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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  rdtoyota - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By RD - January 14 - 9:26 am

  The quality of this vehicle is immediately recognizable, fit and finish, attention to detail and materials are superior. Handling is responsive and IÂ’m impressed with the performance of the 6cly engine. This is my first Toyota and I am confident it wont be my last.

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  Very decent van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By chuckb - January 14 - 6:53 am

  Not a lot of problems with our 2004 LE FWD. The passenger side power window motor did fail at around 20,000 miles. Replaced under warranty but did have to leave overnight for repair. Recently needed coolant sensor, thermostat and air/fuel sensor at 28,000 miles, but these were replaced in a day under warranty. The Dunlop tires wear out very quickly. Replacing them now at 28000 mi. with Yokohama Avid TRZs. Gas mileage is lower than expected, averaging 17.3 MPG over the past two and a half years, and that is almost all suburban and highway!

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  First Toyota; Impressions - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By ravdriver - January 14 - 5:03 am

  My first toyota: Rav4. Overall, its solid, and I think I am glad I purchased it. 4cyl engine is powerful, but NOISY and harsh. Not refined or quiet as Toyotas reputation. Stereo is just average. Fuel economy is not good. Im getting 23MPG. If I had to do it over again, I would consider other more fuel efficient cars.

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  Great package - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Minou - January 13 - 11:46 pm

  I have a 2005 manual CE with C Package (canadian model). Comes with AC, power package, cruise and remote door locks. Roomy for its size, large doors and high seats and driving position are a plus. Feels solid on the road and the body is tight. This is important, since montreal and quebec probably have the worst roads and climate in north america. The engine is peppy and willing, even at low revs, while delivering superior fuel economy. Steering and suspension are both firm, but not overly so, and offer good control. The interior is well designed with very good controls. Radio/CD is big and simple to operate. Indigo blue ext. with grey int. is a good mix. Great package for the price

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By kramtrebor - January 13 - 5:20 pm

  Weve had the Prius for a month and love it. I am a big guy, but I feel I have room without cramping space. Mileage has been about 40 for the first 600 miles. I cant seem to get more than that. Most of my driving is local stop-and-go.

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  Versatile sporty car 2003 XRS 2wd - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By matthewinaz - January 13 - 12:19 pm

  I purchased used from a friend with 90k miles and now has 160k miles and not one problem with it. There is so much room in this car. When it was 150K miles I did preventative maintance on it myself(saves money). Front struts, radiator hoses, spark plugs, all fluids, serpintine belt and tentioner

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  Best Yet - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Big Pebble - January 13 - 11:53 am

  With a new house I wanted a pre-runner so I could haul things for projects, but it wouldnt fit in my garage so I went with the RAV4 and Ive never regretted it. Yeah I cant haul 4x8 sheets of plywood around, but just about everything else. Its been a lot of fun to drive on vacation and business trips (especially with XM on board). From the moment I bought this I knew it was the right vehicle for me. And with gas prices soaring, its 29 MPG is smart.

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  This Just Might be the Perfect Car - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By bobbybob - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 29K and so far I am very impressed. The same stopping distance from 60 MPH as a Porsche GT3 a $99K car. Very quick and corners like its on rails. 34 MPG is great. Its a Toyota so it is going to be reliable.

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  A timely choice - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By gretchen - January 13 - 10:00 am

  We pay (today, 4/21/04) $2.35.9 per gallon of regular gas. Our old car (94 Jeep Grand Cherokee), which we had loved, got at 14 mpg. Our 04 Prius is satisfactory in every aspect. Fun to drive, frisky, great on hills, roomier than the Jeep (yes!), and the gas mileage is great - averaging about 45 mpg on our (mostly short) trips. WE JUST LOVE IT!

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  WHERES THE MILEAGE? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By steves - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 Prius in January. As of 3000 miles, am averaging 34 MPG. I had the vehicle checked today by a local Toyota dealer, but their tests showed nothing wrong. I have asked several other Prius owners about their mileage; none have had less than 45, most well over! I dont expect (or believe) the claims of 51/60 MPG, I expect something relative, and 34 is not acceptable. The dealer suggested having Toyota factory technicians test the vehicle. Whatever course of action they prefer is fine with me, Id simply like a rapid and comprehensive flow of communication, but Toyota has been completely non-responsive.