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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  Nice, but irritating Nav system - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By joyful - August 29 - 12:26 am

  Gas mileage is averaging around 24. I am constantly irritated by the nav system deciding when I can access it. It seems like Toyota is going way overboard is trying to keep me "safe from myself." When *else* am I going to need the Nav functions except when I am driving? Very frustrating! Neither my old ipod classic nor my new mini will work with the system but it is quite fun to drive and very comfortable!

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  1997 Toyota Rav4 (auto 2.0l 4dr) - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By panowak2 - August 28 - 8:22 pm

  I owned this 6yr. old / 57000mi. Rav4 for 5 years, used it for USPS duty for 2 years. It had decent engine performance, but got worse in higher gears. Overall seating package was not very good, with awkward rear access coupled with poor thigh support made it uncomfortable for taller peoples. Gas mileage was fairly poor at about 22 mpg. overall; never got above 24 mpg. Traction on ice and snow was bad as can be for 4wd. Rear trunk room was good, as was overall reliability and materials quality. Engine and transmission usually were flawless. Almost no body rust at 11 yrs. old. Tire wear was a bit excessive over time, and getting tires for it was very expensive.

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  Great work horse! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Cassia nunes - August 28 - 4:55 pm

  Nobody can beat this car its literally a work horse!! Great fuel efficiency Im getting average 29m/g city unbelievable. I love my car. Im planing to go bigger but cant find any midsize or large suv that will meet my expectations w gas consumption like this car does so well..

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  A Face Only An Owner Could Love - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Autooracle - August 28 - 12:46 pm

  The design of this car is nothing short of sheer comedy. Powertrain: excellent: peppy, great mileage, idles smoother than my Mercedes. I literally get over 35 mpg with combination driving 40 mpg highway. Great car, especially for someone in the used car market who seeks reliable economy. As long as they are able to overlook quirky styling, they are set for miles reliable driving. Car also has a timing chain instead of a timing belt which is great for overall maintenance, or lack of.

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  only my bicycle beats the fuel mileage - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By susen-marie ladd - August 28 - 2:08 am

  if you like great fuel mileage, comfortable seating on premium leather with seat heaters, a moonroof, and wonderful stereo tunes then this is the vehicle for you. the performance is smooth and the ride is comfortable and amazingly quiet! hate going to the gas station? you wont with this vehicle, as you will only have to visit it once a month or so with the 50 mpg average.

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  too much difference between trims - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Roger - August 28 - 1:43 am

  Outdated look, very basic standard trim at an unattractive price

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  50 -55 MPG -- LOVE LOVE LOVE IT - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Marge - August 27 - 10:53 pm

  We are getting 50 - 55 miles per gallon. Great ---It is peppy, fun, and the mpg makes it super. Love the Toyota reputation - put on 15,000 miles and no problems. My 17 year old is short and she can reach the gas and brake with no problem -- she is 4 foot 8 inches. Dad is 510" and he is comfortable. The computer screen is great. Make it in a mini van model so we can travel in it. Wow - that would be so great.

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  Small, but Big and Peppy Rav4 - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By SaraJane - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had my RAV 4 for 4 years, and it has NEVER needed any service(other than typical maintance and has been one of the most reliable cars I have owned. It is comfortable, other than the small back seat(not too great for adults),and has alot of cargo room. It also has alot of pep(I have a 5 speed), as much as any sports car I have owned in the past. Great car!!!!

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  Toyota Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By markstrat - August 27 - 10:00 am

  My Tundra has 85000+ miles on it, the only tie-up Ive had is a tie-rod end on it...I think that it was hit on that side before I got the truck though. Ive put on 50,000 miles, never a brake job (try ceramic pads if you have problems)..I tow a 3500# boat 1,000 miles through the mountians without a problem...other than the mpg drop. Avg 17mpg in normal conditions, 11 towing. No squeaks or creaks or anything at all to complain about.

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  I LOVE my Sienna!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By nhmommyx3 - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I especially like the little hooks for grocery bags so I am not treated with a huge mess from spilled groceries when I return home. I purchased a fuse for daytime running lights on line for less than $10 (from a popular auction site) and think they should be standard. Overall I am very happy with the vehicle, except for the clunk when it downshifts at slow speeds