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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  Got one of the last few 08 RAV4 left - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By BenLiu - June 17 - 4:30 am

  Bought one of the few 2008 V6 AWD base model left after comparing Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, and 08 Highlander. Perfect size for my family of 4 with 2 teenagers. Like the efficiency of the electric-on-demand AWD with reasonably good mpg and absolutely fun to drive. However, dont expect the quietness/refinement of a Camry. Road vibration/noise sometimes noticeable at any speed. If you want to take advantage of the last few 08 RAV4 left like I did, make sure you check out the 09 model before making the decision as Toyota made some good improvements which may be important to you.

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  FirstToyota - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Jaclyn - June 16 - 10:43 pm

  I was on my way to purchase a (Nissan Pathfinder), reluctantly. I purchased a beautiful Black Currant (new color for 2016) RAV4 XLE AWD right off the lot on my way to the Nissan dealer instead. The color is AWESOME, the drive is absolute FUN and Incredibly competent, visibility is wonderful, love the power lift gate, not a CVT (sigh of relief), its cozy inside, decent sound system, awesome Michelin tires I insisted be on any test driven or purchased Toyota, etc. Its sporty, sexy, unique, and Ive only heard excellent things about Toyota reliability (maybe goes with out saying). It is the closest thing I have found to perfect in this class. After six months of research I.e. Consumer reports, jd power, car gurus, the car connection, multiple extended test drives (Mazda CX-5 2016, BMW 328x drive, MINIs, VW, Volvo, Audi A3, Honda CRV, Subaru crosstrek, 2015 Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and I owned a 2014 pathfinder (loved it, but so big). I had it for 7,000 miles with no problems (long story). I owned a 2013 CRV loved that, too (the 2015sand 2016s are totally different; in a BAD way). The Mazda felt cheap and Im glad I didnt get into that due to the recent CX-5 "total recall". I did try the 2015 Rav4 and I wasnt a fan for multiple reasons, but this 2016 is so AMAZING...I cant believe it (beyond grateful I loved the 2016). Im glad I didnt go luxury, because Im not printing money in my living room. I owned and loved a VW for 6 years. Although I loved it, that taught me a lesson about reliability. Reliability, handling, visibility, comfort, and asthetics are all extremely important to me in my early thirties. I believe this RAV4 has it all. Thank you, Toyota! Hopefully, this is the start of a great relationship for years to come. I will update on reliability after a road trip.

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  My Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By William Jeffers - June 16 - 8:50 pm

  I love it. Ive owned many cars over the past few years. I bought the Camry for its reliability and reputation and am not disappointed. The car is quiet, smooth, comfortable and I can tell its built better then anything Ive ever owned prior to it. Best purchase Ive ever made. I definitely recommend it.

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  So far, so good - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By chuckrussell - June 16 - 8:31 pm

  I have been very pleased so far. Reliable transportation and averaging 37 mpgs! Wish I could have afforded a camry, though.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Nick - June 16 - 4:00 pm

  Excellent family SUV. Plenty of leg room and storage. Great for the occasional towing of a couple of waverunners. We have enjoyed the ride and comfort this vehicle offers. Highly recommend.

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  My 2005 XLE in Annapolis - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By LJA - June 16 - 3:36 pm

  Very nice car-only have 1600 miles on it and mostly highway so far averaging 25 mpg-hopefully this will go up when broken in more-because the digital display says I am averaging 32 and sometimes while driving says I am getting 60-99 mpg-need to have this checked

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  Really nice car. - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By kris421 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This car rides nice, and I love the design. They are extremely dependable, and are easy cars to take car of. Keep the oil changed and it will last you a life time.

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  I Love My New Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By S. Harris - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new (2003) Echo about 5 days ago. I have had nothing but good things to say about it since. The gas mileage is great, It has a lot more power than I expected. It is a lot of fun to drive and the interior room is phenomenal.

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  Lemon on a stick - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By rbsrmy3 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This was my third Toyota and will be my last. I have had so many problems with the van that I cant imagine any other Siennas being any better. It is to the point that I have to take it in every two weeks because the engine light comes on. When I first bought it I noticed that it was very noisy to drive. Then all of the problems started. The tire pressure light continues to come on, the sliding doors continue to get stuck open, and now the engine light comes on very often.

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  Transmission troubles - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By hermie - June 16 - 10:00 am

  The 5 speed manual transmission vibrates too much. Two dealerships told me that was normal. Transmission seems to downshift itself even thought it is a manual transmission. Very uncomfortable feeling.