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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  Not bad for a compact SUV - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By JDawn - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall the RAV4 has been a nice car to drive around town in. The styling is attractive and it gets the gas mileage advertised. At 2 yrs. old the seal on my RAVs back window leaked and had to be replaced and the sunroof began leaking almost as soon as I got it. Ive been told the backseats are terribly uncomfortable on long trips. My biggest complaint would be the hesitation in the transmission. The 02 RAV also has very little power. I understand that has been improved in the 04 model. Overall, it is fun to drive and gives the driver an excellent view of the road. It has a fabulous braking system and handles excellently.

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  Nice vehicle - 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Art Solomon - July 14 - 8:53 am

  Wish it had more leg room up front. Like other Japanese cars, this is still an issue for even the Land Cruiser. Performs very well but poor efficiency. Expect it to be extremely reliable. Overall really enjoying the vehicle, but wish it was a little peppier.

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  Very happy consumer - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By ne_yota - July 14 - 5:17 am

  My experience has been excellent. Zero issues to date (31,000 miles now). I collected every gas receipt since the purchase (6 miles rolling out of dealership), and averaged 20 mpg with a high of 22. Power has been very good. The Sport model suspension is perfect for high-way driving at speed. I have not experienced the issues that others provided here. The AC is almost too cold, no electrical issues, handles very good in the snow, accelerates very well onto the highway, and no body fit issues. The goal is 400,000 miles, and I dont feel that it is unrealistic.

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  ultimate reliability - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By 9 longyears - July 13 - 7:16 pm

  my wife bought this car new 9 years and 214,000 miles ago. other than brakes and tires all parts are original with the exception of the starter, which we replaced last year. we are not gental car owners; its maybe been washed 4 times, we have driven 4 hours with two large dogs(over 200lbs) in the back seat (many times), and for the last two years abused by my daughter. it makes that energiser bunny look like a wuss. its taken us from college to first jobs, from apartments to first home, through dating to marrige and kids. best built car ever.

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  Miss my Jeep Grand Cherokee. - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Bud Mudge - July 13 - 4:33 pm

  Although there were things on the Jeep I really like, the Highlander is fine. The Highlander driver-seat-belt arrangement is difficult to reach when starting a drive. I miss the handles of the Jeep: they were where the side-air-bags are located in the Highlander so have to use the steering wheel as a "grab" on entering. I prefer the 4wd selector in the Jeep as opposed to the method in the Highlander which essentially is front-wheel-drive with automatic traction transfer to the rear wheels as sensors determine. Gas mileage of the Highlander V-6 seems to be about the same as the "in-line-six" of the Jeep; around 27-28 hwy. I also miss the gauges of Jeep (oil, etc.) and "warning lights" may be just a tad too late. Had leather seats in the Jeep with seat-warmer; no need for seat warmer with the Highlanders fabric seats. Dragging myself, kicking and screaming, into the 21st Century so, I will eventually get used to the Highlander. In all, it has more bells and whistles than the Jeep and I driving with the manual on my lap at times.

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  Good, but not great - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Duffy - July 12 - 4:30 pm

  Been driving mine for last 2 yrs and it is fun, but on the practical side pretty bad blind spots (everyone agrees on that), exterior paint chips easily, front windshield already cracked ($309 replacement... not sure where the person lives who paid $1200). The clamshell doors are terrible for getting in and out of. The front seat back wont even fold forward enough to help with rear entry. Noisy ride. When visor down, cant see a thing. Sorry to bring everyone down, but this a long list to consider when deciding to buy. Still the most original SUV around.

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  Leaking Roof, No Fix - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Leaking Roof, No Fix - July 12 - 8:46 am

  My sunroof developed a rattle during winter. I have taken it to dealership in excess of 10 times and even when they cannot fix it. Now that the roof has been touched so many times it has also started to leak and I got a puddle in my lap. The dealerships response- cannot duplicate the roof leak. Cost cutting has gone too far at Toyota. Otherwise the car is great with its feel and quietness. The 4 cylinder does not get good mileage at 70 MPH plus. Below it you can expect to get good mileage only if you do not have too many hills. The new transmission shifts too frequently to truly optimize gas consumption.

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  H3 Killer - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DangerisFJ - July 12 - 7:30 am

  Well, I needed a vehicle that could tow my trailer of two sport bikes but didnt want a truck. When I saw the FJ, I loved it! When I drove it, I had to have it. The motor has sufficient power to do what you need to do. The suspension is great and was pleasantly surprised on how well it handled. The interior is roomy. However, at close to $30k, it lacks a few amenities that I wish it had, i.e., heated seats, heated side mirrors, sunroof, etc. Mileage is horrible but all in all, its a great vehicle and fun to drive!

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  Great value car - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By SG2017 - July 11 - 9:57 pm

  Have had just over a month so far I like the car.The biggest negative is the pre collision system. I had a Subaru with Eyesight that worked flawlessly as for the Toyota PCS with p is a POS it just does not work if I knew how bad it was I would have spent the extra money and bought another Subaru.So much for Toyota I will drive it a couple of years and than go back to a Subaru. Also customer service is quite poor with Toyota I guess after dealing with Subaru in the 10 years or so they are tops in taking care of there customers always. Sorry Toyota this will be the last purchase that you will get from me....

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  Camry SE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By A. Hughes - July 11 - 12:33 am

  I traded my 2002 RAV4 in on the 2004 Camry SE. What a difference a couple more cylinders makes! Its so nice to be back in a V6 and to have power once more. The car drives and rides so smoothly. Its nearly effortless, but doesnt have that mush-box luxo car feel sort of effortless drive to it. You actually get road feedback. It does have that torque steer of a front wheel drive, so be prepared for that, but its not as bad as some other cars that Ive driven. Overall, its a great car with a lot more room than youd think at first glance. I strongly recommend it.