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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  What a surprise! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Scott McCready - March 21 - 6:53 pm

  This vehicle drives as well as it looks. Brakes, steering and handling a car like. Ride quality is almost as good as a Lexus SUV. It has all the outward appearance of a basic SUV but is suprisingly comfortable and easy to drive. Other highlights are large interior controls, wonderful upgraded stereo system, great seats and just quality build throughout the entire vehicle. This is the kind of automobile that makes you smile every day when you drive plus you know that if you look after it you will have it for 200000 miles plus. This is pragmatism and whimsy in a package that no one comes close to competing with, all at an unbelievable price.

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  Almost 3 years under my belt....still going strong - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By daf62757 - March 21 - 6:16 pm

  I bought mine in December 2008. Its been just under 2 years and I can report a little more since I first submitted a review. This car is so roomy for such a small car. I have rented a bunch of cars on travel and all of them all less roomy than the Yaris hatchback. I just rented a Corolla and it was so cramped compared to my Yaris. The fuel mileage is fairly consistent. I get about 39 MPG on the interstate and 31 around town. I drive 70 MPH on the interstate so getting almost 40 MPG with the A/C on is really good. The car has very little road noise. I do notice that around 70 MPH, it is a little difficult to hear conversations on my cell phone, but it isnt a problem.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Vicki - March 21 - 1:26 pm

  This baby car as I call it is so easy and fun to drive. I have had no problems. It gets me where I want to go. Great gas mileage. Plenty of space for me and all the kids I drive around. I really love Toyotas. My first Toyota lasted 18 years, and this is my second.

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  A great car so far - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By benebsm - March 21 - 8:50 am

  I bought the sport conv. used the end of 2007 with about 11K miles on it. I chose this car because it is front wheel drive and has a heck of a alot of trunk space for a convertible. In addition it is a sharp looking car and I was banking on Toyota reliability. To date I have close to 90K miles on it. No issues thus far. Put new tires and brakes. Aside from that just oil changes and the regular maintainance stuff. The pick up is OK although it is a bit sluggish going up hills. The gas mileage is good averaging low-mid 20s depending on highway/city driving mix. The top is a cinch to drop. I still often get compliments on the car as it is sharp looking. And it is lots of fun!

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  Read This Please - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike S - March 21 - 7:50 am

  Dont know if I would recommend. Virtually all the "crabs" I read pre-purchase were true. Drivers position is tight (Im 6,2) uncomfortable, yields backaches, plastic edges in door panels cut into the legs, radio whines if iPod/satellite radio is vehicle powered, dashboard info difficult to see in daylight, overhead lights blind driver at night, cup holders are dumb and restricted, rear seat does not fold down completely, front passenger seat does not fold down, the cargo area light is a joke, rear door hinged on wrong side, rear glass does not open, etc. Sport suspension is excellent, brakes are reasonable. Gas mileage is disappointing at 21/24, power is fine with 4 cyl in flat areas like FL.

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  Definitely a family car - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By jayaswals - March 21 - 6:33 am

  The 2014 Highlander XLE AWD does has what it takes to be successful. It has a decent pick up, not very sporty, but thats what you get when driving a big car. The best aspect of pick up is when you are merging in a freeway and it delivers. It has cool interiors and nice safety features (annoying to some). For e.g. you cannot set a route on the navigation unless the vehicle is at full stop. You can speak to the voice command to set the via route though. The voice needs some training. the ride is smooth and quieter than any other big car I have driven. the seats are very comfortable. The handling is nice and of course it has the Toyota reliability.

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  Very Satisfied - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Bill S - March 21 - 5:00 am

  I bought the base 4 cylinder model and am delighted with it after almost 8000 miles. Unless you cant do without a V- 6, the 4 has more than adequate power, (climbs hills nicely), is very smooth and quiet, (right at 2000 rpm at 70 mph, 2500 at 80 mph), and gets 30 mpg on the highway. Very comfortable, quiet and nicely appointed interior. This vehicle ranked #3 in U.S. News & World Reports overall rankings of 26 affordable crossovers and its easy to see why.

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  I like it. - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By BLAiv - March 21 - 2:53 am

  I bought this car used with 90k miles on it, and havent had anything beyond normal wear and tear problems. I was only 17 when I got it and now am, partially because of this car, in love with sports cars. The handling is amazing, and Im not sure there could be a more fun car to drive for a brand-new price of $25,000. In my opinion the same year miata cannot touch this car in looks, and the stats show that goes for the preformance as well. I would recommend this car for any young sports-car-lover with a limited budget such as myself, or anyone who has ~15k to throw into a fun used car.

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  Luv my Rav4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Toadman - March 20 - 10:33 pm

  I turned in my AWD GMC Acadia and leased my Rav4 Sport w/V6 in January and just love it. Had two major snow storms (20-24"+) just after purchase and this thing cuts right through the snow with no problems. AWD system performs much better than my old GMCs did. V6 engine is great. Sports Appearance Pkg. is great also as I cant stand having a spare tire on the back door. Mileage on the Hwy is 25 mpg about 19 mpg around town. Very roomy for a small SUV.

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  I love my MR2 Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Wanda Brown - March 20 - 1:33 pm

  My MR2 is so much fun to drive though I agree that there isnt much storage I can put a lot in the lockers and I put a luggage rake on the back for travel. I love the gas mil it gets and the SMT transmission in mine. Its not a family car for sure but it works for me and my son.