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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  Solid Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Chris - August 13 - 5:40 pm

  I have always been a car guy but since I moved into my first house, the need for a truck had become quite apparent. Overall, I really like the truck, the appearance is what initially sold me on this particular model. In the few months since I bought the truck, gas prices have soared and unfortuantly I am only getting about 17 mpg (and that is with an Cold Air Intake installed on the truck). I have not had any problems thus far with the truck. Very reliable Pros: Fun to drive, Loose back end makes corners fun (equipped with LSD), nice acceleration, nice appearance. Cons: Fuel economy, loose back end, paint job is kinda cheap, engine bay gets dirty quickly. Overall happy, but miss my car

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  Great except for the navigation - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By D Karin - August 13 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased a 2028 Camry XSE with all options. Everything is very good except for the Scout navigation. Nothing is built into the car. To use it you must have the Scout app on your smartphone and the phone linked to your car. Once you get into the car you need to plug the phone into a USB port, and then start the app on Entune. If you go out of network, functionality goes away until back in network. When you leave the car, you need to remember to unplug and take your phone with you. If you get a heads up display, you will only see navigation on a V6 with integrated navigation. The app itself leaves much to be desired. In three years you will need to pay a subscription fee to use it.

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  Rav4 2009 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By NKK - August 13 - 10:23 am

  I have had this Rav4 for almost 2 weeks. Its a Base V6 4wd. The first tank of gas gave me an avg mileage 24 mpg for a combination of Highway and City. Ride quality feels solid but engine noise is very evident for the first few gears and once we pick up speed >40 miles you can hardly hear a hum. I chose the Rav4 over CRV, just because it offers a v6 option and Honda doesnt. I am hoping 270 Hp coupled with 4wd should suffice to drive on hilly and snowy winters.

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  Toyota Solara SLE convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ross333 - August 13 - 6:10 am

  There is a problem with rear view visibility from the drivers seat with the top up. The rear seat head restraints all so block vision out of small rear window. The Toyota body is not stiff enough with out the unit body roof, this makes the convertible a bit unstable on all but super smooth road surface. You get a lot of shake car needs improved body supports.

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  Reliablity galore! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joe D, Philadelphia - August 12 - 4:36 pm

  I bought the 99 used in 2004. Ive been driving for almost 2 years now and no problems! (clock wire is loose, no biggie). Still has great pickup, especially in 1st and 2nd gears! 4WD is great in the snow. One of the best riding/reliable vehicles Ive ever owned. This sucker will run to 200k miles without a doubt (currently only at 60k).

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  Toyota Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Mimerlan - August 12 - 10:00 am

  We have really enjoyed our Toyota Echo. If you are not after luxury, this is one to consider. It gets great gas mileage, and it has plenty of leg room. Our son is 62" and he has no complaints with the head and leg room. It has plenty of pep for passing and take-offs. And it cruises nicely down the road at 70 mph. It sets up higher than any compact car we considered. It also has plenty of trunk space. For the price, comfort and economy you cant beat it!

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  dont compare with GLE - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By CarManiac - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I brought a brand new 2001 avalon XL with bucket seats with power, JBL sound system, and 15inch rims. I had no problems with the brakes, tires, engine and etc. I really like this cars paint job. It is a great travel car. at the speeds of 80- 90mph there isnt much road or wind noise, which is amazing. there is one problem; after 8,000 miles the back doors open and close alot. Screws inside or something is loose, everytime i go on a bump i hear the squeeking or cracking noise on the doors. I dont know why some people compare this car with the Maxima GLE, i mean its a sports car, not a luxury family car.

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  First test drive - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Planedave - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I was very impressed with the ride and interior design. The v8 didnt seem all that quick, I wonder if the v6 will be enough for this heavy a truck. The plasic lower body panels of the SR5 and sport are ugly like and Avalanche. at $40k + for a Limited (the only model without the ugly plastic) it is overpriced.

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  I like it, but a step back? - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By bagman33 - August 10 - 10:44 am

  Traded by 2011 for the 2012 SE just because I wanted the newer style and technology. Bought fully loaded with push button start, leather, sunroof, dimming mirror, homelink, nav, entune, etc. Im highly disappointed in Entune. Apps are horrifically slow. Pandora quality (even when set to high) is bad. Its better to bluetooth stream Pandora from my phone (iPhone 4S) Nav is REALLY bad. Wanted me to go 6 blocks around instead of 1 block forward. Toyota made some cuts that disappointed me as well such as the removal of power up/down passenger window, LED lighting (exterior) and what seems to be a cheap headliner.

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  Camrys since 1994 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Camrys win again - August 9 - 11:06 am

  Researched Camry and Accords extensively. Have had Camrys since 1994. Purchased LE 4cyl, sunroof and alloy wheels. Love the quiet ride, especially over city bumps. Found the Accord not as forgiving in the city. If you do a lot of highway or curvy country road driving get the Accord with the vehicle stability package. Otherwise, if you live in the city get the Camry. Its more a "squishy" comfortable drive with good sound "muffling" ability. Also, this is picky but the a/c on the Camry works alot better than Honda especially when speed varies.