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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  Best Compact SUV Lease Choise for Us - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By gb philly burbs - September 26 - 7:04 pm

  We are leasing the 2015 RAV4 AWD 6A LE, replacing a comparable 2012 RAV4. We do a lot of long distance highway driving and find it very comfortable. Overall it is a step improvement over the previous model and we are happy with it, though it is no luxury vehicle. Of the other SUVs we considered, it was the best manufacturers lease deal. Weve been leasing to wait for better SUV fuel economy breakthroughs. Now that a RAV4 Hybrid is available, that is our top purchase candidate. We considered Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, and Subaru Outback. The much more expensive Outback was the best riding, best MPG, most luxurious , and much quieter, but we preferred the upright seating and compacter wheelbase of a true SUV. Of the 3 true SUVs the Toyota was the quietest (both Honda and Subaru still have unacceptable highway wind noise after all these years) and smoothest handling at highway speeds. Like its 2012 predecessor, our RAV4 was flawlessly constructed. The engine purrs and acceleration is very smooth. Handling is good considering the higher center of gravity and weight of an SUV (Forrester wins in this category with its boxer engine). In strong wind at highway speed handling is jittery due to the high profile and short wheelbase- a lot of micro steering adjustments may be required. Mileage is decent, but not exceptional, and little better than the previous model despite the addition of an extra gear. If I keep it under 65 mph I can handily beat the EPA highway 29 MPG rating. However, on a recent 1200 mile highway drive at 80+/- mph, with some frantic stop and going around metro Washington DC, we averaged 27.6 mpg. Overall I have averaged 26.1 mpg in normal driving mode, lighting up the green ECO LED most of the way. 2017 UPDATE: Just drove 1150 miles from FL to PA with several half hour traffic crawl delays, otherwise averaging 70-80 mph with average mpg of 29.5 in eco mode. I have no problem with the electronic displays and controls. Find them useful, easy to read, and intuitive. Backup camera with guidelines is a great feature. Basic stereo sound is nothing special; works well with USB or music player, easy to set up blue tooth connections. It pisses me off that Toyota doesnt include a driver lumbar support in anything but the XLE model. Seats are fairly comfortable though better for me if I use a Back Joy Sit Smart. Some other areas where you now get less than in the previous model: no overhead sun glass holder, only one in-dash storage box and a useless shelf above it, less console storage, glove box does not lock, no cross bars (but a cheap after market purchase if you need it, and at least you get roof rails on the basic models unlike the CRV), no back seat fold down lever in the storage area, no VARIABLE control for intermittent wiper, no full size spare, plastic wheel covers instead of finished steel wheels. The extra charge floor mats are very cheap, better to get something after market. Some pluses versus 2012, ours included a rear storage cover, backup camera, the rear seat headrests can be easily folded down to improve rear view visibility, in car spare storage and upswing rear door makes rear access much easier, better MPG feedback tools, quieter ride. Rear visibility is excellent (much better than CRV). However, the forward descending body side lines throw you off when trying to align the car in a parking space. Cannot see speedometer when driver seat position is elevated.

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  Disappointing first 12000 miles - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By AL - September 25 - 9:16 pm

  I bought my truck February of 08. I have a factory-installed roof rack that leaked from the drivers side rail into the cabin with only 8000 mi that took 2 times to fix. My passenger floor board had to be re-welded because of squeaking noise that sounds like metals buckling whenever I drive over uneven pavements. Oh, they have to remove my passenger side front door, my steering wheel and my entire dashboard area just gain access to that one particular spot. My new car smell didnt last but a couple of months which was replaced by the aroma of a freshly welded metals which by the way lingered for more than 3 mos. Ive owned 4 different Toyotas in the past. 08 Tacoma is a disappointment.

