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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  Still Love This Vehicle - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By JoanE - June 29 - 6:52 pm

  This is a review of a 2007 Limited Rav 4, which was the top-of-the-line model when it was released. Its still a terrific SUV, although by todays standards its missing some features, such as a back-up camera, lane warning, video screen, push start and USB ports. However, it does have bluetooth for a cell phone, heated seats, a very spacious cargo area with storage under the cargo, a reversible, removable carpet/rubber mat for the cargo hold (which keeps the back clean), automatic headlights, and the tire mounted on the rear, which Ive always thought looked cool. The tire has a premium cover that matches the silver of the car. The rear door swings open, rather than up. The rear seats fold down with extreme ease - just pull a lever. The car has a premium sound system with a CD player, which isnt available anymore. Id say that the gas mileage is average, brought down a bit by the all-wheel drive. Pickup is also average, although the vehicle has always been fun to drive. It has good clearage for snow, anti-lock brakes, and all-wheel drive that kicks in automatically. Im a short woman, and the foot controls are easy to reach; its very comfortable to drive. Visibility is good. I was commuting a long distance when I bought the Rav4, although now I probably drive under 10,000 miles a year. This car has been reliable and hasnt needed major repairs. The leather seats are comfortable, although Im noticing a little cracking on the sides of the front seats. The drivers side visor is drooping - the bracketing is getting worn out. I like the dash controls, which are unfussy knobs and buttons. All told, its been a fun, practical, and reliable vehicle.

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  Good, but rattles a lot... - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By A Kumar - June 29 - 2:56 pm

  I bought the Highlander thinking that Toyota is the venerable brand. The vehicle had good build quality, the panels were very closely aligned with no obvious spacing, however, the big issue was that within 20,000 miles, I heard lots of rattles. Those rattles were coming from all over the vehicle. I felt that paying so much for Toyota made me feel like driving in a tin box, everything in the vehicle looked flimsy and about to break.

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  4 Camry Family - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Brian - June 29 - 9:52 am

  This 2013 Camry continues to be one of the best cars that Ive owned. It simply is stress and worry free

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  Review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By jmb - June 28 - 11:16 pm

  Traded in 03 Accord for 07 Rav4. Loved the Accord, but wanted AWD and better visibility. Handles great. Easier to park than a car.

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  I miss my 4-runner - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By jkglx - June 28 - 9:33 am

  Initial impressions of the 1st 300 miles. This vehicle is very comfortable, and has a pleasant ride. I am a little disappointed with the fuel economy, as I averaged approx 18 MPG in the city. I would not have gotten rid of my 4-Runner if I would have known that I was going to improve my mileage by this little. Waiting to see how efficient on the highway. Also, transmission is acting up. Out of nowhere, RPM revs up when not accelerating.

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  great truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By mattw - June 27 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a great truck! It handles great, for a truck and the reliability is awesome. Absolutely no problems other than brakes and regular maintanance. The V6 is very strong. Not geared like a car but has plenty of power. I think it tows a full 5000 lbs. Ive overloaded the truck and it still pulls strong.

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  I Hate This Car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Roseanne - June 27 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I have been driving Toyotas for 35 years and have always been completely satisfied. Unfortunately, when we bought this car we didnt test drive it and what a mistake that was. It hesitates and jumps ahead on a steady basis, but you never know when. I really feel this is dangerous and we will never buy a Toyota again. It feels like its struggling to get any pick up. Im being told that this is because theres a device protecting the transmission. Sorry, Toyota, you messed up on this model. We are trading it in but not for another Toyota.

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  My Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By StephieEve - June 27 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been up to now a satisfying reliable pleasure. Its great to know that I wont be visiting dealerships with nigling little problems. Its just a wonderfull comfortable car with great economy and a joy to drive.

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  2004 Toyota Camry 2.4 four cylinder - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - June 26 - 1:00 am

  Ive owned this car from new and have serviced all fluids regularly (transmission, coolant and steering included). It is my rolling office and my main concerns are reliability and economy. It avarages 30 mpg, needed front brake pads at 72,000, wiper blades at 75,000, spark plugs at 100,000, pads with rotors at 153,000. The only unschedualed repair to date was the right rear brake light bulb at 103,000. The rear brakes have had regular cleaning but have not worn out. If Toyota made appliances, computers etc. I would buy them

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  Over 60 MPG - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Richard - June 26 - 12:20 am

  With 2000 miles, Im averaging 62mpg (actual calculated mileage). Im a conservative driver and have learned to squeeze every mile out of a gallon. I should get 65+mpg during the fall and winter.