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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  Wonderful Experience - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Debbie - January 18 - 12:50 pm

  This car rides like a dream. Handles and performs beautifully. The car came fully loaded and feels as good as it looks. Great job Toyota.

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  Not a Towncar but fun to drive! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Claire - January 18 - 11:13 am

  I drove a Towncar for over 10 years and then got this Camry. There are a few features I should have gotten; Adjustable gas and brake pedals, tape player, only has CD, Spoiler, and leather seats. Thought cloth was OK but miss my leather seats. But it is a zippy little car, turns on a dime, and very easy steering, very good gas mileage. Im small so fits me fine though a little harder for my husband to get in and out of due to two knee replacements. The trunk is good size with fold down rear seats. It has just been hard from me to go from the big Towncar to this smaller car. I dont LOVE it yet but may get to that point! It is white and tends to show dings more than I like.

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  Gotta Try it - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By greg cain - January 18 - 5:56 am

  Over the past 9 years I have purchased 4 Toyota products and this one is by far the best. My last purchase was a 2004 Highlander which my wife and I really enjoyed. You cant beat the overall performance of the engine and transmission. It actually feels like the vehicle is not running and at the same time just wants to take off. Outstanding performance. Ample room and at the same time, I cant see a whole lot of difference between this and the Highlander I owned. Our first choice was the Limited addition but chose the sport because of the darker seats and dash.

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  Great jalopy for people who drive a lot - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By John - January 18 - 5:20 am

  I got one of these as a rental for about a week. The meage was outstanding. Averaged 58mpg over the entire time. Granted I was careful with the acceleration and had watched some tutorial videos in the past on the pulse and glide driving method. I would purchase this car if I had a long commute, especially if on hilly roads, around town or in the country. I dont think the car is all that great on the highway. Its adequate and keeps up with traffic but the mileage is not so high at 75mph. The engine is underpowered but coming from a 23 year old Subaru thats not a biggie. It requires you to think ahead in some situations. The interior is comfortable. The ac works well and there is surprising amounts of room for the four people inside. Overall this is a good car for a single person, a couple or maybe a family with one kid. Two kids would be pushing it because of all the junk kids have these days. If and when gas prices rise again, you can expect resale value on these appliances to be high. I popped the hood on this car and was surprised at the size of the tiny engine. But you know what? I dont need no 5.3L hem I to get me and my lunch pail to work. If Toyota ever figured out to put a turbo on this small engine it would be even better! It would be cool if they sold a bare bones "level 0" model with roll up windows and no rear wiper, steelies with no covers and a fm/aux input radio only - but still with AC! Id buy that.

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  Great jalopy for people who drive a lot - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By John - January 18 - 5:20 am

  I got one of these as a rental for about a week. The meage was outstanding. Averaged 58mpg over the entire time. Granted I was careful with the acceleration and had watched some tutorial videos in the past on the pulse and glide driving method. I would purchase this car if I had a long commute, especially if on hilly roads, around town or in the country. I dont think the car is all that great on the highway. Its adequate and keeps up with traffic but the mileage is not so high at 75mph. The engine is underpowered but coming from a 23 year old Subaru thats not a biggie. It requires you to think ahead in some situations. The interior is comfortable. The ac works well and there is surprising amounts of room for the four people inside. Overall this is a good car for a single person, a couple or maybe a family with one kid. Two kids would be pushing it because of all the junk kids have these days. If and when gas prices rise again, you can expect resale value on these appliances to be high. I popped the hood on this car and was surprised at the size of the tiny engine. But you know what? I dont need no 5.3L hem I to get me and my lunch pail to work. If Toyota ever figured out to put a turbo on this small engine it would be even better! It would be cool if they sold a bare bones "level 0" model with roll up windows and no rear wiper, steelies with no covers and a fm/aux input radio only - but still with AC! Id buy that.

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  New and great experience - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By svofan1 - January 18 - 4:06 am

  2nd Toyota I own, first one is a Corolla LE 1990,102k miles. Toyota is an almost perfect builder. Never experienced such comfort and workmanship in a van (had a 200 Windstar Limited). All the controls make sense. I have the van for a short time but very pleased. So far this van exceeds my expectations in fit finish and quality overall.

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  RAV4 Limited - Wonderful! Wonderful! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Suzyq - January 17 - 11:30 pm

  I just purchased a new RAV4 Limited and absolutely love it. The drive is very quiet, the ride smooth and handling is great. I traded a Jeep Liberty and besides getting me out of my 300 ft driveway in 8" of snow, I loved the turning radius. It would turn on a dime getting into parking spots. The RAV does too. One of the reasons I bought the RAV was for the gas mileage. Of course anything is better on gas than the Liberty. I also wanted a RAV because of the safety features. Weve had 2 Toyotas in our family and would have literally driven them into the ground; they were built so well. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a great SUV!

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  An Honest Appraisal - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Aviator - January 17 - 6:46 pm

  I had been driving a 2008 Mercedes C350 fully loaded until today. Average MPG was 20. Then came along the Prius.The Prius caught my eye, especially in light of todays fuel prices, which are always going to go up. Took delivery of my 2009 Prius today. It lives up to the hype and then some. Averaged 55 mpg on the drive home. Incredible!! Interior comfort exceeds the Mercedes. Interior appointments functional, beautiful and fun. Driving experience major fun. Handles great, sound system a wow. Tons of room, Im 6,1". Superb interstate handling doing 70 mph. An incredibly versatile, functional and fun ride. And that 55 mpg burning regular, just keeps a smile on your face.

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  Echo 4 door 5 speed - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By SRMark - January 17 - 6:33 pm

  I purchased this car for its gas mileage only. I thought it was funny looking but it would serve my needs. Then I drove it. What a blast. It shifts well, handles well (in spite of other reviews that said it had severe body roll), the room is amazing for such a small car. Im, 61" with a long torso and I have head room to spare. The seats could use some leg and back bolstering though. Now, Ive come to appreciate how it looks, especially as it sits in a gas station.

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  My Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Kristin - January 17 - 2:20 pm

  This is the first new car Ive ever driven and I love it! The seats are so comfortable I dont mind sitting all day in them. The stereo is awesome. I just love it. I couldnt ask for a better car.