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:

• 

  2007 Toyota RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By 2007 Toyota RAV4 - March 4 - 1:33 am

  The first things that appealed to me were the styling and pricing for the Limited. At first glance, the interior looks well-designed and human-factored. It is overly plastic though, and that detracts greatly from the quality one would expect in a Toyota product. This RAV provides a great ride and good handling. At the bottom of the list of features, and this comes at a bad time, is gas mileage. Im getting right at 20 mpg with a four cyl. engine around town. Six bangers can do much better than that!

• 

  Good Car So Far, But Some Downgrades - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Joe B Radio - March 3 - 10:43 pm

  Just traded an 02 Camry I really liked with 102K for 09. Have only put 300 miles on the car so far, but the quality, especially interior, is a notch down from the 02. The inside plastic seems of lesser quality and there are some issues with sections matching up, something I never thought I would see in Toyota. I guess they made changes to keep the price down. On road performance is comparable and ABS is standard. The pickup is about what you expect considering it is a 4 cyl on such a large frame. I hope the car has the reliability of my trouble free 02 Camry.

• 

  A Great Car - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By M. Lynn - March 3 - 3:03 am

  I have been looking to buy a new car for some time now but nothing shows the reliability that the 1996 corolla does. My car has almost 170,000 miles on it and it has never broken down. Have replaced brakes and tires from wear and tear but that is it. I dont even change the oil as often as I probably should but the car is a champ. Pick-up isnt the best and its very loud (vibrations/rattles/outside noise). No special features, no power options. But in the end probably the best 3000 dollars spent. Plan on driving it until it cant drive any longer.

• 

  Pros and Cons of a Toyota Prius V - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Just Me - March 2 - 11:13 am

  Pros of the Toyota Prius V: I purchased the 2012 Prius V (5) The space is terrific for families or active persons. The hatch back has fantastic room, I put the back seats down and pack boogie boards, surfboards, a bike or even a piece of furniture I purchased from the store. Love the back seat leg room. My family is tall and have long legs, the room is comfortable for them and the shoulder room is also. Love the technology, I have had no problems with the car in the 4.5 yrs I owned it. This car is great on gas !! I previously owned a van because i needed the space but the gas was like another car payment, With my van i spent about $425.00 per month on gas verses with the Prius V I only spend $70.00 !!! That is a huge savings and I can still fit the things I need in the Prius V. DOWNSIDE OR CONS: THE PRIUS V IS VERY NOISY ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAVE TO SPEAK LOUDLY TO HEAR EACH OTHER. IT IS NOT A QUIET RIDE. VERY UNFORTUNATE.

• 

  On or Off Road -This is the One - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By James52 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Tried them all, beats new range rover for comfort and standard items, more class than new navigator, hasnt lost off road lure

• 

  Excellent value, comfort, performance - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Marc B. - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 10,000 miles...now it has 85,000. Only repair was the A/C compressor replaced by the dealer - I paid labor only (after the warranty expired). Otherwise car is flawless, solid, comfortable and fun to drive. I have it serviced at the dealer (oil change $26.95) My only question is how long this will last. I might get 200,000 miles out of my Avalon, and Id be happy to drive it that long. Why pay 1,000s more for another car? For what? Having BMW written on the hood just isnt worth it.

• 

  Best Truck for the Money - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pete Philippis - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I have 110,000 miles on this truck original owner. Ive done nothing except oil change, tires, and changed the front brakes (original clutch). Rock Solid and I do not drive or treat this truck kindly. It has many dents and dings but it gets me from point A to B without ever letting me down. Highly recommend. F150 cant touch this truck.

• 

  Thank God its on a lease! - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By ckshubin - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Have nothing but brake problems. Rear brakes hum when stopping - told this was "normal noise" for a Sienna. Very irritating. Had rotors sanded down after only 15,000 miles. 1 week later had metal crunching sound when stopping. Was told "nothing looks wrong". Was also told by dealer not to come back with rear brake noise that theres nothing they can do. Drivers side slider door rattles. Rattle in rear seats about drives me nuts Yes, its been in to be fixed under warranty. Still rattles. Was planning to buy it at end of lease. Im just glad im not stuck with it and can turn it in and be finished with this lemon when the lease is up.

• 

  Its not all perfect - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Canada - March 1 - 10:53 pm

  Gas mileage for my 4Runner was equal to my previous Suburban. Passenger seat broke 3 months after purchase, rarely used. Drivers seat broke 2 yrs, & I had to pay half of $600.00 to fix it! Replaced brakes at approx 88,000 km, normal. Drives excellent, no major maintenance costs unlike the Suburban. But the side mirrors are in my face, and major blind spots. Friends who have driven my vehicle find the same problem. For this reason, I wouldnt buy another 4Runner. I have had too many near accidents due to this problem, and prior to this vehicle, Ive never had so many potentials! Stereo could be better. 1 to 2 minutes for 4WD to engage & disengage! Thats too long.

• 

  Two years now 20000 miles - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By dadinfo - March 1 - 6:58 pm

  It performs great for most of our driving. Mom drives it mostly and is in love, head over heels. OVER 40 MPG ! ! !