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 pleasure to ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Arnie - February 28 - 6:26 pm

  The funnest vehicle Ive ever had. After 50,000 miles, averaging 18 MPG. I can get about 480 miles on a tank on the freeway. The power is awesome. This truck replaced my Tacoma, which I loved, but this vehicle is everything I imagined and more. Only maintenance has been the routine stuff. This truck is perfect for pulling my trailer of ATVs, or even just loading one in the bed. I figure Ill get about 100,000 miles and trade it in for a newer model, so my next one will probably be in 2011. Way to go TOYOTA!

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  Great, versatile vehicle - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By kff1 - February 28 - 9:43 am

  Purchased in Dec 2009. 17000 miles later, still loving it. Lots of room for our 2 dogs and camping gear in the back with seats folded down. Very comfortable for 4 on a road trip with the seats up. Rock solid reliability. Bought the 4cyl with tow pkg. We occasionally tow our jetski to the beach and the 4 cyl is more than up to the task. Our only complaint, we were hoping for better gas milage. We have yet to see the EPA rated 27 on the highway, no matter how conservatively we drive. Weve averaged 22.1 MPG since new with about a 50/50 mix of highway and city. Our best milage on road trip with just the two of us and no cargo was 25.38. Overall though, very pleased.

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  Great Car But... - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By JK - February 28 - 5:36 am

  I have owned the car for 9 years and overall it has been very reliable. However, it has not been without problems. Cons: An emissions sensor had to be replaced at 70k (over $700 repair). The front struts had to be replaced at 75k ($1200 repair). The actuator rod for the driver door remote auto-lock mechanism failed at 80k (Its a $1000 repair). Finally transmission failed at 128k. Overhaul parts and labor put the repair at over $3400. A little underpowered and a little loud at highway speeds. Pros: Better than my Jeep Cherokee in the snow and rain. Comfortable driver position (I am 61"), good turning radius and great handling. Fun to drive.

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  Brand New Taco - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - February 28 - 2:40 am

  Just got a new V6 auto Access Cab 4x4. Lost my 97 to the frame issue. Tried a 4cyl 5spd and I liked it but didnt want the manual for daily driving. This is my 4th Toyota, 3 trucks and a Highlander, and all have served me well. I have the SR5 package with PW, PL, inter. wipers, cruise, etc. Not the top level TRD. First impressions are very positive. Like the ride, smoother than the 97 but still trucklike stiff. The power is great and transmission is very smooth. The cab is bigger and more comfortable and fit and finish are excellent. I find it fits me very well but limited adjustment of seat and steering wheel my create trouble for some. I will update my review once I have more drive time.

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  Fun Car - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Alf - February 27 - 11:46 pm

  just traded in 05 Escape. I thought that was good until I tried this. Big difference. Better gas mileage from the 3.5 v6, great handling, fully loaded, quieter but still road noise, front wheels getting brake dust,smoother ride, tighter turning radius. 2 trip meters, outside temp., Escape did not have, but needs mileage computer. Seats a little tight up front, too much room in rear. Must be for Japanese market, smaller people. Could easily move seat rails back 2 in. Center console box could have been bigger, higher. Like to have grab bar like Escape. Blue tooth cellphone echoes. Rear hatch should open up, not sideways. A problem unloading with parallel parking. Will buy again.

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  Hubcap noise detracts from an otherwise great car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By craig4d - February 27 - 9:58 pm

  We loved the 2011 Camry LE when first purchased here in Cleveland. Multiple Toyota family. Owners 2d. Soon, though, a very annoying whirring noise arose from the front left wheel/hubcap. After some delay, the Dealer confessed to being aware of a problem or at least reports, but Toyota had no solution. Noise went away for a while, but is back and is VERY ANNOYING, detracting from the pleasure of owning this car. This caused another family member to look past Toyota and get a Nissan. The issue is spreading out to the public ear...Why doesnt Toyota just replace the hubcap if that is the problem??? We got it for my 20-something daughter.

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  Toyota GPS is worthless - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By DonH - February 27 - 5:46 pm

  I am generally happy with my Camry, but the GPS is frustrating and almost worthless. The necessity to press ok to a disclaimer before each use is ridiculous. You have to pull off of the road and stop in order to the GPS, and the passenger can not reprogram the unit while the car is moving. I would not have bought the car if I had known how frustrating the GPS is. I will not buy another Toyota unless the GPS system is changed.

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  So far, so good - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By stevesark - February 27 - 5:33 pm

  So Ive had the 4runner for about a month and logged about 400 miles so far. I bought it because I believe something that looks like an SUV should be off road capable and ready for anything. First impressions are as follows ... - Very comfortable ride for a body on frame architecture. - Engine seems capable enough - Beautiful exterior design (in my opinion) - The sound system (and Entune) could be better. - Gas mileage could be better. Im looking forward to a chance to test it out off road as soon as possible.

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  Lasted till all the batteries went - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Jo Ann - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Got good mileage. then a few months back the steering wheel went out = $!,000. Then yesterday all the engine warning lights came on = $3,100 for batteries - cant sell the car now!

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  Minor Issues - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By Kibbles00 - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car but I have some minor complaints. On cold days, the fog on the front window is terrible. Water is retained on side windows so you cannot see out. There is also no place to put a drink in the center. I spilled so many drinks.