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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  Better than an SUV! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Nancy - January 26 - 11:10 pm

  Great compromise car for those of us who need a roomy interior & 4 wheel drive but dont want the size of a gas guzzling SUV.

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  Sturdy and fun!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By earthmama - January 26 - 10:13 pm

  I was sold on Dodge for many years having owned 3 Dodge trucks and 1 Dodge van. After the Dodge dealership didnt have what I wanted, and didnt seem too eager to procure my vehicle of choice, for grins, I stopped by the Toyota dealership. That afternoon, I test drove the 2005 Tacoma Crew Cab, 4x4 and NEVER LOOKED BACK!!! They ordered what I wanted and I have had nothing but praise for this truck.

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  2016 Highlander Limited Platinum AWD - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Mark - January 26 - 1:19 pm

  Toyota builds a very nice SUV, however, to get the safety features you have to move to the top of the line and spend over $45K. Unfortunatley is is also true of the other car manufacturers. Toyota has too many trim versions and starts with a low cost trim and adds features as you move up the trim line. Some cheap items, however, carry over from the low cost version such as no struts to keep the hood open. The safety features are a mixed bag. The audio warning are not loud enough to hear well with music playing and instead of automatic braking you get a pre-collision system that only assists in the braking but does not prevent a collision. I believe Toyota committed to improve the safety features for 2017 to earn the coveted 5 star rating. If safety is very important to you the Infiniti QX60 (at a slightly higher price) will give you the improved safety features with actual accident mitigation (not just warnings) and a 4 year warranty.

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  Had Better - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This is now my fourth Toyota truck I have owned, and the first three were amazing having put on 450000 kms, and not needing anything except for regular maintenance. I have to say as much as I love the detail, and style, I am not impressed. I had an issue loading my ATV into the back, causing the tailgate to deform, I had to research that issue and found there had been a service recall, however the Service manager at the dealership took some persuading even to look it up, however in the end it was fixed at no cost. Secondly, the rubber rain track on the roof had to be reinstalled once under warranty during a car wash, however within a year it had blown out while driving down the highway.

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  A Smart Mans Lexus - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By He Dog - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I owned 2006 and 2010 Avalon Limiteds. The 2011 is bit better. I dont know why, but fuel mileage increased over 2010, but its a good thing. Pavement noises are pretty much absent. Riding over pavement irregularities is superb. Space, ergonomics, textures, panels, grains, and the like fit well, look, well, and are pleasing to the eye. Ive never purchased the navigation system. The engine and transmission are smooth. Heating, including the seats, and air conditioning are wonderful. Blizzard Pearl and the beige leather are fine color combinations. Low road and wind noise. I dont understand the "9" ratings for MPG, but at 75 MPH I get 34-35 on road. Needs more thing support.

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  Solid and Powerful - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Big C - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I asked a friend who repairs cars for a recommendation of a car that I could keep for 10 years. One of the four cars he recommended was the Camry. After a year of driving the car, I havent been disappointed. Its a solid ride, powerful and smooth. Gas mileage has been great. My model is the XLE V6. Its a beautiful car and has lots of gadgets. For me, Id rather have done without some of the gadgets and had the interior materials been nicer and the seating plusher.

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  Good and Not so good - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By EggOwner - January 26 - 1:16 am

  Bought this car used two months ago. Getting 40 mpg in suburban driving! Love the tight handling and nimbleness of it. However, perhaps because my legs are long and my torso short (Im 5-8 and have a 33 inch inseam), I cannot find a comfortable driving position. My thighs do not touch the seat which leads to leg cramps. Putting a pillow on the seat has fixed that, but in addition the steering wheel is too far away! The wheel only goes up and down, it does not telescope, so there is no way to fix it. Ride seems rough because you feel every bump, no matter how minor--even seams in the pavement! Mind you, I spent the last 14 years driving a palatial van, so Im obviously oversensitive!

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  Great vehicle - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Sam - January 25 - 8:00 pm

  I purchased this vehicle off the show room floor and still love how it looks after 10 years. It is fun to drive and lots of room inside makes it comfortable for long trips. Trunk is huge compared to most and I love the fact the seats fold down for the larger items. I have done minor repairs compared to most, timing belt, brakes, tires, and batteries, normal wear and tear items.

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  Very Let down! - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By chrisg48 - January 25 - 5:46 pm

  We are a Toyota family having owned 6 cars and a truck but this car has really let us down. The gas milage is terrible. We average 22 and the best we have gotten is 24 on a trip to Florida. The seats are uncomfortable and the back seats have no cup holders or a power outlet. 4 adults fill this thing to the brim. There is no button inside or on the key fob to open the lift gate. It is an option that must be paid for extra. One would think this would be standard on the XLE edition. The touch screen is hard to use and the navigation will not let you make any changes unless the car is in Park. The car does ride and drive smooth but that doesnt make up for the other downfalls.

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  ever-impressive 4 runner - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By James Byrd - January 25 - 3:53 pm

  Toyota has done it again!! The 4 runner handles well with little to no engine noise. At 63" I was little apprehensive about how the 4 runner would accomodate my big frame; but I have no complaints. Towing is awesome. With a 15 foot boat in tow, I felt like I never lost control; nor did my brakes fail or burn.