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 van so far. Still afraid the will shoe to drop. - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By bhildebrand - January 7 - 10:35 pm

  Bought second hand in Nov 2012. Owned 2 Chrysler vans before this one. Got this 05 sienna XLE with 97000 all prepped and ready to go. In Dec we went from PA to CA and back in comfort & had a great trip. Van didnt give so much as a hick-up. Got 21mpg average over all. But with 5 adults & lots of luggage I guess thats not bad even though I was hopping for better. just over a year now (mar 2014)with no major problems. Power doors acting up over winter but have learnt to deal with it. will cut cable and run manual if need be. now have 121000miles. Went in for 100000mile services and found cracked radiator. Ouch! If this is the worst that happens Ill still be happy with it.

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  First time dissapointment with Toyota - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Larry - January 7 - 7:35 pm

  Very underpowered. Trans continously shifts to keep rpms up. Took 1200 miles trip to Florida. In 20 to 25 mph headwind will not stay in high gear using criuse but runs at higher rpms. Constantly downshift in cruise even with very slight road incline. Would never pull a trailer on long trip. I am 69 an sadly this is most dissapointing vehicle I have ever purchased. Running the vehicle with the ETC button on gains you 1.5 to 2.5mpg. Using that mode, I got 24 mpg with the last two tanks of gas. Pulling a 14 foot, 2500 lbs travel trailer the Tacoma will barely go 65 mph on a freeway and gets 12mpg.

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  Love my Prius! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By VT Prius Fan - January 7 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Prius in November of 2007 and now have just over 12,000 miles on it. I average between 46 and 50 mpg. It does a little better on highway trips. The car has plenty of room too. In March I took a trip with three other people to Charleston, SC from Ashburn, VA. With four people in the car + luggage the Prius averaged 47 mpg. I cannot say enough good things about this car. Since I have purchased my Prius at least 4 co-workers have purchased hybrid cars because they were so impressed with mine. If you are looking for a new car, go ahead and buy a Prius. You will not regret it.

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  Toyota First Timer - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By JoeRyan - January 7 - 3:43 pm

  After the usual dealership hassels I was off in something different than my usual Ford. I own a business and for tax purposes buy a new truck every year or two. The last 10 years have been Fords and after reluctantly test driving the Tundra, I bought one. Man this truck is tight and quick. The exterior styling wasnt my favorite but I figured I dont ride on the outside. The interior seats fit you like a glove, there is slim to none body roll, and when it needs to scoot it will. The 05 Ford Supercrew [$37,000] had not nearly the off the line punch of the Toyota and the interior is a movie theatre. Whereas the Tundra feels more like an extension of the driver

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  Waited 10 years - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By tom - January 7 - 12:06 am

  Have a 2000 xls with 79,000 miles I bought new, and have been well satisfied. It is a great car. Found my current 2010 XLS with 9400 miles at a fair price with windows already tinted. Cocoa bean metallic/ ivory, lots of extras by original buyer. The wait was well worth it. Car is super quiet, solid, handles great, and gets great mileage 33mpg on road, 28 in town. Have gotten as high as 35mpg w/o the air. In my opinion, I like the Avalon better than the Lexus ES, its bigger, just as quiet, and more car for the money. Its a classy ride, big comfortable, and amazingly powerful for a v-6. Like the 2010 better than the 2011. 2011 has too much GORP, or chrome pieces to jazz it up!

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  2007 Toyota RAV4 Limited - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By clevelandrav4 - January 6 - 11:10 pm

  Generally, Im very happy with it. A road trip to Boothbay, Maine with my brother and pregnant sister-in-law was extremely comfortable for all involved. I drove the entire way there and was quite comfortable. Gas mileage is a little disappointing; not as good as advertised. Engine power is awesome. Rides and handles very well. Downright sporty (I used to drive a lowered GTI). Inside, the stereo is above average, though not great. Great in the snow-belt.

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  All around - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By jake sand - January 6 - 10:33 pm

  Very good all around truck. I use as only vehicle, nice on road, hauls boxes at work, pulls trailer, and best of all, it is very capable off road.

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  Amazingly Versatile - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By sdc2 - January 6 - 6:46 pm

  I searched a lot of models before buying the RAV4 six months ago. The RAV4 was the only one I found that: 1) a 63" guy like me could fit into comfortably - I am long torso and headroom is always a challenge, but the height-adjustable seat and telescoping steering wheel did the trick. 2) Properly equipped can tow a modest camper or boat. 3) Would still get into the upper 20s for highway gas mileage. The V6 RAV4 has done all that and more for me. I am getting 22-24 mpg around town and 26-28 highway so far.

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  Glad I got it - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By steed - January 6 - 1:13 pm

  We have 2 little ones, so we traded in a very nice 2003 TL S-type for the sport 4 runner. My wife was tired of bending over to load kids. We are very happy with the choice. Although not nearly as loaded as our old ride, the 4runner handles very well for a truck based suv. It feels light to drive. I actually like the cloth seats better than leather, and the exterior of the sport edition is just plain cool looking. Much better gas milage than I expected. Engine power is adequate and a good mix of power & economy. Plan on making this "the truck" and trading in my pickup for something a little better on gas. Plan on keeping this a while...

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  I love this car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - January 6 - 9:53 am

  We bought this car a couple months ago and are very happy we did. I looked at the Nissan, the Accord, and the Malibu and came to the conclusion the Toyota Camry is the best built most comfortable of them all. We traded in a 2005 Trailblazer that was in excellent shape but the cost of gas had us looking. My wife had a difficult time letting go of her SUV but now that we have the Camry she is very pleased.