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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  Follow-up to 11/24/2007 review - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4RunnerKen - October 13 - 11:16 am

  After almost 6,000 miles, we are still impressed with our 4Runner. We recently towed our Lund 1750 Fisherman (2500 lbs with motor and trailer) 525 miles and averaged 17.5 mpg. Most of that was in 4th gear, using overdrive only when going on level or down hill roads. AND, that was into a headwind going to the cabin and a strong cross wind coming back. Pretty amazing. What impressed us the most was the stability of the truck and trailer rig. Not once did a semi-truck passing in the other direction on 2-lane roads shake the 4Runner.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tazzel - October 13 - 1:00 am

  Great vehicle. Would buy it all over again. A few things you should know before you buy this vehicle. Getting in the vehicle is tight on the knees for the diver, but once you are in there is plenty of room. No locking gas cap. Many of these vehicles lean to the left, supposedly because to many heavy items are on the left side of the vehicle. Thin paint, expect a lot of touching up painting. Of course there is the visibility problem when changing lanes or backing up. I just installed a spot mirror on my right side mirror and its 90% better. I also purchased a backup camera for the vehicle. I donÂ’t think I really needed to but I thought it would be fun to use!

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  High Expectations and Pleased - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Anna Petey - October 12 - 10:43 pm

  I am a first-time crossover/SUV buyer, in which I traded-in my 1997 Honda Accord (the best car model ever made, in my opinion) w/ 160,000 miles, and felt it was time for an upgrade since Im moving to a mountain state. Going from a car that got 31 mpg hwy to a heftier and less efficient model was tough, but I have actually been happier than I expected, with the RAV4. I get an average of 24 mpg, and probably up to 26-7 on the hwy. I had heard that the Sport models have a rougher road experience b/c of the tires, so I opted for the Base model instead. Compared to my Accord, there is less engine noise and much less road noise than some of the CR-Vs I test drove. Overall a good, smart choice!

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  While I admire the styling cues of the Elantra, the built quality, reliability, smooth ride, and reliability of the Corolla takes the win here. - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By amac8 - October 12 - 8:35 pm

  Lets be honest, the interior of the corolla may be antiquated and the engine power may not be as responsive as some other competitors. That being said, this is a nice vehicle to have in your garage. I admire the Hyundai Elantras styling for both the interior and exterior. When i test drove the Elantra everything felt good, but i did not feel the sense of longevity. The civic is also a great choice but to package up to the standards of the Corolla S, I might as well buy a Camry SE. The Corolla S is the best choice here. Everyone speaks about the appearance as boring but My Corolla Grabs eyes on the highway, and it looks similar to the 06-11 Camry S which was #1 in sells for its model years.

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  My Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Lori U - October 12 - 2:00 pm

  One of the best cars I have owned. I love the new roomier redesign, the handling and especially in todays market the great gas mileage. I have gotten up to 40 mpg on long road trips. Im confident that itll easily run this great for at least 10 years and when in the market, I will most assuredly buy another one.

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  WOW! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Bill3865 - October 12 - 10:10 am

  I read dozens of reviews on this site before I bought my very own Yaris just 6 hours ago! What an awesome little car! Im 6 2" and 262 pounds and this car has plenty of room for me. The A/C will freeze you to death, the fuel efficient engine has more than enough zip to make driving fun again. It looks great, drives great, handles great, and I love it. Mine has factory cruise control, so it is available for the hatchback. I love this car :)

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  Wonderful SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Natural White - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Quality,Relibility, Wonderful SUV. I Recommend it. No Fords Or Gms TOYOTA is the way to go.

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  RAV 4 Ever? - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV Mao - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive had others that were bigger but this one has personality. Even though the 2000 was the last year of this styling, Im glad I got it when I did. I think the newer models are okay but the 2000 and earlier are set apart. Yes, the pick up is a bit slow - Have you ever found yourself shaking back and forth to try to help it out? - but the truck has heart. I can reach into the backseat without even getting out!

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  Cute!!!! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Celeste - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had my RAV for two months. I considered a wide variety of cars, including the New Beetle, Accord, Passat, Camry Solara and RAV. I had four major criteria - cuteness, fuel economy, reliability and safety. The RAV has lived up to all my expectations. I have done better than the fuel economy estimate of 29 mpg on the highway, yet the engine is very peppy. I had driven six cylinder cars for the last ten years and was pleasantly surprised at the acceleration of the the RAVs four cylinder engine. The back area is the perfect height to sit and put on my hiking boots. I highly recommend it for those seeking a reliable, practical and cute car.

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  Now i know why i always wanted one - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By eeephi110 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  have had my 4runner for a week and have loved every minute of it. i look for excuses to drive it. the only thing i worry about is someone denting it or hitting me, however i did get rear ended the second day. that high ground clearance protected my baby though. no damage to me, but a trailer hitch through the hood of the creep who wasnt paying attention. drives like a sports car. the V8 is incredible and i have still gotten 19-20 mpg city and highway. sound system rocks. my dog loves to surf the breeze when the sun roof is open and the rear window is down. i plan on keeping my 4runner for years.