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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  2004 Toyota Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By allison zerr - June 10 - 10:00 am

  After 6 months of research, I decided to "take the plunge". I am glad I did. We got a great deal on a reliable, comfortable, safe SUV.

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  If you want the V-6, buy now! - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By frogee - June 10 - 4:48 am

  Currently have 7,000 miles on my RAV. I particularly appreciate the power and smoothness of the V-6. As one reviewer noted, the accelerator pedal is a bit sensitive, but you readily adjust to that. I consider fuel economy to be pretty good--23MPG in daily driving, 30 on the highway, at least if youre not trying to pass everybody on the road. I would think the V-6 would be a must for anyone towing or carrying heavy loads. And its going away on the 2013 model. (Of course, there is always the Highlander, if you want something much bigger and more pricey.)

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  expected more from toyota - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By ksywa - June 9 - 9:00 pm

  Our new rav4 is driven in the suburbs, so far just little over 350 miles. Already there are some rattles in passengers side doors. Where is Toyotas legendary quality? Fuel economy could be better my average for now is 20.6 mpg. Seats not very comfortable. Still I do love design, plenty of storage compartments. Very functional interior. Four cylinder has sufficient power. I like the spare tire on the back.

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  Clunk Clunk Clunk Clunk - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Matt - June 8 - 9:00 pm

  I purchased my 05 Tacoma 4 Dr Long Box eight days ago. Since then it has been in the shop 4 of those days. It has a knocking/clunking/rattling coming from the right dashboard/fender area every time I hit a bump. The noise decreases about 90% with someone in the passenger seat. It increases when making a right turn. The 2 dealers that have looked at it have no idea where it is coming from and say Toyota does not have a "fix" for the problem. I love everything else about it. It handles like a dream, the ride is very comfortable, it has plenty of power and the 4 door long box is perfect for all your needs. LETS HOPE TOYOTA FIGURES OUT WHAT IS WRONG & COMES UP WITH A SOLUTION!!

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  Love my Corolla - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Roger - June 8 - 7:10 pm

  I purchased my Corolla two and a half years ago with 67,000 miles on it. It is my first car. Up to this point I could not be happier with my purchase. On the road the Corolla is very easy to drive and feels stable at all speeds. The ride for the most part is comfortable except when driving over large bumps or uneven road surfaces. The gas mileage is terrific. I routinely average 29mpg in city driving with the automatic transmission. The interior of the Corolla is nice too. The materials are high quality and the controls are very simple, I would even say too simple. The cabin is usually quite except for an annoying rattleling noise that comes from within the center console.

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  Awesome economical utility wagon - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By strangefingers - June 7 - 5:31 pm

  So Prius v wagon or Jetta diesel wagon... though generally I much prefer Germanic driving dynamics, dollars and sense said same mileage with regular gas vs high cost of diesel fuel and likely lower maintenance costs. Thus the Prius. Handling was below par and crosswinds/truck buffeting was downright scary at times. Without going crazy, for less than $800 complete, a Cusco rear sway bar, Tanabe front and rear springs (10% +/- stiffer and less than an inch lower) with 7mm wheel spacers in front and 5 mm in the rear and the little golf cart that couldnt became the go cart that could! Stable at all speeds, cruising "sweet spot" on secondary roads and highway rose 10 mph comfortably. Awesome!

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  Face the Facts - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Edward G - June 6 - 11:36 am

  Why this car? It saves gas. Also, it is HIP and very TRENDY. Why not an Insight? Prius gets a better MPG. Why not a hybrid Civic? The new thing is the hatchback and cost less. Prius still gets better MPG with more storage space. It doesnt matter whether you are a middle or an upper class of society, it is Cool for all. For a smaller family it works just as well as a minivan. It has enough room for two car-seats and storage space for quick trips. Saves GAS, GAS, GAS. When I first started driving I only average mid 40s. After learning, yes you have to learn, the techniques, I now average mid 50s on regular streets (saves even more in downtown areas) and high 40s on highway.

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  Good car with looks and features, noisy cabin - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By mixer - June 6 - 8:47 am

  Bought a 2015 Corolla LE Plus. Love the looks vs the Camrys or the Corolla S Plus. The S plus has a bigger grille and darker rims which I did not like vs the smaller grille and shinier rims on the LE Plus model. I liked the steering on low speed with this car, but the thing I really disliked was hi-way driving. It is too sensitive in the steering at that speed, so it is kinda like a struggle to keep the car straight and it doesnt help that the car is more prone to wind blowing, so that makes the struggle even harder (especially near trucks). Acceleration is adequate. The ride is actually a little firm (good thing I didnt get the S Plus!) But the road noise can get harsh in freeway driving. I love listening to music and I upgraded my sound system by adding a subwoofer to the factory unit. Sounds much better, but I still have to crank up the volume because the road noise is too loud. Sometimes, it makes me have a slight regret that I didnt get the camry instead. This is what I like about the Corolla though... Good price, good looks, good gas mileage (35 avg), reliable so far, Michelin tires, led headlights, lots of interior space, and I really liked the color combo of the White exterior + Ivory/black interior. Disliked road noise, sensitive steering (harder to keep car going straight), average acceleration (engine noise too). Overall, its a great car if you dont mind my dislikes. For me, its a good buy mainly due to pricing because I couldnt afford the camry since it would be stretching my money too much (kinda poor but wanted new reliable car). Always have a slight regret due to knowing that the Camry is quieter and its acceleration is smoother. At $3000 more, it was hard to swallow the difference, thats how I ended up with the Corolla.

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  Its a good car that will go for the long run - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By borquezmike - June 6 - 8:28 am

  We have had our Camry for 6 months now and can say with certainty it is a very good car. There have been no issues and having 2 kids riding along 70% of time would have brought something out if it existed. The car has good power and commendable handling. It never feels inept or under powered. I have driven several cars with electric steering and this one is well weighted, not great, but good. The car has plenty of room and I like the softtex seat material as a alternative to leather. I really like the fact the car is equipped with Michelin tires which provide a smooth and quiet ride, steer clear of the bridgestones. The radio and steering wheel controls are definitively the best feature.

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  2 yrs review - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By hborgaonkar - June 6 - 8:13 am

  after 2 yrs and 29000 miles the car has been a great commuter car. I consistently get 36-38 on my 56 mile daily commute. It did great in a very snowy minnesota winter with snow tires. I am happy with this $14k vehicle that has great value.