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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  Good overall - 2018 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mitzi - August 6 - 11:05 pm

  I went from a 07 Honda coupe (5 passengers) to the 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5 premium with 3rd row seat (7 passengers) Quite a change, more space, newer vehicle, compared to other suvs I think they could of done a little better work in the interior entertainment for kids, considering it’s a family suv. Inside is super simple but we like it so far.

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  Excellent - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By alpha_1976 - August 6 - 9:05 am

  I did a review earlier after driving about 2K. Now it has 100K miles on it and still going strong no issues anywhere. The only maintenance done is the book. I also switched to full synthetic at 90K miles and there are no leaks or anything even after 10K miles. I might have to check my struts later but that is expected at 100K miles anyway. MPG is great.

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  Holy Crap! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Sapper - August 5 - 11:36 am

  I just moved to El Paso. My work commute is about 60 miles round trip daily. Needless to say my old car was killing me. I read up on the Prius. I have read comments that they do not live up to the EPA standards of 51 and 60 mpg. I can tell you this, part of that is based on the type of area you drive and how you drive. Most people who are complaining about bad mileage numbers are not driving the prius to maximise the fuel economy. You need to use cruise control as much as possible. Set it for 55 mph to get the most mileage and still get where your going. Use "pulse and glide" in the city!

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  Love my Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By BCN - August 4 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased my Yaris last year for a number of reasons, one of the main ones being gas prices. The 4-door sedan I chose can seat 4 adults more comfortably than some larger cars Ive had, and Im averaging 44-45 mpg highway. Its a great little car for the money. I looked at several other cars of other makes, but the Yaris had everything I wanted. With my commute being mostly highway, a hybrid wasnt necessarily the best answer for me.

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  First Sedan - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Christine - August 4 - 4:50 pm

  I decided to buy a new reliable car. I test drove the civic and corolla. I loved the look of the new corolla. Ive always owned coupes so buying a sedan was a hard choice for me but, buying a Toyota was an easy decision based on family, friends, and this website. I have owned it for 3 months now and have about 3500 miles on it. I was really worried about the steering everyone complains about but, I dont notice it in my car. I agree the clock should be in a different spot. The seats need more support. My back hurt for the first few days but now Im used to it. The interior plastic scratches really easily. 35MPG & price!

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  Excellent with a few quirks - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By drewdog - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this thing! Lots of power, lots of space, great sound system, handles well for its size/weight, mileage is good too. Only minor issues: slippery leather, poor stock tires, break shims had to be replaced on one wheel (bought it used at 30k miles though).

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  2010 Toyota RAV-4 AWD - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By chucko420 - August 3 - 9:30 am

  Pros: handles surprisingly well with good acceleration and steering, decent gas mileage, good JBL sound system, interior foot lights are sweet, 4WD mode is great since it is superior to AWD, heated seats, very little serice work needed except re-torquing the drive shat every 15,000 miles, interior design is good especially the fold flat rear seats, lots of cargo space with easy access. Cons: very noisy-cant even talk on the phone due to noise level, small steering wheel, poor visability out the rear but all cars are like that now, front license plate gets damaged in car wash.

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  RAV4 at 2,000 miles - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Kevin - August 1 - 11:50 pm

  I traded in my 1999 Sienna since the kids are older and dont need the van with mediocre mileage and performance. I test drove the RAV4 with a 4 cylinder and was unimpressed, very noisy during acceleration and not much power. Then I tried the 6 cylinder and it is awesomely powerful off the line. I have put on 2,000 miles in about 6 weeks and I have gotten 23-24 mpg. Im sure I would do better if I could keep it under 75. So far, the RAV4 has been fun to drive and performs more like a car then other SUVs I have driven. Took the kids skiing in the Catskills and it took the mountains effortlessly. Cant wait to try the 4X4 in the snow.

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  Decent, solid, reliable Toyota - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By James - August 1 - 4:26 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 4.5 years and have had no issues. Transmission shifting from 3rd to 4th is a bit "herky jerky" at times but the overall ride is extremely smooth. Plan on buying another one in 2-3 years. A solid buy.

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  Nice Family Ride - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Tony - August 1 - 11:53 am

  Bought this car for my wife. XLE, AWD, JBL, Fog lamps and parking assist. Drove it twice so far and it is comfortable and quiet. The power sliding doors and rear door are a great convenience. It has been raining in NJ non stop and I was able to pull up to a store hit the power sliding door and my three year old daughter and my wife were able to jump in and close the door very quickly. This vehicle is made to be a comfortable, convenient and reliable family hauler. I feel it does what it is designed to do very well. The review says there is no steering feedback and there is body roll around corners. Come on people it is not a sports car, lets be realistic. I am looking forward to a road trip.