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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  Toyota Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By wndsong - March 16 - 8:20 am

  It rides and drives like a car. Very comfortable ride. Tends to feel top heavy when taking curves in mountains at full speed. Plenty of storage behind 2nd seat. Have gotten as high as 29 mpg on the highway. Easy to handle in town driving.

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  Little Truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Crazymagman - March 15 - 12:33 pm

  This is a great little truck. The steering feel is better than my Maxima, and the truck is very responsive to quick steering actions. There isnt a ton of power from the 2.4L automatic, but I bought it for a daily driver and to haul things for the house, so its just what I need. The stepside bed really sets off the styling of the truck, and Ive only seen one other stepside Tacoma with the same wheels that mine came with.

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  Not happy with Toyota - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Kimberly McAllister - March 15 - 12:16 pm

  After doing a lot of research we purchased our 2008 Sport Highlander just three weeks ago. After two weeks of driving it we started to hear a noise when we would accelerate the car. (Mind you it only has 750 miles on it). Long story short we took it in to be checked out and found out we need a new transmission!!!! We are not happy and now doubt the reliability of our car.

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  My years with a Toyota Corolla - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By college sweetheart - March 15 - 11:46 am

  Toyota Corollas are great cars. Id chosen mine because of dependabilities and comfort. I trust the Toyota to deliver a high performance on travelling (gas mileage) and it does. I have gotten many compliments on the interior layout and received many admiring glances on my red car!

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  Very happy after 9 months - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By susieq33 - March 15 - 4:06 am

  I waited to write this review, since I wanted to take a decent road trip. Having just got back from a trip to and from Ohio to SC, I now feel I can write an honest review. This is a great vehicle. I have owned Hondas for the past 25 years or more, the latest being a 2008 CR-V, and was bored with the same interior look and features. I test drove multiple vehicles, SUVs and sedans. The RAV 4 is extremely nice looking (Pearl White) and runs and rides perfectly. Got 29.6 miles per gallon on average, using heat, defrosters and air conditioning through rain, fog, and sleet. The RAV-4 Limited offers a comfortable ride, great handling. The heated seats/lower back are outstanding No complaints. ****UPDATE**** Ater having this RAV4 for almost 3 years now, and after several long road trips, it continues to make me happy. The only problem Ive had is that the tire pressure sensors are extremely sensitive and tend to show low air pressure frequently in winter months with temperature changes. Otherwise, the ride, acceleration, and gas mileage is great. Averaged 30 to 31 mpg on our most recent trip from Ohio to SC. The power in the normal mode is so good for passing or entering freeways that I have never switched into sport mode. The economy modes mpg was equal to using the normal mode, so why have a more sluggish vehicle and not gain anything? I drive in the normal mode all the time and with combined city and highway driving, usually average around 28 mpg and 27 in the winter. Have had many back seat passengers remark on how roomy and comfortable the back seats are. Oil changes are a bit more expensive due to using synthetic oil. The only changes I woukd make to do something with the cup holders, which are too deep for some items, adding a smaller, covered storage area for a cell phone or similar, a button to program the garage door opener, and automatic headlights when windshield wipers are in use, and better speakers as the sound is not the greatest at lower levels. That being said, even without those fixes we would purchase the RAV4 again, without hesitation.

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  Buy at your own peril. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shaun - March 14 - 5:39 pm

  This is my 6th Toyota truck, 4th Tacoma, and 9th Toyota vehicle overall. 2017 TRD Sport in the exact config I wanted. I was hyped. Then it started falling apart, and Im not sure that will ever stop. I have around 13k miles on it, and it sounds crickets are mating under the hood. You know the annoying chirp of a pulley going out? Yeah, Toyota thinks thats "normal operation" even though theres a TSB for the same issue (High Pressure Fuel Pump) on 2 other Toyota vehicles, and the problem didnt show up until about a week ago. I hear the same issue is on a Lexus model, but of course they are redesigning that pump because, well, Lexus. So far Ive had a window track/motor replaced, 2 BSM sensors replaced, my battery replaced, had to get my windshield replaced from a rock chip that cracked the whole thing, and I think thats it. The service center has gone downhill, which was an incredible disappointment given my history with them, and Toyota corp has failed to stand behind their product. I should have just bought a Raptor, at this point I cant see Ford being any worse than what Ive got from Toyota. Sad state of affairs.

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  Great Little Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Daryl - March 14 - 5:43 am

  I bought this car for the gas mileage and it does the job. Three fills so far and the mileage has been 39.1/40.1/41.7. It is also handles extremely well and is extremely enjoyable to drive.

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  2015 Camry SE 2.5 - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By wiseoldfart - March 13 - 5:45 pm

  I just traded in a 2012 Camry LE 2.5 for a 2015 Camry SE 2.5 with Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires. Some have noisier Bridgestone tires, so be aware. Right off the bat, I noticed that this new model was quieter. Road noise, wind noise, and engine noise are all reduced. The handling of this new SE is considerably better than that of the LE I traded in. The ride of the new SE appears to be a little better than that of my old LE despite wider tires with a lower profile. The steering is lighter at low speeds and a bit more resistant at speed, giving it a better feel. The brakes arent as touchy in the new model. Also, there are more features and better interior materials in some areas.

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  A little bit disappointed - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Scott - March 13 - 1:53 pm

  We were so excited to own this car. It is our first new car and I share it with my wife. We drive it more then average drivers ~18-19000 per year. We average 40 miles per gallon and that is when we do not use the air conditioning. We have asked our Toyota dealership about it and they have not been able to answer except by saying it must be because we always accelerate too fast, which is untrue. We also recently had to replace the "transmission knob sensor" at a cost of $750 and it was no longer under warranty. we have also had some other quality problems with the car. It also goes through tires faster then other cars.

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  Awesome Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Mahn - March 13 - 1:30 pm

  Very responsive truck. Lots of room. Very please that this 5.7 will out pull others 5.7. Lots of fun to drive. Love the rear sliding window and the tilting head lights. Mileage is awesome. been averaging about 14city and 20hwy on this 5.7. I will add cold air later which will improve the mileage even more. I was having withdrawal when I traded in (trouble free for 10yrs) my 2000 tundra. After driving the 2010 tundra, I dont miss it anymore. More power more room spills a lot of fun.