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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  RAV4 handles well in the mountains - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By MAC - February 16 - 2:46 am

  I purchased the 08 RAV4 Sport V6 AWD right before the snow season. I drive on snow/ice covered roads regularly. The car handles well and rarely slips as I go up and down steep hills and around tight curves usually in 2-6 inches of snow at roughly 35 mph. I have not needed to use the lock-in feature for 4WD but its nice to know its available if snow gets too deep. On dry pavement, the RAV4 feels like a car. Its not bouncy like a truck frame 4WD and gets far better gas mileage. Plus, it really holds true speed with speed control engaged. No drift acceleration or deceleration through mountainous terrain. Fun to drive.

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  dojos - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Anonymous - February 15 - 9:56 pm

  Searched for several months for an SUV, needed a larger vehicle than my old sedan also considered the 2010 models equinox, Honda pilot, Toyota Highlander and 4runner. After test driving all of them, narrowed down to the rav4 and Highlander. Loved the 4runner but it was over my budget, the 2010 highlander had a huge visibility issue when looking through the rear window but to opt. For backup cam was a 2grand price jump and bad body lean on curves, came down the offramp and I felt like I was gonna fall off my seat. Rav4 had the same v6, fully loaded around 32k so got the rav4. Visibility is great didnt really need the backup cam. Mpg is averaging 21.5 city not bad yet to get highway mpg. 1000 miles driven.

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  Im trading it for a Chevy - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By tonyjag - February 15 - 8:00 pm

  Wanted a 4x4 for winter driving and home improvement type errands. The good: the 4 cyl engine is strong, quiet and fuel efficient. The bad: at 60 miles an ignition cable connector on the steering column became loose, payed to get it towed to the dealer, 6 hour wait and didnt get reimbursed for the tow, seats are extremely uncomfortable, clutch pedal creaks, the carpeting is all frayed, first gear impossible to engage unless completely stopped, radio labels are wearing off, bed makes loud noises over every pothole, shift stick boot fell through. In short this is the worst car Ive owned and its not that Im really picky either, Ive been driving a Chrysler for 5 years!

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  2006 Tundra double cab - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Don - February 15 - 3:13 pm

  I am very happy with Toyota build quality. (Camry = 240K 4Runner = 85K) I like almost everything about this vehicle. The ride is excellent. It is smooth and quite. It has plenty of interior room. Rear seat has more room than my Suburban rear seat. Plenty of power for the engine size. Cruises well on the interstate. Pulls and hauls well. The truck came with just the few options I wanted. I wanted a truck not a limo. After shopping I found this vehicle for just a few hundred more than a Chevy with the same options. Everyone that rides in it comments on the ride quality. Radio/CD is OK but not great. Need a football field to turn it around. Parking is tough. It sits a little too high.

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  CVT performance is disappointing - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Calvin Winnager - February 15 - 2:45 pm

  Overall, the 2016 Corolla LE is a reliable, adequately functioning car, ride is comfortable. At low to moderate acceleration, the CVT functions well. At moderate to hard accelleration, the CVT forces you to learn to accelerate from a stop. For your safety, I suggest you not attempt to merge into high speed traffic from a full stop. If you floor it, it will not shift until 5000RPM. It acts like it is hung in its current gear while accelerating slowly. What you learn to do is pre-select your level of desired acceleration, rev the engine the related RPM(2000, 3000, 4000), hold it there while the CVT goes through its shifting. However, at highway speeds (55-75mph), it performs well at maintaining its speed. I contacted the local Toyota service department and they assured me this performance by the CVT is as designed by the Toyota engineers. He said that due to tight manufacturing tolerances there should no fear of thrashing the engine up to redline if it is properly maintained. I have driven personal and rental cars and trucks with 3, 4, or 5 speed automatic transmissions for over 30 years. If you decide to buy a 2016 Toyota Corolla with CVT tranmission, you might want to test its hard acceleration from a dead stop to to see if you are satisfied with its performance.

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  I disagree with the haters...totally! - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By rachellenh - February 15 - 9:29 am

  I just bought one today after doing research and driving one overnight. I have looked at and test driven many cars in the past month and this was my top pick. I am a small person-so the cabin space doesnt affect me. As for pick up-these cars get up and go better than my old PT cruiser did. I didnt notice any noise but I also blast my radio LOL Overall-this is an excellent price for the awesome mpg this car puts out-which mine has been getting about 51 mpg and thats with the air on and my driving. My bottom line-Dont believe everything you read-drive it for yourself and see.

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  Reliable gas saver - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By John B. - February 15 - 8:56 am

  Excellent car if you enjoy filling up your car with gas knowing it will last a lot longer than that MEGA size SUV next to you. This is an extremly reliable little car with a fairly roomy interior and decent trunk space.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Felix - February 15 - 12:20 am

  This is the best car Ive ever purchased. Its suspension is smooth, the 2.4 I4 has nice acceleration to match its fuel economy. The Camrys interior is very refined (in the XLE), and the upgraded 440 watt stereo system is great. Exterior styling is nice, and the overall build quality is perfect.

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  First Foreign Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By STLMO - February 14 - 11:30 pm

  Have only driven GM & Ford for last 30 years but saw the new Avalon & had to give it a look. Considered 05 STS, & 300 Ltd but wanted a large back seat and couldnt get past Chryslers reliability rep. Only 500 mi on Avalon but love all the features (have all but remote start). Very comfortable and is beautiful inside & out. No quality issues and gets 25mpg in 50/50 of freeway & stop n go on my daily commute. Ride is great. My sisters ES330 comes off lease 3/06 & she says she is going to get an Avolon just like mine.

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  Great Car - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By toughshift - February 14 - 4:00 pm

  I have put on almost 10,000 miles. ACTUAL mileage for every drop of gasoline in town and on highway is 21.9 MPG. Have the V6 4WD Limited with all the bells and whistles. This car is a rocket with lots of power and great handling. Silver Classic color is gorgeous.