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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  Avalon Ltd. 3.5 Years Later - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve Coleman - August 8 - 10:53 am

  I have been surprised by this car. Good - Excellent fuel mileage (25 city, 30-31 hwy), comfort, luxury looks and feel. Bad - Intermediate steering shaft problem (outside wrty at 45K mi., transmission jerkiness (fixed by toyo with a reprogramming, $0), $900 repair est. (I declined to fix), check engine lite (50k mi, $1500 repair bill), now the poss. oil line leak repair before failure (repair cost unk.?). Also, watch out for dealers selling Toyota warranties that are not favorably received by other dealer in other states (SE Toyo dealers vs Midwest dealers).

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  Love my Toyota - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By hannahsmom - August 8 - 7:00 am

  I traded in my 2005 Volvo XC90 for the 08 Highlander and this was the best decision I have made in a long time. The Highlander has many "extras" and is much roomier than the Volvo. I can actually stretch my legs in the 2nd row!

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  Should have kept my 2006 Toyota Camry - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Fran S. - August 8 - 3:59 am

  It has a hard, noisy ride. I actually took it back inside of 30 days and only was told "let some air out of the tires". Car is "windy" you hear too much road noise and highway fumes easily penetrate. Features I find unacceptable, hard ride, poor seat adjustment, navigation panel cannot be seen with any amount of sunlight due to its position, front side posts block some of view-bad safety issue, rear window poor design-it is sloped to where any amount of dust or build up rain does not drain off-it must be car washed or hand washed, rear camera at times occluded by rain. It does not have the pep as my 2006 4 cly. And yes, I am writing to complain about the design features and my dissatisfaction, to me this car has design impairments that become safety hazards. I got a good price on the car as it was an XLE loaner, but I am now stuck with it. I am seriously considering selling it to CarMax and getting an older car. Very sad state of affair, the old toyotas were made much better.

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  Fun but Thirsty - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By richard - August 8 - 2:46 am

  After 5 suburbans, this is fun. Goes where I want to go but couldnt go before. Fuel mileage is not good. Have yet to top 15.5 even on a 600 mile hwy run. I am in the dirt every day and love the rubber floors. Easy clean. Very agile, eye catching and peppy. Wife drives a V8 Touareg which is great on the road but the FJ is a fun vehicle. Other than mileage, I believe.

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  New XLE - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Phil - August 8 - 2:29 am

  I traded a 2006 4 Runner for the Rav4, and I was impressed with the room. Although a bit smaller, the gas savings and navigating in traffic, the Rav4 is worth it. If you have a big family think a larger vehicle, but for two or a young family (or retiree like me) this is just the answer. Go the extra mile and get the Convenience Package it makes driving much more enjoyable. After driving it for over 6 months, I wish It would have power seats. The XLE has most everything else, but is uncomfortable on longer trips. Added at a later date: After 7 months I traded the Rav4 in for Chevrolet. The lack of power seats was the deciding factor. A few squeaks and rattles began to appear, and the design lost its appeal {although I never did care for the overall look of the vehicle}.

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  Good till the last drop - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By JJ - August 7 - 5:00 pm

  I purchased the car from the dealership as a certifed used car. Since then only had minimal problems with it. You know stuff like headlamps turning foggy and the Toyota logo on the steering wheel peeling off. Overall this car has been great. The car seemed to stop getting great gas mileage once it hit 100 thousand miles, and the suspension seemed to not handle so well too. But it got to 100 thousand miles before I even noticed anything lagging. Now it has 131 thousand, and I just replaced the spark plugs, the PVC valve, the O2 sensor, the belt, and the front springs and struts. In short it runs like it was new again.

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  My wife wanted one....what a mistake. - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By tim1234 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Big, slow and I am not sure why so many people like Toyotas. I am going to get a Tahoe. better engine and Id rather support an American company this time. I learned my lesson.

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  Best little darn car ever! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By curleytink - August 7 - 10:00 am

  A great little car... wonderful on the highway.. perfect in the city.. able to park anywhere with ease... just the best for the price. I love my Echo.. and would like it better if some of the fancy stuff was upgraded.

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  celicas rock - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By amyjstewart327 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  wonderful car, couldnt ask for more

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  Still luvin my Matrix!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Cath - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for a year now and I still smile when I get in it!! I have been SO pleased with it. And you have to admit: it looks really cool! :-)