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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  Good but could have been great - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By what could have been - July 1 - 8:03 am

  Bought used in may 2005 with 24,940 miles on it. It now has 34,600 miles on it. Had to fix a/c all new o-rings + recharge Freon for $150.00. Just fixed tie rod end link bushing-left front side $75.00. I avg 27 mpgs in winter short trip cold motor. The 1 long highway trip I took (150 miles round trip) I got 40.5 mpgs with the auto trans + a little a/c usage. Since I owned it I am averageing 32.5 mpgs. I had 195/60 14 tires put on but they had high rolling resistance. I didnt know this at the time I got them so I lost about 3 mpgs. I save every gas reciept. This car needs a more powerfull a/c system it only holds 17 oz of Freon crosswinds are hell in this thing on the highway. City driving is ok.

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  Rav4 vs Rogue - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By cigsmh - June 30 - 4:21 am

  The biggest disappointment with the RAV4 driver position is that I can’t adjust for normal driving. I don’t even want to feel comfortable at least safe. My right leg and foot is so uncomfortable, it numb, the knee is pressed and hurts. The muscles are tense. The RAV4 seat has a lot of adjustment but nothing works. They had the acceleration pedal got stack problem once, and they put it so high from the bottom and also made the bottom incline, and cut the bottom half of the pedal making it so small; the feet is in terrible position , the position is breaking the feet. If I knew this issue I would take Rogue or may be CRV.

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  Its a mixed bag - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By saveenergy - June 28 - 3:15 am

  If you value reliability, comfort, value, good overall performance then this Highlander is hard to beat.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Ron O - June 28 - 2:56 am

  Enjoy driving it, and it is comfortable. AZ freeway speeds are 75 MPH. Car has no problems keeping up with the traffic (I seldom go over 80, but have reached 90 and above, with no problems). I average between 40 and 45 MPG.

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  4th & Favorite Toyota! - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By taszmama - June 28 - 1:57 am

  Toyota has been a part of my life for 20 yrs. I love the reliability and in recent years, the stereo system are far better than other makes. The suspension and light weight power are impressive over my previous 4runners. Enjoy the room and captain seats in the rear. I saw reviews on the navigation, etc. Mine work just fine but there is a lot of stuff that requires 2 manuals for multiple options. This is a fun vehicle to drive I can feel the engine power over heavier older SUVs I have owned. The sound system is better than ever and Toyota has higher quality systems in general. The only thing I dont like is how Toyota does not have paint durability like older models.

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  Built Cheaply. - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Gary Hoyt - June 28 - 12:46 am

  Toyota built this truck for eye appeal. Look closely at the mechanicals and you will find a light duty, cheaply built truck. How this thing ever made Motor Trends "Truck of the Year" award, Ill never know. I traded in a 99 F-150 for it. The 150 was a much better mechanically engineered truck-hands down. Have owned trucks/heavy eq. 34 yrs. do all my own work on everything I own, have an extensive background in mechs. This truck is a piece of junk!

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  Speakers/Rear view mirror - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Doris Gamble - June 26 - 2:43 pm

  My Camry has been good to me, and it is and excellent vehicle, I have had it over 4years and 4months, but I became disappointed in the material that the speaker covers were made of as it has dry rotted in the shape of the speaker, and I would like to know if any other have been reported as this is not good to look at this through your back glass, and also the rear view mirror has started to fade out and thats not good as you need that to see. I was happy at one point but not so happy now. So in order for me to be continue to be happy with Toyota this needs to be corrected. Good car yes just some defects that needs to be address.

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  Great car. - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By KPL - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Very reliable. Rides great. Has over 113000 miles and doesnt use any oil. Very quiet inside.

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  Very Disappointed in gas mileage - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Kurt & Jean Flaig - June 24 - 10:03 pm

  My husband and I are basically very satisfied with our Rav 4 but are very disappointed in the gas mileage. We do not get anywhere near what was quoted. As a matter of fact, we are not getting much better than our full size AWD pickup which we traded for the Rav4. We are only averaging 19 - 20 miles per gallon and have even had it back to the dealer which they claim there is nothing wrong with our car. That was our main purpose for trading in our pickup, and that was the gas mileage.

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  Over paid for hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By steve smith - June 24 - 8:00 am

  Should have kept my RX 330. We thought the mileage was going to be so much better but the joke was on us for paying $4500 more for the hybrid. If you drive the suv in the city for 100,000 miles you might make up the difference. Plus we did not get our tax credit because we leased. The value is going down because gas has leveled off. Can not wait till the lease is up.