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 Ride - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By EMH - March 1 - 2:46 am

  I bought my Highlander three months ago to replace a Honda Accord. Could not be more pleased. I now have over 4200 miles on the vehicle and MPG for around town driving averages 21.5. I recently took a 1500 mile road trip (mostly interstate) and got 27.65 mpg. Although I miss having cruise and radio/CD controls on the steering wheel and a trip mileage meter these are minor inconveniences. My Highlander handles extremely well and the 3.5L 6cyl flat out gets up and goes when you need a little extra power. A minor irritant is the rear hatch is difficult to handle without using both arms (hopefully I wont require shoulder replacement surgery). Excellent value all around.

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  My Corolla XRS - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Sean - February 29 - 4:16 pm

  I just recently purchased a Corolla XRS and have found it to be both fun and practical. I like the throttle sensitivity and 6 speed gearbox. The gauges are incredible. I dont like the (pretty much) solid rear axle, and the near SUV ride height. I would also like to see a telescoping steering wheel in time, as this one seems too close to the dash.

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  Great car! Great value! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By SG - February 28 - 8:16 pm

  First I want to say thank you to everyone who writes reviews. As a person who doesnt know too much about cars I really relied on the honesty of the consumers to help to choose my new vehicle and here we are :) So I wanted to make sure that I pay it forward and write a review in hopes of helping someone in their car buying decision. Pros: Trusted name, cost/value, mpg, tech features, safety and handling Cons: Shape of the headlights, on low beams it does limit how far they illuminate ahead especially on hills (but I have gotten used to it after a month) high beams are fine And the middle console is a little smaller than Im used too (which is really no big deal I just need to stop storing so much junk in my car lol) Overall love this car feels great knowing I didnt have to compromise quality for value and this is an upgrad from my 2002 honda accord.

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  Way better than expected - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Gcarlsbad - February 28 - 2:20 pm

  New Rav4s are almost the same size as 2nd gen 4runners, and the V6 engine is fantastic, 10 more horsepower than my bosses BMW X3! I got 4wd and had no problem driving through snow to go skiing. The interior is pretty nice, the seats fold easily and it is easy to get my surfboard or a bike in the back. I think it looks great in the Sport edition and in general am very pleased after 2000 miles and one west coast road trip. It looks and feels like a much more expensive vehicle. I had a small car before this, though, it hurts at the pump. My MPG are around 21. In general, I dont care what Kanye West has to say about RAV4s, I love mine.

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  2000 Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By grayliner - February 28 - 12:10 pm

  Seatbelt doesnt retract well. Seatbelt retract-stop button broke off, easy use no abuse. Co2 sensors bad, relaced myself -then recall- but $0 reimbursement < refused by Toyota dealer because I did it myself and they went bad before recall. Head gaskets leaked and expensive to replace gaskets -desing/bolts. OEM Brakes went out early, as per typical.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By IngeliseB - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The Celica is great fun to drive, gets a fairly good gas mileage and has lots of room in the trunk esp when you put the rear seats down. A wonderful car for those of us without little kids ;-)

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  Better than a Seabring - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By optus1 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Compared to the Chrysler Sebring, Mitsubishi Eclipse and Ford Mustang, this car totally blows them out of the water in terms of comfort, ride, engine performance (V4). The car gives a very sporty driving experience without the ruff ride. The cabin is very spacious with plenty of leg room for rear passengers. The interior is very symmetrical and stylish, though lacking a sporty edge. The Solara provides a large trunk door with ample cargo space. Overall, this is the best car I have ever had the pleasure to drive. I would definitely by another Toyota in the future.

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  Well Worth It - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By OpenRoad - February 28 - 10:00 am

  When I was looking for a convertible, this one wasnt even on my list. But once I drove it, there was no cpmparision to the others. This car has been a joy to drive. Even at high speeds with the top down, its comfortable and easy to have a conversation. The handling and responsiveness of the engine makes this feel like a sports car.

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  A great car - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris B - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in Sept. 2000 and its been an absolute joy to drive. My only concern was winter driving and how well the all-season tires would do. The car quickly put my concerns to rest. The front-wheel drive and the O/D button on the automatic shift give the car solid traction and great control. Hills are never a problem and I only have to fill up ever three weeks for city driving. All around its just a fantastic car.

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  Avalon Review - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By wtlson - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife who is 82 years old . She has been driving a 1992cadillac deville , She refuses to drive the avalon . She says there are too many buttons . So I am driving the avalon .My biggest complaint is the steering wheel . I have to hold my arms extende in front of me ,and it is tiring . I am 84 years old , 6feet 2 inches and eeigh 220 lbs so I have to put the seat all the way back . The car is fun to drive ,and we use it for short errands , I need to get on the highway .