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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  Great So Far - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By ameri_star - March 17 - 7:56 am

  Driving this car is actually a lot more fun than people give it credit for. Yes it is an economy car but it can get up to speed quickly enough to pass other cars. It has a very sporty look (even at the LE grade) and generally doesnt look like every other car on the road. The electronic power steering takes some getting used to but overall I havent had a bad experience with this car. Gets great gas mileage on the highway in my opinion. I drive mostly mixed hwy/city driving and so far the best Ive gotten is 35MPG.

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  Great car so far - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By yankees102110 - March 17 - 4:29 am

  I bought the car brand new back in April. So far 8,000 miles and no issues. I am averaging around 30mpg. This is my first Toyota Ive always owned ford focuses, I test drove the 2013 focus and hated the way the transmission felt. I have no problem at all with the 4-spd transmission that the corolla offers and the car has plenty of peep when i need it. I love the electronic steering. I have the premium package so it comes with the 17 inch rims and the sunroof.

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  Big SUV without the stigma - - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By kevind - March 17 - 1:20 am

  I believe this SUV is in a class of its own. I wanted the 6000 GVWR tax benefit for my business but did not want to drive a gas guzzling General Schwartzkov type SUV that would loose $15k off the lot and make me regret ever buying it. This is it! A Land Cruiser but less money. The interior is fantastic; it drives like a dream and in my opinion is luxurious. I traded in a 2002 Explorer with 10k miles and felt a difference of night and day between these vehicles. No regrets here.

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  I love my 07 Avalon Limited - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Nancy Ruth - March 17 - 1:00 am

  Ive been driving my 07 Avalon Limited for 2 years now and just love it. Never had any trouble with the car. It has lots of get up and go. The extra features are terrific. I especially like the smart key.

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  08 Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Louie - March 17 - 12:50 am

  I love my highlander. It gets 21 mpg around town and 23 mpg on the highway. Rides comfortably at 80 on the highway and still has plenty of gusto left to pass on a hill. Its a very quiet ride and smooth. The steering wheel is very tight and turns in a small circle, I love it. Thank you to everyone else who wrote a review, it really helped my decision to buy a highlander. I would recommend a highlander, my husband is now looking at the Tundra. I guess well be a Toyota Family.

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  Prius Preview - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By noland harmon - March 16 - 10:02 pm

  My biggest concern are the dealerships.They are still using the same old tactics of trying to get you to "dicker" with them. Im so sick of it. I wish Toyota could just offer their best deal and not have to go through these rip-off artists. Otherwise, the car is wonderful! I now have two Prius(es)? I love my 2012 Prius but I love my 2016 Prius even more! The acceleration, handling and comfort is improved. I ordered leather seats but they have not come in yet.

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  Chose Rav4 XLE over 8 others tested - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Russell - March 16 - 3:44 am

  The Rav4 xle had the best interior and smoothest ride. Also had the most cargo area. Loved that leather wrapped steering wheel, too. (much better feel than all the other cars) Also more head and foot room in back seats. You can also adjust back seats. Tested Honda Crv, nissan rogue, ford escape, mazda cx-5, kia sportage and others.

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  Beautiful car with wonky insides - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sean M - March 16 - 1:56 am

  I have driven many Toyotas over the years, and they have all been engineered with rock solid precision and very high quality inner workings... until this car. It may be that 2007 was the low point of Toyotas quality slump. I bought this car used at about 135000 miles. From previous experience, thats not even halfway to end of life for a Camry. At first it was a pleasure to drive -- leather interior, JBL sound, smooth ride with little engine noise. However, at 145000 miles suddenly we had to have the transmission replaced (not repaired) -- a $3800 expense. At 153000 miles it started leaking transmission fluid, and at 155000 Ive had to park the thing because of the $900 transmission pump replacement cost. In addition, weve had increasing engine noise, more corrosion problems than I would have expected, and smaller electrical issues. It may be that weve got an outlier, but this is not a car to expect to thrive on the long haul like the 1990s Camrys did.

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  Love this car - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By jmg - March 16 - 1:03 am

  I am 4 11" short, and was driving my husbands Solara 2 door coupe for 2 years. I couldnt see over the hood, out the back window, or on the sides. I wanted a car I could see out of, park, and back up without hitting every curb in sight. I never thought I could drive an SUV. I absolutely love this car. I can get in and out of it easily; I can see everything from my high perch, and it handles beautifully. I also care for my husband and father, both of whom are in wheelchairs. The back storage space is great for the wheelchairs and walkers.

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  Toyota the Quality Leader??? - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Steve from Mpls. - March 15 - 6:46 pm

  This is my first Toyota purchase and its not been a good experience. The van has had two recalls - one to put a tape on the doors because they are prone to rust? The other for a seat belt anchor. We also got a notice that the radiator is prone to leaking and that they would extend the warranty on it to 72K miles- little comfort to me. Also the power door on the passenger side and both heated seat elements have had to be replaced. In addition, the tires need replacement even though it gets many highway miles and the tires get rotated and balanced regularly.