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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  More Than I Expected - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Commuter - December 20 - 5:56 pm

  Im a long commuter (45 miles each way) used to an Acura and a Mercedes. The Camry surprised me with its performance and luxury. It is not quite up to my Acura in driving responsiveness, but pretty darn close, and so much more efficient. I had the dealer install an after-market woodgrain package that makes the car look as good as any luxury vehicle on the market. I highly recommend it. You will feel as if you are driving a luxury sedan on a compact budget. Two tanks so far averaging 37 miles per hour, and I usually set the cruise at 74 on the highway. I am impressed with the overall package.

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  Compare all Vehicles in the same category - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Morris - December 19 - 4:53 pm

  Seats are stiff. Stereo hard to read like trying to read your cell phone display when you are outside. Tailgate swings sideways... inconvienent if someone parks behind you. The bass in the radio vibrates when only set at a level "2". Radio sound is so so. Gas mileage is 23 mpg overall. Interior sides scuff VERY easily. I wish the passenger seat folded flat to hold an 8 ft ladder. Radio controls on the steering wheel should be standard.

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  Nice Car but Beware... - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Ted_Driver - December 19 - 1:36 pm

  Recently bought a 2010 Venza. Fun to drive. The exterior is very attractive but wish the interior was built with better quality materials and/or craftsmanship. Interior road noise can be an issue (nosier than one would think) but Im use to it now. IF NOTHING ELSE, look carefully at the interior for defects. In mine, the panels do not fit together well and gaps where dashboard panels meet are wider than should be. Some are warping ever so slightly -- some may not notice it but I did while sitting traffic. Since the car is so new, I havent driven the car long enough or put in enough miles to see how it performs mechanically but so far so good.

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  Good mechanical, bad comfort ! - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By diva_3181377 - December 19 - 9:18 am

  Pros: 33 mpg in city ( i have hybrid model) and 36 mpg in highway, Interior (except sun visor and head liner) looks nice. Steering is like by my bmw Z3. Not a real soft drive. You will feel the road. Cons: 1) Never got the advertised mpg (40/39). I tried different driving styles. No way. Also did fuel system cleaning and engine additives as advised by the service advisor. No difference. 2) Head liner and sun visor made with cheap cloth. <2014 models were much better. Seems Toyota tried to save some money here. 3) Real bad seat cushion. You are almost sitting on the metal frame. Dealer WILL never fix it with usual reply "designed like that / cant reproduce". Even my colleagues 2017 model is same with seat and head liner/sun visor. Areas of improvement: Fix the damn seat first. Then fix the cheap cloth for headliner. Then it is a good car which got the bad reputation by using cheap materials on the interior. You will get tired by sitting on metal seats. If you have a new car, wait some time like 2-3 years and see how good the seat cushions are. Simple google search will show on how to fix this by putting a nice form ($10) which dealer will refuse to admit /do.

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  Great in many ways - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By me - December 19 - 3:00 am

  Bought it new.. Very reliable car, NEVER had a problem, just brought it in to be serviced as needed and everything was always smooth. With driving every day, but mostly local, I could go 3 weeks before needing more gas. Not a "cool" car but definitely reliable and worth the money... it will last for many miles. After an accident, and the car being totalled, proved to be a safe car to the driver. I would recommend this car.

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  Sing a song of Sixpence - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Randal Mapstead - December 18 - 1:26 pm

  I leased this car and plan to re-lease in three years. Bought it for the mpg and crash test ratings. I like the ease of the shifting selector. I like the "glide" factor when underway. I think the Dunlop tires wont last the 3 years. Cargo space is good for 2 people. Love the dash display info. Because its lower to the ground than my 2002 Highlander - Ive had to adjust getting in and out of the car. There are blind spots with the side mirrors. I removed the back seat head rests for a better rear view. The middle storage/cup consul is adequate. Like the 4 windows automatic up/down. Bought the Toyota brand rear cargo tray. There is a driver side door/window air noise. I have to buy after market sun visor extenders because it only covers half the window. Edmunds.com was helpful with negotiating the price.

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  Toyota Sienna - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By chunter67 - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought the van in 02 to replace a 91 Pathfinder. Has proven to be very comfortable on long trips with to small kids. Gas mileage is what you would expect for a 6 cyl. Have kept it serviced every 5000 miles at the dealer. Had initial problem with the power sliding doors not working. Right at 36000 and the rear seat will not pull out. Only taken it out 3-4 times. Dealership had to order part. Also, the passenger power window doesnt go down all the time. Overall, wished I could have afforded the Odessey, but this has been ok. Wife likes it for taking the kids around town. Dont get the optional center console; waste of space and no space.

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  No serious issues but............ - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Firsttime ravowner - December 18 - 10:00 am

  My only complaint is that it shakes or shimmys at 65 mph or so. i asked my dealer to check tire balance and they only test drove it and then told me, "We dont find anything unusual here." So, what do I do? Believe me, the steering wheel shakes back and forth on smooth highways, at high speed. Anyone else notice this?

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  Great vehicle! - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Luis - December 17 - 12:03 pm

  I love this vehicle! Ive had it for over 3 years and 80k miles and not one single repair (knock on wood). The only work done on it has been changing the fluids and a new set of tires last month. It represents Toyotas quality at its best. The only complaint is that the interior is somewhat small compared to other SUVs.

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  An Outstanding Purchase - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By calmac - December 17 - 9:03 am

  After years of BMWs and Mercedes, I pulled the trigger on a Camry and absolutely love it. It drives nicely, has all the pick up I need and the various toys (ie, nav, bluetooth, etc) are fun and exciting to use. Really am impressed by this car.