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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  RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Jeff - June 20 - 12:46 pm

  Have driven 17000 miles. Day to day driving it only gets 23 mpg. EPA estimates 24 to 30 mpg. Seats not very comfortable on drives over 40 or 50 miles. Rides rough, you feel every bump. There is a large blind spot on both rear corners. Dont like large swinging rear door. The 4 cyl engine takes a lot of pedal to get the vehicle moving. Get the V6. I wont buy another.

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  Pre-collision w/pedestrian detection may not work - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By James Canell - June 19 - 3:07 pm

  I bought a Rav4 with TSS-P. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection does not work like advertised. Brought car back to dealership to check out system. Computer analysis diagnosed system in working order. Road test with Toyota adviser as driver proved a failure of this system. Dealerships answer was to turn to pages 240-241 of owners manual listing the limitations of the pre-collision system; that it may or may not work. Toyota headquarters USA told me that the pre-collision system only works in certain circumstances. I recommend you do not spend the money for the advanced tech package, until you road test your vehicle in these certain circumstances.

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  Great Purchase, No Regrets - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Kenny Lee - June 19 - 6:20 am

  Had my TCH for about 2 months now and have to say I am very satisfied. I am averaging 38 mpg local, and 40+ on highway. Great idea of killing two birds with one stone, saving money on gas and being eco friendly.

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  Fun to drive, strong 4cyl, reliable+++ - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By alchemy - June 19 - 2:00 am

  The 150+ horse power I-4 is adequate for most applications. Excellent acceleration with the manual transmission, strong, quiet and tuff when reved. The interior build quality is impecable. The 2wd model which I have doesvery well on fire roads and minor off road driving. The high ground clearance and manual transmission allows the vehicle to wedge into just about any forseeable situation. With the right tires, it is great on snow too. If you want to climb hills, get the 4x4, but the 5 speed 2wd it adequate for most applications

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  blown engine - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By karen klein - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I had 105524 miles on my car and it blew an engine. I understand this is a problem for Toyotas the last few years. Car was well maintained, but went from a 7000. asset to 500. in one day.

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  Great Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By pppmjde - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Toyota Tundra in July of 2002 it is now 16 months old with 25,000 miles on it. It is one great truck. I have owned GME and Ford and this vehicle is over and above the rest. It is by no means perfect but compared to the others no contest...

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  Pot hole eater - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - June 18 - 4:46 pm

  Purchased 04 standard cab new, basic nuts and bolts truck. I did put a cab cover on. The thing that stands out most on this truck is its durability. I live in a city that has lots of bad roads, and while Honda CVCCs are tiptoeing around pot holes I plow right through them, and love to look in my rear views at expressions of awe. I did have to replace the front brakes at 45K, but other than that its very reliable and a blast to drive.

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  Love my RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron Schirmer - June 17 - 6:33 pm

  Great car for anyone looking for a SUV with great styling and value. Excellent ride, interior space, nice styling inside and out.

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  Great minivan - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Zakaria - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I new Sienna CE in january, 2002. I never had a van before and my choice was based on reliability record of Toyota and high scores in crash test, and the fact that Sienna has "car like" ride. The van is built very solidly, ride is smooth and you feel enough power under the hood. Sometimes I forget I actually drive a van. So far I didnt have any problem, except that gas mileage really sucks, no matter I drive in town or on highway.

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  Great small car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By sasycdb - June 17 - 10:00 am

  If you want a dependable, reliable car with good gas mileage, this is it! I have 73K miles (purchased used with 27K miles) and no problems or repairs (except normal oil change, tires, air filter). Tho not fancy, I can depend I will get where I need to go, Ive never been stranded, and love my Corolla! Also good acceleration for a small engine/car.