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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  Good car spoiled by inferior steering - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By leon ospovat - November 25 - 9:40 am

  Dealership experience good. This very nice car has been spoiled by inferior power steering, which has a "sticks" in the neutral (straightforward) position. I tried another identical model which had the same problem. The dealership said this was due to the "new"electronic power steering, and they and Toyota told me it could not be rectified. My previous car the Lexus Rx had perfect steering. It is a shame that they did not use the same steering on the Venza. As a result I would not recommend the Venza to buyers of this class of car.

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  I liked it so much I bought another one - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Al F. - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Toyota build quality is outstanding. I compare it to my fathers Grand Cherokee. He is happy with his annual maintenance costs of about $2000. I have not had any problems. The only maintenance I had to do was preventative...ie. a timing belt at 100k. Lets see...$500 preventative maintenance vs. my fathers $6000. Easy choice! Never let me down! I just bought another one. Now I have had all 3 generaations!

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  Tough Choices - Tacoma - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By kirbyt - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Tacoma Dbl Cab is a good compromise amoung the compact and mid-sized pickups. TRD package is proven to be good choice for options received. Parks well in tight parking garages and fits inside the garage at home. Tacoma PreRunners just are not a smooth ride on any surface. Tundra rides far superior. Back seat is comfortable and folds up just right for the dog to ride in back. Front bucket seem to be fine for support of the average build. Seat height is bit low but not uncomfortable. Note that the back seat windows go down all the way! Im sold on the truck and looking forward to many years of driving.

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  Could have been a lot better - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Kevin123 - November 23 - 6:03 am

  The RAV4 has some noteworthy strengths, including the peppiness of the 4-cylinder engine. I like the outside appearance and the look of the tan and black interior is nice. However, the interior build quality is severely inadequate. It doesn’t look like the interior is going to hold up very well, especially considering its POOR suspension. If you hit a good sized bump, like a pothole or railroad crossing, prepare to cringe! It feels like the car is falling apart.

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  I am looking forward to years of enjoying driving - 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mike chinnock - November 22 - 10:23 am

  You can read all the expert reviews, and I pretty much find no fault with most of what is said. To get the most out of the hybrid I think requires learning a different way of driving. I drive down the interstate at 55 mph and I am getting 40 mpg on the straight and level, 30 mpg on the gradual road elevation increase and 325+ mpg as the road elevation decreases. On acceleration I see 6 mpg, on deceleration I see 9999 mpg. The Highlander has normal, ECO and EV modes, with specific conditions under which they function best. I am still learning to use these modes to get the best mpg I can. I pretty much think I can expect 27 mpg combined with 1/3rd highway & 2/3rds city driving if I drive this hybrid the way it is ment to be driven ... no rapid starts (Use EV mode), long gradual slow downs to stop (gotta drive well ahead of the traffic) in ECO mode, and cruise the interstate 55-65 mph.Your mileage may vary, and will based upon your driving habits. This is no Magic cure for poor gas mileage. However I must say I am am really pleased that this big, good looking and comfortable beast can achieve such respectable gas mileage. It does take effort though. Update: I have been driving this Highlander Hybrid 6 weeks now. I still find it a very comfortable and pleasant vehicle to drive. I bought the right vehicle for me. I have learned that unlike most hybrids, and my previous hybrid (2009 Ford Escape) I do not get better gasoline mileage in city driving where I am constantly slowing to a stop, then accelerating to operating speed, then repeating often. During these cycles I am seein 6 ... 9 .. 14 ...19 ... mpg fuel economy. It is with the steady 60 mph highway speed that yield the 30+ mpg fuel economy returns. I have noted that the more highway verse city miles I drive the better my combined fuel economy. I have also concluded I need to be very gentle with the accelerator pedal. If you like to start quick, zoom to the next red light, come to a quick stop and await the green light just to zoom to the next light, I do not think this is the vehicle for you

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  my go-kart: - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By PsychUOut13 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  i love my car. i got it junior year of high school. its been great to me. i always did all the oil changes and tire rotations, i never had a problem. the alternator and start went around 160K, but thats to be expected. i traded up for an audi and im already worried that i shouldnt have. rollas are great for younger people and those looking for great mileage in the city.

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  Good car but others have gotten better - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By emajor - November 21 - 7:23 am

  Our Yaris is a 2008 and we are now 3 1/2 years and 36,000 miles into our ownership. Car has been perfectly reliable and exceeds EPA ratings, we regularly see 40 to 44 mpg highway, 30+ in town. Roomy up front, with lots of legroom, but narrow. Backseat has enough legroom & headroom for 6-footers and under. Large trunk. Lots of storage pockets, the center gauges are no problem, and the interior is pretty nice. Less road noise than the Fit. Problems: The engine has enough power, but the 4 speed automatic needs another gear or two. Driving position is terrible for taller drivers; the wheel is too far away, and the pedals too close. Pay attention to this during your test drive.

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  ALMOST 5 YRS OF OWNERSHIP - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By ROBERT - November 21 - 4:36 am

  This is our third 4runner & (still have the 1998 limited & the 2008 limited). The 2012 runs great but is a little underpowered getting up to freeway speeds quickly. Doors sound tinny when closing. More room inside than the older models. Third row seat never used to date. Leather option still looks great. Nav screen not illuminated enough. Overall satisfied as it never has had problems. Plan to keep atleast a few more years. Its garaged and i use amsoil with mobil one oil filters on all three.

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  Impressed, but not overwhelmed - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By atok - November 20 - 10:33 pm

  I wasnt looking forward to a minivan, but I really like the Sienna. Its fun to drive and looks good. Well built, very useful whether youre hauling a pack of kids or a load of building supplies. Its comfortable, but being 63", the front seats dont go back enough and it feels cramped driving it. Mileage is fine at 20 mpg in mixed driving. We bought it new looking for a reliable car that would last 10 years, and so far its ok, except we have been in the the shop for a few small issues - the CD changer failed twice, wheel noise when turning sharply, automatic rear door was catching/grinding.

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  Reconsidering It - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Ray - November 20 - 3:46 pm

  My first complaint is the interior. Really cheap looking. Other comparable models like the CR-V have much nicer interior. Toyota really lacks technology in their interiors. Cargo area lighting is so terrible! Why put the light on the door which is going to be open? Furthermore, door opens to curbside! Why? Im only 57 and I sit with the seat all the way back, and that is already tight for me. if youre tall, definitely dont get a Toyota. They for some reason only have enough room for people my height. Radio antenna is cheap also. Unscrews easily which causes radio static. MPG not as good as advertised.