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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  Love it! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By kelly_lynne_2004 - September 30 - 5:36 am

  I love this car. I am coming from a half ton pick up so of course the fuel mileage is way better!! I love how it handles and the storage under the cargo area. I enjoy how the car handles and is another great product from Toyota!!

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By RTAB18 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  After renting a 2002 Avalon for two weeks, and driving it for over 2500 miles, I was very impressed as to how this car rode at high speeds for hours, without making me tired. The seats are comfortable, the back seats are like sitting on a sofa, the interior is roomy and very quiet, and the stereo is excellent. I decided then to buy a 2003 Avalon XLS, and I have not been disappointed. For a relatively large car the handling is very nimble, with decent acceleration. Breaking is smooth and competent. The only complaint I have is a ticking relay noise that eminates from under the dashboard.

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  Peppy, economical, cute, and fun! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By David H - September 29 - 2:46 am

  I have owned my Yaris for 6 weeks. So far, there are no problems whatsoever. The car is a lot of fun to drive. Due to the variable valve timing, the engine is very flexible. It pulls, no matter what gear you are in or where you are in the rev range. Have no fear about this car being under powered. It is not. It is best described as peppy. The fuel economy is fantastic! I average 33 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway. I am 6 2" and find the front seats very comfortable. I really like the center gauges. When I get in a "normal" car, I wonder why the gauges are hidden behind the steering wheel. I love the cute styling.

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  XLE review - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Ric - September 28 - 8:33 pm

  High quality vehicle with great safety features!

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  get one before they are all gone! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By TESS - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this truck after much research. I was impressed with the price and the way it handled when I test drove it. It rides like a car and is spacious and quiet. I was also concerned with resale but with toyota there is no problem in my area ( Texas).

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  Heater awful but nice car otherwise - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By dczim - September 27 - 12:13 am

  If you want to stay warm in winter while riding in the second or third row seat, I suggest buying another vehicle. Other than that, the RAV 4 is a great little car -- especially with the V6. Ive had the dealership tear the vehicle down looking for the reason why there is no heat coming from the ducts in the second and third row seats. Their final verdict -- verified by Toyotas engineers -- the system is functioning as designed. Since I live in Wisconsin, going with a marginal heater is not an option. Toyotas suggestion -- trade it in for something that has heat but I take the loss on the vehicle -- about a $3-4K hit. Pretty rotten on Toyotas part but they know I have no choice.

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  Taco - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Larry - September 26 - 10:30 pm

  I purchase my first 2008 Taco in October of 2007, and for the most part and with only 3ooo miles it is running great and it tows with the best of them.

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  Toyota could improve - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By nnelgb - September 25 - 2:36 pm

  Things I dont like. When the engine starts cold it immediately hits 1800 RPM instead of a reasonable 1200 RPM. The bright light indicator is too bright. The gas & engine temperature gauge is down in a tube and in the daytime you cant read it part of the time. With a topper on the bed the dirt pours into the bed on dirt roads. This may be the topper installer problem but there is a 1/2" space between the tailgate and the bed. Lots of storage space-peppy engine(4.6) - rides good for a truck (I have the tow package) with the cruise control on it will down shift going down a grade to help keep the right speed. (first Toyota) Dealer is excellent to me. I havent been back to dealer yet.

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  Dont buy the 4 cyl - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By dscott - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Dont waste your money on the 4 cyl - buy the V6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Toyota Doesnt honor FJ Cruiser Warranty - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Kevin - September 24 - 4:36 pm

  We purchased a 2007 FJ Cruiser for our family, it is our fourth and, unfortunatley, final Toyota (we have two and Cruisers and a Highlander). After only 8000 miles the transmission failed on the FJ Cruiser and Toyota todate has refused to honor the warranty. The reason for the failure is moisture got into the transmission case. Toyotas reason for not honoring the warranty is because the vehicle was used off road. Keep in mind this is an off road vehicle; in fact Toyota advertises the FJ on their website as purely an off road vehicle - there are no pictures of the vehicle used on a road. We used the FJ in ways that are less demanding and safer than how the vehicle is marketed.