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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  Transmission Problems - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By joenenninmo - November 19 - 9:52 pm

  At a steady speed, steady rpm between 2000 and 3000, on flat surface the rpm suddenly drops 200 to 500 rpm then jumps back up to cruise. Does this every fifteen seconds or so almost all the time. Dealer service says "Oh yeah, thats what Corollas do" "Theres no fix" Its VERY annoying. May have something to do with Downhill Braking assist of the electronic transmission. VERY annoying. Many other owners have reported exact same thing and Toyota doesnt appear to be doing anything about it. I would avoid Corrollas until they fix this.

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  Work Horse - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By MJ - November 19 - 7:03 pm

  I drive alot!! I put over 13000 miles on this little car since october 09. I have had no problems so far. With winter tires I get 43-44 mpg, and thats mostly at 74 mph. Windy conditions are a challenge for the prius.

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  Great car...some quality issues...poor customer experience... - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By tjbss - November 19 - 12:13 pm

  The only negative regarding this car relates to quality issues (power windows and sun visor) and specifically the way the dealership and Toyota executed their customer service. Otherwise, the vehicle is a joy to drive and (so far) very reliable. The drivers sun visor has broken twice in less than three years. The dealership, Rice Toyota, and Toyota have, in the end replaced the sun visor at no charge, however Toyota corps customer service has disappointed me due to failed follow up promises. The power window failed due to a nut that came off the window...a repair we paid for. These relatively "minor repairs make me less positive toward the brands quality and customer service.

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  Big Blue - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Owned over a year. Bought it used with just over 9,000 miles. No problems whatsoever. Truck came with an aftermarket DVD, amp and subwoofer. Many compliments from friends. Easy to shift into 4X4 when needed. Rides perfect for a truck and love the height. Adjustable height on the drivers seat. The interior is awesome. Recommend buying one!

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  Very satisfied - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Have owned two months. Drive about 2,000 miles a month. Like everything about vehicle. High content for buck. Standard features are impressive. Very comfortable seats. Great ergonomics. Smooth and quiet. Great combination of economy and room.

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  Solid - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Owned the FJ for 2 years and 62,000 km without a single mechanical issue to date. Have had the near-vertical windshield replaced after 6 months of ownership as a rock cracked the soft stock windshield. Handles like a champ in the snow. 4.0L engine is smooth and powerful. Has some straight-line tracking issues at highway speeds when there are winds > 30km/h due to the non- aerodynamic design.

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  Great SUV - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By caremil - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Interior is well thought out, with lots of storage, amenities and the heating/cooling system well distributed through out the car. Solid feeling ride with limited road/wind noise. Able to tow 5000 lbs. Full spare which comes in Handy when traveling. Still own 2004 Highlander limited wish has great reliability record.

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  First Year Review - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By bob t - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought our RAV-4 at the beginning of the year. We got the RAV when the price dropped to the same level as the Forester. The stock tires were fine the end of the first winter. I bought some Blizzak DM-V1s for this winter as the OEMs have poor ratings for winter driving. No problems with combined mileage at 27+ mpg. The vehicle rides a little rough and the steering, brakes, and accelerator are a bit sensitive.

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  do not buy. drive & quality poor - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I hate it, wife loves it. had the car 2 months and it is covered in dents from acorns (tree above our parking space). this is not just my car, I have looked for and seen this in parking lots on several priuss. drive is not comfortable, poor seats and acceleration makes the gas engine rev wildly but have little effect. interior ceiling feels like recycled cardboard. (feel roof when you test drive). rear view mirror shakes with stereo base. only use is for short runs where you dont go over 30mph. (wife uses it for these) unfortunately I drive 99% on the freeway and the car shakes at 55mph (center console esp.). windshield fogs up quickly at all times.

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  Loving my new Car! - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I was driving a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara which I really liked... except for the gas mileage. I was getting about 18 miles a gallon, and when youre job hunting... that doesnt work. I was pushed into driving a Rav4 and surprisingly... I LOVE IT. I hope once the "new car" wares off the mileage will be as great as I need it to! I am very happy with my new car!