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 Camry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Ava - March 22 - 12:01 pm

  It is an OKAY car for the price. Nothing about the car is impressive. Its a dependable car for the price.

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  Low beam headlights - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Ann Dee jackson - March 22 - 8:35 am

  Am I the only one who has a problem with the headlights? I cant see the road with the low beam headlights on. Its really dangerous. Complained to the dealer and they didnt want to hear it.

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  Headlight Defect! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By HighMileDriver - March 22 - 5:13 am

  I bought my Prius new and I love the car, but there are a couple major complaints. At around 30,000 miles the headlights will start to go out. It will start with only the driver side that you can turn back on by flicking them off and on again. The problem gets worse as time goes on. My car now has 110,000 mi on it and I cant drive down the street without flicking them. There is not a recall on this problem and there are no plans for one. The problem is due to the HID lights overheating the ECUs. They are 600$ a piece and it will burn out again in another 30,000 miles. I would suggest asking if this defect has been fixed before purchasing ANY year prius. Despite this common prob. I love it.

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  Toyota surprised me Completely! - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By bimmer18 - March 22 - 3:45 am

  Well I have to confess that after driving BMW and Audi for the last 16 years and I still love bimmers. I have taken a real shine to my Toyota Avalon Hybrid. I purchased mine in June 2013 and funny things is I went to the dealership to test drive a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. I had been researching Hybrid vehicles and SUVs for a couple months and was convinced that Toyota had the most robust and reliable Hybrid technology on the market. (True Statement). I have receivied several compliments on my my avalon and so far, its been quite, efficient, reliable, and pleasant to drive. Very Impressive Toyota! Buy one and youll think twice on BMW, Audi, & Lexus. 42.9 so far ! Fantastic !

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  I love my Corolla - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Springnbloom - March 22 - 1:26 am

  Great car. Excellent gas mileage...about 36 - 37 MPG for highway and city combined. Love the body style. Very reliable, no problems at all except for the usual things that have to be replaced over time. Front brakes pads and windshield wipers are almost ready to be replaced and Ive put over 85,000 miles on it already. (I have a long drive to work every day.) Would gladly buy another one. Only problem Ive had is the overhead light, its a little touchy. You have to put the switch in just the right spot before it will turn on.

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  Really good, nearly great. - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By riderj - March 21 - 10:44 pm

  I have had my 2013 RAV4 for nearly a month now. It has several personalities: sporty (sport mode), spot-on (regular mode), and mild-mannered (econ mode). I have found it really valuable to have all three modes available to me and there are distinct differences between the modes. The car is quiet, easy to drive and park, and it is rather nimble. I have no problem reaching the advertised mpg if I am light on the pedal, and or use econ mode. It is a bumpy ride though, and some of the controls are difficult to reach. Overall, this vehicle is much more fun to drive than the Honda CRX, and has a better transmission.

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  Beware of The Clunky , Rusty 2005-2011 Tacoma ! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill Robertson - March 21 - 8:20 pm

  While the engine is strong and the truck seems to hold up , the issues with cracking leaf springs and rusty frames makes me tell people to be very careful . My trucks leaf springs died at 67k miles and at the time Toyota had not recalled the nearly 700,000 tacomas ... Although I fixed it I am not getting reimbursement from Toyolet ,and they continue to cheat me and thousands of other customers . Google "Toyota rusty frames " or " Tacoma leaf springs failure " .. While the trucks look butch they are weak and the customer service is an abomination ... Beware of the last generation Junk Tacomas from Toyolet , not worth the money or the hassles .. Buy a real truck .

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  A Very Good Buy - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Littleshoes - March 21 - 1:16 pm

  After 1,000 miles, I have no regrets. Bought for its gas mileage and versatile interior which are even better than I expected. Ave. 29 mpg local and 37 mpg highway. Drivers seat is high, but Im short so its fine. Added side air bags, stability and traction control, ABS, window tint and leather seats. The versatile interior is great whether carrying groceries or lumber. A more powerful engine would be nice, but Ill take the mpg. A comfortable car mostly driven locally. I have no doubt this was an excellent purchase.

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  Happy Camper - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Real McCoy - March 21 - 5:40 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned, very sporty looking and scheduled oil changes is only maintenance that has been required. Very happy with this vehicle.

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  Feels bulky - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By discerning - March 21 - 4:10 am

  Good room and nice ride but steering uncomfortable, perhaps because of 20" tires. Dash is massive and makes vehicle feel huge and more like an RV. Good cargo room with or without rear seats down. Good pep and fairly agile for size. Been driving a BMW X3 and wanted more cargo room, which this has but handling just doesnt compare, even though ride a bit smoother. Sloped front end makes parking a bit of a challenge in tight spaces until accustomed to it. Feels a bit like driving one of the giant sedans of the 60s.