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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  Comfortable cruiser - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By shermjet - February 11 - 8:06 pm

  After some haggling at the dealership over this car being a CPO we came to terms. The dealer would replace the two missing key FOBs, fix the significant scratch on the right side and make this look like it should for a CPO. The third row seat is missing on this, but thats ok with me. Now the vehicle. This is as smooth as many cars as I have driven. Not sure where the editors came up with the harsh ride, but I have driven this so far from Madison, WI to Toledo 3 times in the 60 days, and twice from Madison to Hayward, WI. I am averaging 21.8 MPG over all with my best being 23.7 MPG Hwy at 75mph. The cabin is quiet and comfortable and well laid out for long trips. I have the v-6.

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  My Toyota - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By D. Riddle - February 11 - 4:13 pm

  I had started out looking for a more fuel efficient SUV. I had never even heard of the Toyota Matrix. Went to the dealership to look at a Rav4. I found that the Matrix had more cargo space than the 2005 Rav4 I was looking at ... and was a more comfortable driving experience than the 2006 Rav4 that I was looking at. I am totally enjoying zipping around in this car. It feels solid and tight. More so than my old SUV. It sits higher than a sedan. I found a surprising fuel efficient option. Love it.

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  Love My RAV4 Sooo Much - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Excellent Crossover - February 11 - 11:30 am

  Been owning for about a month now and put about 800 miles on it. All I can say is nothing but good impression of everything that comes with it. Plenty of power to fool around on the road, handling is just like a car, gas consumption is impressive for a 3500 lbs crossover SUV(got average of 21 miles/gal). Design of the interior is as good as sedan but too much plastic materials used. Toyota did a good job to fool your eyes (youll think its a leatherette from a distance). This is the reason why I took 1 point off the interior design evaluation points. I love how the exterior look, from the headlights(resembling BMW headlights) to the curve line on the sides, side mirrors, but weird rear-end.

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  Joyce and Jims Rav 4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Joyce & Jim - February 11 - 10:30 am

  We were recently in a serious accident on a local freeway in southern California in our RAV4. The car is totaled. We were struck, tipped over and slid across 2 lanes. Because of the safety features of this car we walked away with a few bumps and bruises. We strongly recommend this car and are in the process of buying a new 2007 model.

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  Great little SUV - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By nana - February 11 - 8:23 am

  Searched and researched for 10 months before purchasing my Rav 4. I havent regretted buying it for even one second! Average mileage is 27.7 combined over the life of the vehicle. Four cylinder has plenty of pep. Love having a hatch that hinges on the side as I am very petite.

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  Loving It - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dustin - February 11 - 8:06 am

  I have experienced so far with my Tacoma that they have got everything the way that it should be. The truck runs like a sports car, and handles as well as anything I have driven. The part I enjoy most is the raw power of the truck, I have owned pickups with V-8 motor that would not outperform this pickup.

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  A Really Great SUV! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rich Stone - February 11 - 7:26 am

  Smooth yet strong engine. Fast accelleration. The 4Runner performs as good as it looks. We took it to the Smoky Mountains and it had no trouble on steep inclines. Plenty of power in all situations. Lifetime power train warranty at Ft Myers Toyota was another great selling point. Would have liked to have a little more leg room in drivers seat, but was able to adjust seat tilt to correct the tight fit. All in all this is a great vehicle both inside and out.

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  Long-term owner - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Sean - February 11 - 4:26 am

  After four years, I have a balanced view. Excellent & practical car with gas economy ranging from 37 mpg to 49 mpg in hot, flat Florida. Its relaxing to drive but no speed demon. Its about 95% an ideal car.

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  Quite a car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Mike W - February 10 - 9:10 pm

  Basically very good. I love the hatchback design and under floor storage in hatch. Interior materials seem cheap in Prius II. They grab every speck of anything not attached. The plastic dash top marred very easily until I used a nourishing treatment on it. Steering wheel has nice feel. Variable ratio steering is easy at highway speeds but requires lots of turning at first around town. Eventually turns very sharp. This model has no lumbar support adjustment, and I miss it. There are grab handles above door openings, but they are so far back, I find them worthless. The parking brake pad will not stay on - it seems to be the wrong one. Tie down loops in the hatch are a good safety feature.

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  Love My 05 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Laurie C - February 10 - 8:23 pm

  I love my Prius. Ive had it for just under a month and the mileage gets better every week. The first we we averaged 45mpg and am up to 48mpg. I drive mostly highway and am impressed with performance. People are amazed at how roomy and comfortable the car is, how smoothly it rides and how quiet. Our Prius is as quiet on the highway as our Chrysler Town & Country. The controls took a little getting used to and I still turn on the wipers by accident occasionally but thats okay. I have not found anything about this car that I dont love. I would recommend the Prius to anyone looking for a fun and stylish car to drive. I went from $35/week to $15/week on gas. This vehicle is well worth the wait