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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  Problem Solved Early - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Dene - March 16 - 9:50 am

  After owning the car a few years, my check engine light would come on and go off. The service manager recommended that I do the cat. converter because it seemed that it was going out and I only had about 15,000 miles before my warranty was up. I think this is problem with some of the Highlanders. And yes, the heater/air is acting up.

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  2015 Camry SE 2.5 - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By wiseoldfart - March 13 - 5:45 pm

  I just traded in a 2012 Camry LE 2.5 for a 2015 Camry SE 2.5 with Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires. Some have noisier Bridgestone tires, so be aware. Right off the bat, I noticed that this new model was quieter. Road noise, wind noise, and engine noise are all reduced. The handling of this new SE is considerably better than that of the LE I traded in. The ride of the new SE appears to be a little better than that of my old LE despite wider tires with a lower profile. The steering is lighter at low speeds and a bit more resistant at speed, giving it a better feel. The brakes arent as touchy in the new model. Also, there are more features and better interior materials in some areas.

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  A little bit disappointed - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Scott - March 13 - 1:53 pm

  We were so excited to own this car. It is our first new car and I share it with my wife. We drive it more then average drivers ~18-19000 per year. We average 40 miles per gallon and that is when we do not use the air conditioning. We have asked our Toyota dealership about it and they have not been able to answer except by saying it must be because we always accelerate too fast, which is untrue. We also recently had to replace the "transmission knob sensor" at a cost of $750 and it was no longer under warranty. we have also had some other quality problems with the car. It also goes through tires faster then other cars.

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  CDD2006Rav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By CDD - March 13 - 12:20 pm

  High Cool Factor.RAV4 can keep up with cars costing $20/30K more. Blows by BMWs. Requires two hands on the wheel, it will get away from you if you stomp on it, almost feels like the engine will rip out Hauled a trailer to college for kid, couldn’t even tell it was there. RAV is jerky when shifting on its own, hills and passing, not always a smooth ride. True gas mileage is 18-20 in the city, 22-24 on highway. No one is getting 30MPG on the V6. After 7 months, squeaks are apparent as is engine noise Engine light comes on for oil change, dealer instructed me on how to reset myself. RAV is really good for 2+2kids, no more. RAV has blind spots. Max 4 hours driving trips/too uncomfortable

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  V6 power and Stick Shift - Nice Bed - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Clyde - March 13 - 5:00 am

  I have owned the new Taco for 1.5 months and in that time have driven it to/frm work on highways, moving 1500 lbs. of rocks, full bed of mulch, the truck is great, the composite material bed is always great and washes out well, my kid said something I wouldnt have even thought of "the bed doesnt get as hot in the sun, like the neighbors truck bed," a Nissan I think, the power coming from that V6 is excellent, the manual shifter is the only way to go, I thought maybe I should get the automatic, but really glad I searched for the 6 speed, no slush box for me, the manual takes a little to get used to but then the real fun begins, only drawback is I am getting only 16 mph.

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  2013 Avalon Ltd Hybrid - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By lewbat - March 12 - 9:11 pm

  Had planned to purchase a Lexus 300H but found local Lexus dealers not buyer friendly. Decided to look at the Avalon as an alternative and made a purchase which I now regret. The hybrid platform performs wonderfully; power is adequate and economy is better than expected. So far with 5000 miles average MPG is 40.1 with 70pc highway at speeds 70+ MPH. My main issue with the vehicle is interior build quality/fit/finish. I have owned many cars over the years and not since the early 70s have I had a car with so many interior rattles. It is unpleasant to drive the vehicle on anything but newly paved roads. Ride quality is firm, but not unpleasant and seats are adequate for long drives.

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  Rav4 9000 mile review - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Smithgang - March 12 - 7:56 pm

  After owning my RAV4 for about 6 months, I can report that I am very pleased with it. I live in the south suburbs of Chicago and have about a 25 mile commute each day and average 24.0 mpg. This does require that you go easy on the accelerator. But its nice to know the power is there with the V6 when you need it. I replaced all the factory floor mats with weathertech floor mats. My kids are in a lot of sports, often riding with muddy shoes and it is really easy to dump the weathertech mats out. I also added my own towing bar to use my hitch mounted bike rack. Very easy (4 bolts), and way cheaper to do yourself in lieu of buying from Toyota.

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  2006 Sienna - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Gym Shortz - March 12 - 12:26 pm

  Weve been driving our van for about 4 years now. We got the 8 passenger model to accommodate our family of 4 and if needed another family of 4. That has worked out superb. The only drawback is the lack of armrests in the middle row had we gone with the 7 passenger model. We put aftermarket leather (well worth It) and all weather mats (we bought mfr, but there are other good mats at a better value). The van has a ton of power and Ive never felt like Im driving a van, I like the ride and the 12 cup/bottle holders around the van. Automatic door on passengers side only is nice but not necessary. Maintenance has been minimal LOF and milestones, no issues. Got new tires at 55K miles.

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  Good Buy - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rahul_boy - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I decided to buy the Infinity FX 35 but then test drove the Toyota 4 Runner Limited. I was floored, the performace was very close to the Fx35 and it was a lot cheaper. Add to it the Toyota quality and you have a bombshell. Here is the deal if you can afford it buy the X5 if not then the 4 Runner is your best option. Also get the limited only if you are looking for leather seats desprately, if not then then the SR5 is a strong option.

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  My 2002 Toyota Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By dbeard - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable and smooth. Now my wife always wants to drive my car instead of hers!