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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  The Radio - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By jduer1 - January 20 - 7:00 pm

  I have had my 2013 Venza for a month now. Its a great car, but, two complaints. The Buick SUV I traded in rode much better and was much quieter. First complaint - the radio - my goodness, what a tinny sounding unit (not the JBL). Tried all the settings with no great improvement. My new Ford Escape has a much better radio. Other complaint - rough ride and noisier than my American cars. Sure seems like the much vaunted Toyota could do better than this. Will probably go back to American brands after this. If you are looking only at Toyota - look at a couple American brands - you might change your mind.

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  exceptional value - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By kram - January 20 - 6:23 pm

  This car has to be the best value on the market. It is like a Lexus without the price and badge. Its the quietest car i test drove and I drove a lot of cars from German to Japanese. I have owned two Toyotas before this one. I expect the same incredible reliability i had with my last two Camrys.

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  Excellent Value - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Blue Ridge - January 20 - 4:23 pm

  We live in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the combination of very steep roads and snow/ice is challenging. We had to have 4WD and seating for six, but we wanted good mileage too. After two years of reviewing cars, we got a RAV4. The V6 eats up mountains without straining the transmission. Theres a bit of a turbo lag as the transmission gears down, but then the RAV4 jumps past cars when passing. Same engine as the Highlander in a much lighter SUV. Wow. Backdoor and wheel are same as on our Jeep; not a big issue for us. Where else could the full-size spare go? Having a full-size spare is important. Only complaints - mileage is not as good as we want and steering not as tight.

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  Love It!!!!!!! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Julie220 - January 20 - 2:46 pm

  Ive only had my Rav for 3 days now but I absolutely love it! Mine is Black with light gray(ash)interior. I cant get over the fact that only being able to afford the base model isnt a sacrifice.There are so many features that come standard its unreal.Fuel economy is remarkable! Ive put 173 miles on it so far and I just hit a half a tank. Ive been driving it all weekend getting to know it. The Rav 4 is fun to drive and handles beautifully.There is plenty of cargo space and with the seats down its perfect for my 3 huge dogs. The only thing I dont like is having a car payment again. I love the looks it gets too when driving down the street. Go buy one, youll love it!

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  2004 Toyota Land Cruiser - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By AJO - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Land Cruiser. My 1194 had over 1000,000 miles when traded on a 2000. I never had a repair only normal service was done. My 2000 had 65,000 and was much more luxurious than 1994. My 2004 is even better. Fabulous on the road.Very secure on wet highways. Have not tested in snow yet but the 2000 was in plenty of snow and never got stuck. I really cant think of anything that I could want more. I drove all the high end SUVs and decided on another Land Cruiser. None compare. If this one is as good as the last two, I will buy a fourth.

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  Still Great After All These Years - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By jp582 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this RAV just about 5 years ago and have yet to experience one mechanical problem. Exterior is solid and interior has also held up well. Gets decent gas mileage for a little SUV (both city and highway) and I have taken it on long road trips without a problem. Lacks power on mountainous roads and hills, though and I have had it floored to keep up with the Speed Limit in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Great quality overall!

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  Reliable - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By jbl - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Owned the car for 6 years. The kind that you just fill with gas and drive, no need to ever open the hood. The stick feels as firm and smooth as in the day I bought it. Mid life crisis determines me to look for a flashier car. I wish I found a better reason to sell. Really feeling guilty about it. I can only hope that those tempting Acuras will be at least as dependable.

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  I love my Rav4! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By redcat - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2004 Rav4 L AWD in pearl white. I test drove the Tribute, Escape, CRV as well as the Rav4 and the Rav 4 was my favorite. It handles well in all types of weather and is pretty economical on gas for an suv. I have driven it up to about 90 mph and it still feels sturdy but once you go above 70 mph, the wind noise becomes more pronounced. Acceleration is much better than previous years, it is smooth and gets the job done. Braking is EXCELLENT! The interior may seem small but my 60 boyfriend fits with no problem. Initially, he thought Rav would be too small and wanted me to get something else, now he tries to drive it as often as I will let him.

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  My Favorite SUV (car) - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Catherine Young - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Two of my neighbors had a Rav4. I asked them how they liked it. My husband and I went to the Daytona Toyota "just to look". A very friendly and helpful salesman greeted us. When we walked over to the pretty green gray Rav4 my husband said he knew that was the the SUV for me. I feel very confidents driving it as it handles real well. Everything on the inside is very convenient. The back opens to hold alot of groceries or whatever. I can say there is no other car on the road that I would rather be driving. Even the back seat is comfortable for adults or children. The gas mileage is great and that is important to me. Thank you Toyota for building such a great SUV.

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  MY PERSONAL OPINION - FOR WHAT ITS WORTH - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By R. BEGLEY - January 20 - 10:00 am

  REAR WINDOW IS SMALL IN CONVERTABLES. THE HEAD REST ON REAR SEATS BLOCKS VISABILITY EVEN MORE. THEY COULD BE RETRACTABLE WHEN THERE ARE NO PASSENGERS. THAT WAY, YOU WOULD HAVE THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW FOR VISABILITY.