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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  278,000 miles and counting - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By gene_neill - November 28 - 7:14 am

  I bought my Prerunner new in 2004. My previous truck was an F-250, so it was tough to give up the size, and the big V8 engine - in fact I still miss those things. But this truck just keeps on and keeps on and KEEPS ON, so I just cant complain anymore. In all these miles, I have done pretty much NOTHING except change the oil, and whatnot. The only thing that has ever broken was the power steering pump, somewhere around 150K miles. I plan to continue driving this as my main (and only) work and personal vehicle at least until it hits 350,000. I see no reason to believe that will be a problem.

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  Owned the vehicle for just one year - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By SpartanMan - November 28 - 12:54 am

  Purchased the vehicle in the Spring 2015. When I test drove it , it was only around town, only short trips . No problems at that time, loved the vehicle. In the Fall, I took it on its first long journey to take my son to college, several hours away...and for the first time my back was KILLING me after just a couple hours non stop driving . It was then, I realized just how uncomfortable the drivers seat was....no adjustable lumbar support, no good thigh support. I used wedges, pillows, side leg support ...anything to help the leg and hip pain. Nothing worked. I ended up using my old Ford Expedition for long trips the remainder of the year. Never had issues with comfort in the Ford or even my wifes Nissan Altima. Traded the Rav4 ( and Expedition) a year later for a 2016 Kia Sorento, which I made sure to take on a prolonged test drive before buying. Needless the say, the Kias seats are excellent. ........If you find the seats in your Rav comfortable, then yes, the Rav4 is an excellent choice and should provide reliablity and value for years and years.

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  Toyota Avalon Limited - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Arnold - November 27 - 8:10 pm

  Great sedan at thousands less than Lexus. 32MPG hwy with loads of power. Nav could be a bit simpler to use both otherwise a well executed design and layout. This is my 2nd Avalon and a Lexus in sheeps clothes. Ultra quiet engine, loads of interior room and limo like back seat. Toyota did a super job on this often overlooked sedan.

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  Rock solid reliability - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By ripdaddy - November 27 - 12:46 pm

  I was a bit concerned with the added complication of hybrid technology. But historically the Prius has been one of most reliable cars on the road. Ive never see mention of battery pack failure and they seem to last far beyond their guaranteed life span. I enjoy driving the car. The steering wheel is a bit of a reach even with the telescoping column. I cannot get the seats situated where I can spend an extended time driving. Im 61" but because of the steeply raked windshield I have to position the seatback rearward before I can comfortably see under the top edge of the windshield. The pressure on my tailbone quickly becomes uncomfortable. Id still buy a Prius again, though.

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  very reliable family on the go SUV - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By ntchanda - November 27 - 6:33 am

  I drive more than most Moms I know, and this car has been fabulous in terms of reliability-I had one minor problem with the CD player freezing during the winter but that was worked out. Other than that, it has NEVER broken down, and I have over 110K on the car that is just over 4 years old. Design problems they could fix are that the doors are so heavy they dont stay open on their own (so getting younger children out can be challenging) and they could streamline the overall design so its not so bulky. Those are my only two negative comments.

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  Great car. - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Mitzie - November 26 - 10:36 am

  I bought the car new and most of the time I am the only driver. I put new tires on this past winter. The car is clean. Except for regular maintenance I have had very little trouble with this car. I replaced the water pump a few years ago and the brakes.

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  Solara, A Great Touring Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Michael Byrnes - November 26 - 6:06 am

  I bought this vehicle for the Toyota name and because I didnt want a small convertible. It was recommended by Consumer Reports as well. The other mid size convertibles were either too "old looking to me or too pricey. This vehicle allows us to bring two or three friends along. The 2006 Solara has a very smooth ride, stability and traction control, the seating is great, its very comfortable getting in and out, and its a pleasure on the open road, top down. There is almost no detectable engine noise. In fact the only flaw is at low speeds, 15 to 30 mph, when the gas and the transmission seem to resist acceleration enough to make it feel like its dragging before it kicks in and leaps forward.

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mar1234 - November 25 - 5:03 pm

  Great car. Would purchase another one when our family needs another car. I get over 50 mpg.

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  GOOD CAR FOR SHORT PEOPLE - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By MARK SCHOLZ - November 25 - 10:00 am

  IS MY WIFES CAR, SHE LOVES IT AND I DONT MIND IT. ACCELERATION IS SLUGGISH UNLESS YOU FLOOR IT THEN IT TAKES OFF. WE HAVE DRIVEN IT TO FLORIDA 3 TIMES (3000MILES) AND I WAS VERY COMFORTABLE (63") MY ONLY COMPLAINTS ARE; PASSENGER POWER MIRROR HAS LIMITED ADJUSTABILITY CANT PUT IT HIGH ENOUGH TO SEE WELL. WIND NOISE FROM WINDSHIELD AT 65 MPH AND ABOVE. i PUT A K+N FILTER ON IT WHICH HELPED MILEAGE AND PERFORMANCE. WE AVERAGE 24 MPG CITY AND HIGHWAY. 28MPG IS THE BEST WEVE SEEN (4X4 AUTO) WHEN I DRIVE I GET ABOUT 23 MPG ON THE HIGHWAY DOING WELL OVER 65. DONT BOTHER WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKES, YOU DONT NEED THEM. NOTHING HAS BROKE. HAPPY WITH QUALITY

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  Good truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill - November 24 - 5:03 pm

  First Toyota. Very quiet ride, handles great plenty of power for a 4.7 lit. engine, gas mileage 16 to17 mpg. Have cap on it, racks with tools inside.