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  At 180,000 miles, still a Fantastic Car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By tommysmooth - September 25 - 2:24 pm

  My Dad bought it in 2003 from a dealership where it was a rental, about 4 years ago he bought a 2009 Camry and let me have the 01 for my first car. Ive been driving it daily since I was 16 and have never had a bad day with it. Its quiet, responsive, and when you want power from the engine it will give it to you. Its easy to fix things yourself on, such as oil changes, brakes, even opening up the intake and cleaning the butterfly valve was pretty simple. The Stereo is amazing quality and similar to what youd find in some luxury cars today. This car has good handling in the snow especially in 2nd gear. Overall its a perfect first car, or perfect budget car. Ive grown to love it

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  Absolutely Fabulous Mileage! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Greenleaf - September 25 - 10:00 am

  My highest MPG was 58.7! I drive to LA regularly and the two-hour commute is zippy in this little car. Ive had no trouble out running an 18-wheeler with 5 people in the car and the A/C on full blast. The only trouble Ive had was the rack-and-pinion, which needed to be replaced at 16K. The interior seems to be taking a lot of wear also.

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  Totally Toyota Family - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By dagger101 - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely perfect in every way! I purchased this with 52K miles on it a year ago. Not a squeak or rattle in it! Could have bought a new bare boned domestic for about the same money but have no regrets! I own this, my daughter has a Celica, my father owns a Tundra, my mother has a RAV 4 and we just bought a 2002 Camry last weekend. Boy does our salesman love us!

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  Good/Safe/Reliable - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ron - September 25 - 5:05 am

  Had a 14 4cyl. Tacoma access cab that I hit/bounced off a bridge 2 X at 70 MPH all bags (except passenger - no passenger) went off. It was totaled but crumpled as designed and trans/engine went into pavement as designed. It saved my life and no injuries. Replaced it with this 13 pre runner with a 4.0 six cyl. Get real avg. 20 MPG. Installed a Firestone rear airbag kit and the ride improved dramatically carrying 10 psi. with no load. I am an old guy and do not race around but plenty of power for me. We have had a 4runner, Landcruiser and several older off road junk tacomas. They all did their job and lasted if maintained.

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  No problems - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By bj - September 24 - 4:43 pm

  I purchased a used 2001 Camry in may of 2003 with 23000 miles on it. I drive it daily back and forth to work 38 miles each way. I also drive it anywhere I want to go with it. I average around 30 mpg virtually all the time. As of now I have about 92000 miles on it with absolutely no problems. I have not replaced the timing belt nor have I had to replace the brake pads. This is an extremely reliable car. Also have a 94 4cyl Camry with 196000 miles on it with only a few problems. Couple of front axles and brakes plus on oil pump. Long story on the oil pump but it still runs and drives great.

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  Bad seats - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By drgagnon - September 24 - 3:00 pm

  Love the car but the seats are a problem. My wife and I never had back pain until we purchased this Yaris. But I like it enough to try to change the seats. This is an expensive proposition with minimal out of market options. Ill probably have to sell the car to save my back. However, driving the Yaris is fun and above expectations considering the price.

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  Zippy Little Car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By InuRa - September 22 - 10:00 am

  My parents (im a high school student) were happy to get this car: cheap, slow acceleration, small, fuel- efficient. I like this car b/c I can easily pass someone, its weird- lookin. Ppl can always tell where I am, b/c not too many ppl drive this car. The only prob: Its missing all the "basics". youre going to end up puttin a buttload of options in the car.

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  disappointed - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By automatic - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I was driving the Tacoma, and could not wait to get the Tundra, it was my third Toyota. I was very pleased with the overall hanlding, ride and comfort of the Tundra. The accelaration is smooth and powerful. It rides great with or without a full load in the bed. I was a satisified owner. Then some problems started to surface. It is now on the third oxygen sensor. In Nov. 03 the transmission started acting up. Fortunately I had the extended warranty, because in Mar04 it failed and had to replaced. The rebuilt is not working very well. Im not so satisfied any longer.