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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  21,000 miles in - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By EricnLA - November 8 - 8:02 am

  After nearly a year and 3 months of driving my Camry SE. I love the fit and finish. Very quiet no rattles or squeaks, or road noise like my Prius. Complaints; at $26K this should have blind spot and rear air vents standard. I wish the back lights had, well more lights LED stripes or something. SE no longer has fog lamps and the LED lights only are available on the XSE and XLE. The halogen DRL look dated on a modern car. They should come standard on all models and SE needs fog lights. The ride is harsher on the SE model than the LE or XLE. My tires are the Bridgestone. The dealer said they had to replace early 2015s because the tires were wearing to fast. He didnt mention brand. Just now they are using Bridgestone. I think if I get the 2018 I will upgrade to the XLE for the softer ride since I am only city driving mostly. Not sure if I want a hybrid again, depends on gas prices in 2018. Other than that I really like the car for room comfort and mpg for a non hybrid (average 26.2mpg)

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  Not bad! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ksgirl1 - November 7 - 10:32 pm

  I bought my 04 used in 2008 with 55Kmi. I just sold it in Oct. with 90K miles. I thought it was a great car. Super comfy and great smooth and quiet ride. My complaints would be the heated seats never seemed to get more than lukewarm. I also thought it took awhile to warm the interior of this car in the winter. The other issue we had was the DVD player would sometimes not eject the discs but other than that it was a great car for us. The only reason I sold it was because I was ready for something non "mom like". I would reccomend.

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  Love it but improve all fabric & carpet - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By nanat94 - November 6 - 5:26 am

  Please note that the interior is black... not first, but only choice in the metroplex. I love driving the car and the design is great. Importantly, the one-inch difference between this updated model and the Highlander (previously owned the 2002) means a $10,000 savings. I can live easier with the lesser standard interior fabrics!).

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  RAVing? - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By TxRavDriver - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd toyota so far. These cars never disappoint me. Even my 95 corolla still runs well. I love my metallic blue 2003Rav4. It handles nicely, it has a fun-to-drive look to it. With gas prices getting higher, this car doesnt take much to fill and yet it gives you all the goodies of an SUV (without the guilt and expense). If you are looking for a fun car, this is it.

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  Old reliable - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Lcbjr - November 6 - 2:00 am

  When it comes to reliability whats the first thing to come to mind? Toyota. I purchased my Camry (ce 4-cyl) May of 2001 and with 39,000 miles its running smooth like the day i drove it off the lot.

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  Extremely Happy - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By dhandds - November 5 - 6:57 am

  I hesitated initially because my 2005 Prius seats were uncomfortable due to lack of lumbar support; I sold it after driving for a year at loss. Fortunately, every v comes with a power lumbar support and as such the seat is very comfortable. I purchased one in black with a package V. The synthetic leather fits and supports my body better than cloth. Also, it handles better with 17 in. wheels, granted it is not a sports car. LED headlights give a bright view at night. It is quiet and smooth on the freeway. It is also very spacious! I brought a Q size memory foam mattress(FOLDED) from Ikea in v with my wife! I have gotten 43MPG in mixed driving of 1,000 miles so far.

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  road noise - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe - November 4 - 3:53 pm

  The door gaskets are terrible, the road noise is very loud-the faster you go more volume is needed on the CD or radio,also to much dirt, dust and road salt collect inside dr. jams. The paint chips very easily every where - it looks very thin. The seats feel like your sitting on layers of cardboard. Quality control experts should be fired for putting one of the most under rated and cheapest dunlap tires on this truck or any truck.

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  Camry Seats - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By allen - November 4 - 6:06 am

  Overall quality and reliability is great BUT comfort is terrible. The seat cushions are way to small and there is absolutely no lower back support from the back rest. If you are over 59", buy something else, or you will curse yourself every time you have to get into this car.

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  Paint Chips Badly - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By iicei - November 4 - 4:10 am

  There is a problem with Toyota paint on these pickups. The water based paint chips very easily. I thought I bought a good dependable truck only to find chipping paint after only 1000 miles of around town driving. I like the truck but the paint problem spoils it for me. Buyer beware.

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  not sorry - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By neal schwartz - November 2 - 10:03 am

  Great gas mileage & reliability-- however, not 60-55, more like 45 miles per gal.