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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  A Great Crossover and Redesign - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By habl - July 18 - 6:31 am

  Just a short review. Have had my new Rav for a week and 500 miles of driving. It replaces my horrible 2010 Equinox which was trouble times two. My new Rav4 drives fantastic, is fun, comfortable and is a great buy. Exterior is great looking, interior same, have had a dozen people comment or ask to see the car. The electronic system is great, entune system working perfectly and with the upgraded JBL system, audio is incredible. I cannot believe how. Great my old Philadelphia rock stations sound in HD radio. I actually like to drive again with the new Rav, I put on about 2,000 miles per month, it is now not such a chore with such a great vehicle.

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  Exceptional - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By TONY - July 17 - 9:50 pm

  What is there to say, the 4runner is the best. Number one in resale value in its class, great looks, super sporty, great engine and performance, super shiny paint, and of course great Toyota reliability. No trips to dealer for knucklehead repairs.

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  Had it a week and so far so good - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - July 17 - 7:14 pm

  Really rides nice. I hate the mpg but I drive a lot. The interior package is great. I can switch from radio to XM to podcasts all with my thumbs. The look is nice. I do feel the transmission looking for gears in the city but most of the time on the highway I can keep it smooth. I really want to drive it off-road but my wife wont let me...yet!

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  Really fun to drive - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Chris Kingston - July 17 - 1:40 pm

  I love my new RAV4. It is a kick to drive, has lots of room for my groceries, chicken feed and dogs. My only complaint is the gas mileage. I am not getting anywhere close to 27 mpg, and if anyone should, its me. I live in a very rural area and do not do any "stop and go" driving." For a matter of fact, every tank so far has gotten worse. I started at almost 27 mpg and when I filled up today only got 22mpg. My first oil change is about 60 days away so I am hoping that the dealer can make some adjustments that will help.

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  Venza almost a crossover - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By jerrylee1 - July 17 - 12:31 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 10k now, and it is pretty comfortable ... it is, as expected, of Toyota quality...AWD functions very well.... but it fails on several styling fronts. MPG is as advertised around 22 mixed.

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  Best car ever!!! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By carmom11 - July 17 - 10:53 am

  I bought mine used in 2005 with 20K on it. Just traded it in (2014) with 175,000. Never replaced anything but the typical disposables! This car just goes and goes and never brakes down or needs repairs. I wish they still built them like this. Best value and reliability!

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  #1 Car for People of All Ages - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Rita Mele - July 17 - 8:20 am

  My husband is 84 I am 75 this RAV4 is outstanding getting in and out of. It drives like a very expensive British baby carriage and is very comfortable. We have three Toyota vehicles and just feel safe, and the reliability is the best. We would suggest all seniors try RAV4, you will be amazed at reliability, look and comfort. Thanks Toyota!

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 42 years - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By thedadlord - July 17 - 2:50 am

  I paid $26,000 for mine new in 1997. I have over 198,000 miles now. The ride is a little unsettled, its better with a full load. Handling and steering is 2nd to none. I relocated the oil filter to the inner fender well with a bypass kit. I installed a hood deflector. I also installed a makeshift stainless steel screen inside the grill to stop damage to the radiator from road debris and bugs. The only repair Ive needed are the head gasket went out under the extended warranty. Also the front brake line cracked from fatigue after a mounting bolt rusted thru. Michelin LTX M+S are the tires of choice for this vehicle. I still have the original shocks, exhaust system, alternator, starter.

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  think twice or even three times! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By JunctionA - July 17 - 12:10 am

  I am still trying to figure out what it is with designers. They took a perfectly good size of the Tacoma and changed it. It is more bulky and deliberate. It is no longer a small truck - I might as well have bought an F150. The radio looks like art-deco, sounds ok but looks terrible ... real imagination at work here (sarcasm intentional). So the brilliant engineers again took something that wasnt broke and tried to fix it. A style and color upgrade was needed ... but bigger is not always better ... wake up Toyota!!!

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  2008 Toyota Highlander Review - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By wrwilkins - July 16 - 7:46 am

  Replaced our 2003 Honda CRV with the Highlander Sport AWD to gain the third seat for hauling grandkids. Has been fun to drive, although it seems large in restricted parking areas. Interior comfortable & well appointed. Once the third seat is up there is no storage space. We did have to have one of the tires replaced when it picked up a screw in the sidewall. Because of its unusual size there were limited sources and it cost us $225 to replace it.