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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  45 mpg gold mine - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Carla J. - September 21 - 10:30 am

  I purchased this car because I was traveling 136 miles daily to and from work. I dont know how Toyota made a car that is so peppy (it made me feel 10 years younger just driving it) yet so easy on gas (45mpg). Its a small car but it rides great. The trunk room is unbelievable and if you need more room the back seats fold down. I love the simplicity (fewer things to go wrong with it). Ive added flames and white letter tires to spruce up the looks of it. I call it the little car nobody wanted because it had been on the car lot for several months and nobody wanted it because it had a manual transmission and the way it looked. Their loss, my gain!

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  Outstanding Daily Driver - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Marty B - September 21 - 5:03 am

  I was surprised at how comfortable and fun to drive this beauty is. The acceleration was also very unexpected. It is not a race car, but a fantastic commuter/everyday driver. I drive over 700 miles per week, lots in traffic and this car fills the need - comfort, quality, reliability, and gas mileage. Yes, you pay more for a Hybrid, but HOV lane driving and gas mileage make up for it in my driving pattern (plus low emissions). I have averaged in the 40s for mpg with a new car in the cold of the northeast. I am looking forward to the warm weather to see how high the mileage can go, probably in the low 50 range. All the technology is just icing on a fantastically designed and made vehicle.

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  Oh! What a feeling - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By fatherdoug - September 21 - 1:36 am

  After much consternation and discussion, we decided to go to a rental/sale lot and look at vehicles. Afte looking at several models and manufacturers, we decided on the Toyota 4Runner. It has been more than we expected. The V-6 engine has more than enough power (it will definitely do 110 mph). The interior is well-appointed and comfortable. And the headlights, oh the headlights. I have trouble seeing at night, but not with the toyota projector beams. Even with only 5000 miles, the only drawback is the gas mileage. But even with all the power the V-6 has, the gas mileage isnt bad compared to other vehicles with bigger engines and less power.

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  Great Toy - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Kurt - September 21 - 12:40 am

  I love this SUV, fun to drive, goes anywhere. I call it a 2 passenger gas hog though. My only complaint is the back seat, it is to small for a lot of adults, not easy to get in and out of. The flip side is I will never see a soccer mom with car seats in the back driving one. I take it off road whenever I get the chance. I have only had it high centered once but it blasted its way out eventually. Could use serious tires for off-roading. It rides like a car with the factory tires. I added lambskin seat covers from Costco and they are great over the stiff factory seats. If you like fun and dont care about hauling many people get one. I have all the performance extras and get 15-16 MPG.

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  Dont like instrument panel - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By okos12 - September 20 - 11:50 pm

  Instrument panel is dark. Cant see the clock in daylight. Same for the stereo. Storage for coins is open. Should have cover. When I plugged in GPS into power, could not use glass holder. I need the other glass holder for key. Hate that I can hardly see the clock. It has pale orange background and black numbers. Ugly plastic inside. Too manly. Really dont like the light color floor mats. Am using old ones from another car, because it would get dirty in no time Who would put creamy or light color floor mats in a car! The steering wheel is too small Mostly dont like all instrument panel is not illuminated enough. I kept turning the light in every position to see if clock can light up

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  Satisfied - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Delfin Ramirez - September 20 - 8:05 pm

  Very spacious

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  On slick method of transportation - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By stuckatriley - September 20 - 3:50 pm

  I looked long and hard before buying this van. I love the look and feel of this van so much it feels like a tall car.

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  Excellent family SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Wayne - September 20 - 11:20 am

  Purchased new Highlander Limited AWD about a month ago, primarily for my wife. Interior is comfortable and well designed. Lots of bells and whistles including a great nav system, and JBL sound. Plenty of power, and responsive steering and brakes. Fun to drive, and looking forward to our first long trip. No problems so far. Primarily in town driving so far, and averaging abou 18.4 mpg. Appears to be an excellent family SUV.

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  Love my new FJ - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By fj cruiser owner - September 20 - 10:43 am

  I love my new FJ cruiser. It looks great and is fun to drive. Comfortable for long trips. Major blind spots, but nothing you cant get used to, no worse than in a pick up truck. Engine really scoots. Gas mileage isnt great, but acceptable for suv. Not a vehicle for everyone. I find there is more that I like about it, then there is that I do not like about it. Lots of great after market accessories available, but have to wait until warranty is up. Windshield collects bugs, but a layer or rain-ex helps keep them from sticking. I have no regrets purchasing this vehicle and look forward to driving it every day!!

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  2011 Camry as a family car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By klebinek - September 20 - 7:53 am

  I chose to buy a large sedan this time and based on recommendations went with 6th gen Camry with the updated engine and 6 speed auto. I was tired of stiff ride of suvs and wanted to move away from that this time. Boy am I glad I went with a camry. Ride is plush, perfect for a 2 year old sleeping in the back. Great gas mileage and very smooth. Interior quality is not great but its not bad either. What really gets on my nerves is how these reviews now a days concentrate on sportiness and sporty ride. If I wanted sportiness I would go with a sports car, this is a family car and drives as such, I wont race anyone or hit corners fast with a baby in the rear seat.