is a great feeling going green!

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  I love this car! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Yifang Dang - March 12 - 11:08 pm

  I love this SUV, because it has a higher view for driving than sedans, however, Im a little short for its large space. When I sit in the drivers seat, the accelarator and break and the steering wheel are a little far for me, so I had to sit close, and my space wont be that big, and on my way out of the car, I got be careful not to hit my head on the top of the car. So I would suggest everyone calmly testdrive this vichle and make the decision. This is my only concern about this car, otherwise, everything is great! The driving is great, the price is great, and the safety is great! I love this car!

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  A smart choice. - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By mkyaris10 - March 12 - 3:10 pm

  I expected a simple get-around-town ho hum experience. I have been pleasantly surprised. The Yaris wont win any drag races, but the versatility of the interior cubbies along with the great seats and good ride quality will make up for it. The gas mileage has been good, 30-36 mpg. My lowest was 28.5 mpg on an all city driving week. Id recommend the 5 dr, and go ahead and load it up with all the power options. You wont save that much by leaving them off, and theyre worth it. Edmunds exaggerates the manual vs auto transmission. The auto is fine. The gates are good, and the shifts are smooth. You cant beat the Yaris. Just go test drive one.

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  I Loved My Car!!!! - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By EbieLover - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I drove this car for 5 years before it was totalled by a reckless truck. The car was wrecked but I was absolutely fine! I had to replace the alternator twice, but I put 50,000 miles on it and it had 75,000 miles total. It had been across the country 5 times and it never required any major work -- EVER!

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  Cant Get Much Better - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By TRSR - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I own a business and this car has traveled over 51,000 miles in just 14 months. I have had absolutely ZERO problems! NONE! I fully expect it to go well over 200,000 miles without major problems as the Toyotas in the old days used to. 300,000 miles isnt out of the question for Toyota. I am so glad I bought this car, so glad in fact that I just bought a Toyota Takoma from the same dealer. I will NEVER own anything but a Toyota again. PERFECT CARS!

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  Entering the Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By oscaguilar - March 12 - 10:00 am

  You dont drive the Toyota Matrix. You become part of the Matrix due to its excellent comfort level from the driverÂ’s seat and your body position in relation to the steering wheel.