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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  The Best - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Elaine Z - August 22 - 2:26 pm

  This is the best car I have owned in a long time. Great mileage and comfort. Handles like a dream.

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  Well keep our superior 2011 Rav4 limited - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Tim - August 22 - 5:11 am

  Try before you buy! When we needed more cargo room to take daughter and dorm stuff back to school 100 miles away we killed 2 birds with one stone. Were considering a new Rav but a 10 minute test drive IS NOT enough so we rented a 2016 Rav4 Limited which was hard to find for rent and seemed to ride the same as a 2015 we had driven prior. The car served its purpose in 2 ways: 1: It got the job done. 2: It convinced us to keep our 2011. Why? Ok so if you drive mostly smooth highways its ok. When tooling around/commuting on anything else it rides like a brick (yes tire psi correct) You feel every imperfection on the road.The other annoyance is the 6 speed which in theory makes sense but its annoying as it constantly hunts for gears. The 15/16 just have an overall cheap feel inside and out including fake leather. Our 2011 by comparison feels solid, no gear hunting, not a squeak or rattle, nice ride, real perforated leather and great JBL sound. We have owned many fine Toyotas including our current Rav and 2009 Camry Hybrid but I think corporate greed has caused their quality to decline in recent years including far too many recalls some of which years later STILL dont have a fix which speaks volumes right there.

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  2016 Toyota RAV4 Limited with Technology Package - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By daniel Varghese - August 21 - 10:19 pm

  My honest opinion on this 2016 Toyota RAV4 Limited. For the Technology Package it is little pricy -. I really love this car

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  My 5th Toyota & LOVE it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Kelly - August 21 - 6:53 pm

  Ive already put 8800+ miles on it and its done well so far. Had a small problem with a tire sensor light coming on, took it into dealer, they tightened it and so far so good. Traded my Highlander for it for better mileage w/ gas prices so high. Drove it from WA. to AZ. and back and it handled like a charm, the seats were comfy as well (and I have a bad back). This is a great commuting car. I would say if you are thinking about it, go for it. I still own my 1997 CAMRY and its also still going strong with no problems as well. Overall, a great car!

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  Too many negatives. - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By emoore20 - August 21 - 3:58 am

  After owning the 2011 4runner for less than a month I began to notice several “NEGATIVES” about the vehicle which weren’t apparent after one test drive at the dealership. 1)The transmission is very jerky. Pressing on the gas from a dead stop will result in a jerk forward followed by a slight shimmer in the suspension. 2) The vehicle is painfully slow. 3) Vehicle makes a whistling sound or tone that is related to the SUVs aerodynamics (very boxy). 4) Thin sheet metal hood. Shakes at higher speeds. 5) Susceptible to crosswinds. 6) The paint quality is horrible. 7) The breaks on this vehicle feel very spongy and too sensitive. 8) The Variable Stability Control is very abrupt and awkward.

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  Great Value - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Danner - August 21 - 3:16 am

  Fun to drive. Very fuel efficient and economical to maintain. Responsive engine for a four cylinder manual. Original equipment tires (Goodyear Integrity) were marginal-replaced with Goodyear Regatta II which have worn well and handled well under all road conditions. Would buy another with no hesitation. The 32-40mpg definately helps with todays gas prices.

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  Great Vehicle - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By hookshot - August 20 - 10:09 pm

  My dad had the previous 1st generation RAV4 and that thing lasted forever and took a beating so he had to have a new one. He got the base model to avoid all the unnecessary electronics nowadays. Inside is very roomy, cloth seats are good and textured. Dash is well laid out and material quality is more than acceptable. Acceleration is great around town and on the highway. I have a hard time keeping up in my 2014 Subaru WRX STI in stop in go traffic unless I ring my STI out. No idea what Car and Driver means when it called acceleration "tepid"...absolutely not true.

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  My Rav - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Chris - August 20 - 5:43 pm

  I Got my little rav about a month ago. I LOVE IT! its fun to drive, Gets great MPG, And has a AWESOME sound system! Plenty of passenger room. Gives You a sense of security. The ride is smooth. I have really pushed my rav to see what it can do...and belive me it has PLENTY OF POWER. I was going 90+ MPH. Thats more than enough then you need. but over all if i had to find another Mini-suv, i wouldnt get anything else but a Toyota Rav4

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  You know what youre getting - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Peter - August 19 - 5:56 pm

  This is an outstanding car and the cost of ownership is super low. Yes, its a "bit" banal compared to some cars but in its class, maybe only the Civic feels a little zippier. The drive in the wind and the clock are both irksome features but neither should stop you from actually getting this car.

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  BEST OF THE BEST - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By techman8 - August 19 - 4:22 pm

  Ive been a mechanic for almost a decade and my opinion of the 4th Generation 4runner is ..IF YOU HAVE ONE, KEEP IT. These things are incredibly well built. Toyota is know as the all-around most reliable brand amongst cars worldwide but little did I know that buying a used 4runner with 230,000 miles would of taught me a lesson in how a true SUV should be. Its rock solid body-on-frame design is top notch. I also average an awesome 19 mpg/city which is really good for a heavy SUV. Its got all the power you want and delivers a great package of both handling, style, and comfort. Im currently at 367,000 miles worry-free.