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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  Exceeded Expectations - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By springerhills - March 7 - 3:50 am

  Averaging over 50 mpg until last heat wave, dropped to 48.6 mpg, all in Eco Mode. Much quieter than reviews indicated. Due to longer wheelbase and stabilizing system, just as smooth as 2005 Toyota Sequoia. Able to dictate text messages and search web hands free by double clicking on steering wheel button using on I-phone 4G when plugged into Entune. Ample legroom in back seat and long trips are comfortable as the back seats recline. Everything right where you need it, very well designed vehicle. Whole family (especially skeptical husband) LOVES this vehicle. Its like driving a Macbook Pro.

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  I love my Rav4! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By SMK - March 7 - 1:16 am

  I debated between the Rav4, the Honda CRV, and the Kia Soul. All three were similar with regards to safety, but there were a just a couple of things about the Rav4 that edged it out over the CRV and Kia Soul with regards to safety. They were minor, but for me they mattered. I will state that prior to purchasing the Rav4, I had been driving a Toyota Sienna mini van for ten years (another GREAT vehicle!), so I was a little more Toyota aimed anyway. Regardless, I test drove all the vehicles. I did really like the Kia Soul, but at the time I had three cats and one dog, and I was soon going to be moving almost 700 miles away, so I needed a vehicle with the storage enough in the back for four animals. The Soul has a roomy storage space, but the Rav4 is bigger with regards to storage. That storage space is probably what edged the Rav4 out over the Kia Soul. The Honda CRV is another great car, but they are pricier. The Rav4 had the space I needed, and the price I wanted, as well it was a Toyota product which I had become accustomed to driving. The car is comfortable, and transported myself and my four animals during the move comfortably. It is peppy and fun! Big enough that I dont feel swallowed by larger cars on the road, but small enough that I dont feel like I am taking up the road when I drive it. What would I change? Not much. I would prefer if the air conditioner had vents in the back and front. My vehicle only has A/C vents in the front. As well, Toyota has a thing about creating vents that cant be fully closed. This is an issue when someone up front is cold. So I would prefer if the side vents could close for passengers. However, this is a minor issue as typically I am the only individual in the car. Also, my particular model does not have electronic controls for adjusting the seat. I was quite surprised by this. That I would change, as it makes adjusting the seat a bit easier if the controls are electronic. As with my previous Toyota Sienna, the drivers window has an "auto" control on the window, so all you have to do is tap it and it rolls itself down by itself. With my Sienna, you could also use the "Auto" switch to allow the window to raise itself. My Rav4 does not have the "Auto" ability to raise the window. I would change that. These are the only things I would change, and they are extremely minor. They do not detract from my enjoyment of the car. Nor do they detract from the vehicles performance. Given that my vehicle is two years old some of these things might have been changed already. I would recommend a Rav4 to anyone who asked about it, and have done so. I love my 2015 Rav4!

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  Steering - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Sammy - March 6 - 10:03 pm

  I have the same problem with steering like the earlier reviewer "Steering is a problem, the car veers from side to side like having a gust of wind hitting the car. I could never keep the car straight on the road, it gets worse as I gradually increase the speed"

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  Excellent vehicle - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Vt Celica - March 6 - 7:30 pm

  What can I say. This vehicle is the best I have owned and the best that I have driven. I purchased my 2000 Celica GT with 46000 miles and have done no maintenance other than front pads and rotors, oil changes and transmission gear lubricant. The car now has 96500 miles and the addition of higher quality spark plugs, intake, and a performance muffler. I have to say that I disagree that this car is a better car than others for teens as I have personally reached 137mph with 500rpm to spare before redline. After 4500 rpm this thing is a rocket and with the simple addition of a less restrictive intake it gets better. Hands down one of the best for reliability, performance and comfort.

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  Questionable Quality - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By JK - March 6 - 1:50 pm

  Bought new three years ago and heres what I noticed. When I hit approx. 65 mph, cowl rattles. High pitch is noticed at 62 mph too. Dealer tried five times but still could not fix it. Driver side door had to be re-aligned because it was improperly installed. Power sliding door was rubbing against main body of the van--body shop took care of it. When the weather is cold, the engine idles high above 1700 rpm for 5 min. before settling down. Dealer says its normal but did not notice this on other rental minivan. 19 mpg overall. Bought this over Honda Odyssey because it was quieter but 3.3L is inadequate for this heavy van. Overall, this is a decent van but body integrity is very poor.

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  Prius 2006 - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Scott Ayliffe - March 6 - 10:20 am

  Great car! If this were a normal 4 or 6 cylinder gas engine car, it would still be a fantastic ride. The "fit and feel" is tight as you would expect from Toyota engineering. Gas mileage (real world) is closer to 39-40 mpg, but thats driving with AC blowing full blast (which drains batteries a little faster therefore requiring gas engine recharging at highway cruise speeds a little more often). Its fast off the line, too. Very quick car. If I drove it more efficiently, I would probably be getting better gas mileage. Would buy it again in a heartbeat !

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  Love It! But... - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By clinton810 - March 6 - 7:29 am

  I purchased my 2011 4Runner in December 2010 with less than 5 miles on it from our local dealer. Loved it! This vehicle can handle anything you throw at it. We got hammered with snow and in 4WD it is like snow isnt even an issue. Great gas mileage for a car this size. I am getting around 19.5 MPG with only about 6000 miles on it so far not even broken in yet. About 70% city driving and 30% highway. Only a couple knocks on the car. The engine is loud and makes a weird noise. I had it in for service and was told that these are known to have loud fuel injectors. Did some research and found some information this so it isnt complete B/S. No automatic car wash can get back window clean.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CRCAMRYLE - March 6 - 7:03 am

  I really like the car and I have had it for 3 weeks now. Cannot ask for more except standard stability control, illuminated lights for door opener and window controls and 6-CD changer in all cars.

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  watch for recall on 2011 shocks - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By jdijkstra - March 6 - 5:08 am

  shocks are weak on the 4runner SR5. pushing down on rear and front ends causes continuos bouncing, as does little hills on the road. My rear passenger had gotten motion sickness from the bouncing . The truck front end dips on braking and any fast emergency braking causes the front end dip to be so excessive that the rear end lifts the tires up enough to cause the automatic braking to kick in. This has happened to me 3 times and is very scary since the abs brakes stay engaged for a min. I almost crashed into car in front of me . I showed the dealer service dept the problem, but was advised that if they exchanged the shocks for Bilstein shocks, toyota would charge them for the ones removed

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  Excellent, good to be back in a Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bryce-Long Beach - March 5 - 9:43 pm

  Always had Camrys, briefly went to KIA (it was o.k.), now back to Camry. This is a great car!