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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  Some problems early, but very nice now - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By firstblood10 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  When my Camry was less than a year old, it was in the shop for a 59 day stretch when a defective part had to be replaced. I got a free loaner (Corolla ...) and they paid my two payments, plus gave me the platinum warranty. Since then, its been a pleasure. I for one think there is plenty of power in it considering it is a 4 cylinder. I never have to merge below freeway speeds. Thats good enough for me. The brakes have never been as good as they should be. They work fine, but they shutter and ocassionally grind, and nothing theyve ever done has fixed this. The suspension rattles in the city, and is a bit loose.

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  Good Truck with a Thirsty Engine - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By road2cycle - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Pros: No mechanical problems so far Stylish exterior Comfortable seats Sufficient interior storage Engine has sufficient power Radio, AC, Heater controls in easy to reach locations Deep cupholders Great view of the road Cons: Gets blown around in crosswinds Poor gas mileage (17mpg - 60% highway and 40% city) Rough ride on bumpy roads Clock is in a bad location Gear shift rattles on bumpy roads Baby seat doesnt fit in rear Pillar and headrest block view over left shoulder (driver)

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  Enough of Ford - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By L Romaine - July 2 - 8:10 pm

  After 15 years of Fords I love my new Toyota Sequoia it has plenty of room, plenty of power and is a joy to drive.

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  slow for 180 hp and 2500 lbs - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Polikmus - July 2 - 6:00 am

  Over-all, I like this car. Handles well Toyota is strict about its warranty Few problems so far Ugly interior, colors dont match (yellow display; green radio?). Rear’s too high; cant see out back window. Blind spot’s too big.

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  Okay but... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By okay but......... - July 2 - 1:10 am

  Just passed 10,000 mile mark. Gas mileage not 29 mpg like sticker says, more like 21-22 mpg. Finally adjusted tires so ride not so bumpy. Humming noise at 40 mph is almost unbearable. Dealer says its normal. Drove other RAV4s and heard the same noise. I love everything else about my RAV, but dont know how much longer I can stand the noise.

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  Where you buy - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Im sorry - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The car has all I want! Economical reliable, cd player, abs. Not sporty, but rides good for this size car.

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  07 4 Runner - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Steve - July 1 - 9:30 am

  After 6 months of reading reviews on SUVs, picked the 4Runner. My second choice would have been the FJ Cruiser. Have had for 9 months and have had no problems at all. This is the first new vehicle Ive owned that has not been in the shop at least 3 times the first 6 months for repairs and/or adjustments. Mileage is 19 MPG city and 22 to 23 on the road. Its enjoyable to have a ride that only requires gas and oil changes. The vehicle I replaced was a 1988 S-10 Blazer purchased new; it was a great truck but the new Trail Blazers just did not impress me as being a SUV. The 4Runner is great in our Minnesota snow and ice, 4-wheel drive and traction control perform well.

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  Could be great car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - July 1 - 12:30 am

  Responsive engine and lots of good and convenient features. Gets good mileage for a big car. Not too big for "an around town car." Only beef is the car wanders/tracks the rain grooves on a concrete freeway at freeway speed. Feels like youre hydroplaning. Dealer and Toyota of America say this is a "characteristic" of the car and there is no fix. Long distance driving leaves me up tight and hanging on for dear life.

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  RAV4 vs CX-5, CR-V and Forrester - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By pmonk - June 30 - 3:45 pm

  I just finished a week with a brand new RAV4 rental in XLE trim. I purchased a CX-5 a couple of months ago and test drove a CRV and Forrester during the purchase process, so I thought I would offer some comparisons. In a nutshell, these are all fine cars and which one you pick probably depends on your priorities. Go for the CX-5 if you want looks and handling; pick the RAV4 for a comfortable, quiet highway cruiser; the Forrester as a wagon replacement (lower seating position); and CR-V as the best all-around (especially at the lower trim levels).

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  The family van - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By JY - June 30 - 3:30 am

  Weve had our van for one month and are generally happy with it. It has a lot of space, and provides a quiet comfortable ride for all passengers. It is not a drivers van as the steering feels disconnected and the brakes feel soft. However the engine is a powerful and quiet marvel. On a 2000 mile road trip we found the engine powerfully moves the van along and got nearly 26 mpg running mountainous roads and AC most of the way, even before the engine was fully broken in.