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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  Excellent Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Whale - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Have about 6K on it and everything is great. Build quality is exceptional and performance is adequate. Even the wife will drive this one!

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  You really do get what you pay for(alot) - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ewelch - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I originally intended on purchasing a new Trailblazer but was scared off by its current lack of reliability. Final choice was between 4runner and the Honda Pilot. For me, the only catagory won by the Pilot was interior space and that wasnt enough. Absolutely love the smooth, quiet ride of this vehicle! Power is effortless and surprising for a vehicle over 2 tons. While it took a little while adapting to the climate control system, the optional JBL stereo system is definitly worth the money. 4x4 ability is excellent with the exception of front and rear overhangs and side clearance.

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  This truck simply rocks - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Akapl - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I really love this truck. The Toyota build quality is simply second to none, it is a solid feeling SUV that (to me) feels and drives so much better than any of the competitors. Yah I pd more for a Toy than I would for a Blazer or an Explorer but I feel I got so much more in quality and features like the high tech Vehicle Skid COntrol (VSC) a tchnology that I didnt see in any of the other SUVs in this class/price range. Why on earth would you buy any of those others.

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  More Than Happy - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By H Ell - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my decision to purchase this vehicle. From the moment I closed the door for the test drive - I caould tell that it was more solid than the other mid-size SUVs I had diven. The sporty look gives some style other than many of the boxes out there. The pick up is great, good gas milage, and very comfortable. Also, very easy to put down rear seats.

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  Great First Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By First Car Owner - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt really ask for more in a first new car. At almost 10,000 miles I have yet to have a single problem...knock on wood! I get many positive comments from people on the exterior looks. The interior white gauges on black interior is beautiful. The interior is very spacious, especially the back seat. Much more comfortable interior than the Civic or Jetta. Have had inconsistant mileage, as only real complaint, varying from low 20s to upper 30s depending on weather here in upstate New York.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By dmkhnr - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife, and have no regret with the purchase.

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  GREAT VAN - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By KAI - June 10 - 2:00 am

  NOTHING BAD TO SAY EXCEPT THE SEATS COULD FOLD FLAT BATTER

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  2008 Rav4 V6 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Max - June 9 - 6:56 pm

  We traded in our sports car for the new RAV4. Our hope was to achieve the gas mileage abilities of our Nissan Maxima (family car) while gaining a more versatile vehicle. We did have one noise issue that was hard to track down since it would only happen at freeway speeds. The source of the noise was the roof rack cross member (it was loose). This caused a noise as it shifted position due to wind speed pushing it backward. The 2nd noise source was a loose radio antenna. We are averaging between 22.5-24 MPG in mixed driving (65%+ city) with the V6. Our RAV has just over 1000 miles on it and I suspect the MPG will be increasing.

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  2016 Highlander Feedback - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By name withheld - June 9 - 5:16 pm

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  Decent Rental But Wont Buy One - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Villa - June 9 - 6:17 am

  Rented a Rav4 that had only 4k miles and drove it 700 miles roundtrip. Decent cargo and visibility. Couldnt figure out entertainment interface to control by steering wheel, so had to overreach to search and/or change radio and satellite stations. Also, couldnt figure out how to dial using display like my 2013 Kia Rio EX, so had to use my phone, even though the phone was paired to the Rav4. Aside from those small annoyances, the biggest drawback for me was the uncomfortable drivers seat. Another problem I experienced is the super responsive handling is a major flaw on uneven and unpaved highway. I had to fight to control the FWD while going 65-70mph over an unexpected long stretch of unpaved and uneven highway (thanks, CalTrans, for the warning - not!)