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:

• 

  2014 4Runner Premium - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By Steven F - June 19 - 6:04 pm

  Great all around truck/SUV! Not a performance vehilce.

• 

  Love our RAV4!! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By mrbsmallz - June 18 - 10:18 am

  Bought the RAV4 used in 2004 for my wife. At the time it had 99K miles. Recognizing it was time for service, I immediately invested $400 to replace the timing belt, water pump, and replace fluids. 100K miles later (199K), this little truck is still going strong and continues to look brand new inside and out. Everything works except minor items (seat belt light blinks constantly on dash ). The maintenance is due again and Im glad to invest another $400 to keep her going. Planning to pass along to our son in the next few years. We have had NO problems with this truck. Only replaced the battery, spark plugs, regular fluid changes, brakes, and tires. Would definitely recommend!

• 

  what a fun car to drive - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By jluke1967 - June 17 - 10:30 am

  this car zips in and out of traffic and is very nimble.

• 

  Got one of the last few 08 RAV4 left - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By BenLiu - June 17 - 4:30 am

  Bought one of the few 2008 V6 AWD base model left after comparing Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, and 08 Highlander. Perfect size for my family of 4 with 2 teenagers. Like the efficiency of the electric-on-demand AWD with reasonably good mpg and absolutely fun to drive. However, dont expect the quietness/refinement of a Camry. Road vibration/noise sometimes noticeable at any speed. If you want to take advantage of the last few 08 RAV4 left like I did, make sure you check out the 09 model before making the decision as Toyota made some good improvements which may be important to you.

• 

  So far, so good - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By chuckrussell - June 16 - 8:31 pm

  I have been very pleased so far. Reliable transportation and averaging 37 mpgs! Wish I could have afforded a camry, though.

• 

  My 2005 XLE in Annapolis - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By LJA - June 16 - 3:36 pm

  Very nice car-only have 1600 miles on it and mostly highway so far averaging 25 mpg-hopefully this will go up when broken in more-because the digital display says I am averaging 32 and sometimes while driving says I am getting 60-99 mpg-need to have this checked

• 

  I Love My New Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By S. Harris - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new (2003) Echo about 5 days ago. I have had nothing but good things to say about it since. The gas mileage is great, It has a lot more power than I expected. It is a lot of fun to drive and the interior room is phenomenal.

• 

  OK, just OK - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Russ - June 14 - 2:50 pm

  This is my wifes car and she loves it except for poor mileage (17mpg in town) and the noise. Good tires would help the noise and ride. Traction is excellent. Seats are good in front and marginal in back. The swing out tailgate with attached spare tire is awkward

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By evo - June 13 - 8:06 pm

  My only complaint is the suspension... its terrible and so expensive to replace, but unless its done, youll pay on brakes. Very comfortable and great on trips, a little gutless these days through mountain passes and at 170000 Im ready to move on... definitely replacing with another toyota. Ive loved my camry.

• 

  Mileage - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By BDenny - June 12 - 10:33 pm

  We traded our 2003 Camry for the Prius, and there is substantial difference in the two vehicles. The most being the ride and the power. I purchased the car without having test driven one, which I have never done before. The salesman told me that 90% of buyers have not. The biggest reason for purchasing the Prius was Fuel Mileage. I am pleased with the fuel mileage, but it isnt getting what I had expected. It is getting 45-48 on the hwy and around 43 city. I am not sure why it is not getting better in the city, but I think a part of it is my wifes driving style. I have about 2500 miles on it so far, and the dealer told me that I wont see the best mileage until gets over 5000 miles.