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:

• 

  #6th Corolla and counting... - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Christelle - December 22 - 10:00 am

  AWESOME CAR!! Ive been driving Corollas for 25 years for good reason- reliability & economy. This car is a kick to drive - responsive, quick & stylish. Finally an empty nester, I looked into my dream-a high end sports car; however reality ($$$ fuel prices/low gas mileage) brought me back to my senses. Enter the new XRS. WOW. Six (count em) speeds!!! Safety minded (airbags galore and ABS breaks) yet able to cut loose in a flash. Sits up way high on 16" Michelins (vs the 14" Ive driven for years). I almost feel like Im in a SUV! I still have my 99 with 120K miles (changed the oil every 5k miles, runs like a charm) and will keep that as a winter rat.

• 

  Cool - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoma - December 21 - 7:00 pm

  I have owned 4 Toyota trucks and 4-Runners. The Tacoma is by far the best. the new 4.0 V-6 has more than enough power even with two dirtbikes, full gear and four passangers. I love to beat the sport compact cars with it. The locking rear diff. works as well as I had hoped it would. The six disc changer and sound system works well with a variety of music. Gas mileage is not so great. I hope it improves with mileage. The six speed trans needs a little break-in time. over all, it really turns heads. Fun to drive!

• 

  Not one regret - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By klid - December 21 - 11:36 am

  Best decision I have made in awhile. It will take a few months to internalize the new driving methods for best fuel efficiency. Otherwise, this is like driving any other car.

• 

  Solid 4-Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By HXed - December 21 - 5:10 am

  This is my first Toyota product and 4-Runner. I traded in a 2002 Maxima and I have no regrets. I waited until 2500 miles to write my post because I wanted to be fair in my comparison. I am very pleased with my dealership(Chantilly Toyota)as they provided a hassle free experience and various maintenance perks. There is plenty to value in the build quality, reliability, performance, creature comforts, and asthetics of the 4-Runner. The commuting gas mileage is actually better than the Maxima, which was a surprise. The only draw back is the legroom for drivers. I am 62"/197 and I need more room. No one over 59" can sit comfortablely behind me. Otherwise, I am extremely pleased.

• 

  Most reliable crossover on the market - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By MtnGirl - December 21 - 2:07 am

  This car is SUPER reliable. I have had zero issues with this vehicle and expect to drive it for many years to come. The quality on the interior certainly leaves a bit to be desired, but after trading in my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee (w 28k miles), I know better than anyone that all the fancy features and cabin comfort in the world do not make up for a mechanically unreliable vehicle. The Jeep was one problem after another, despite having very low miles. In comparison, the Rav4 has needed nothing since the day I drove it off the lot. If some cheap details in the cabin are the worst thing about this SUV, then you know its a good vehicle. Toyota did not cut corners where it truly counts with this vehicle (i.e. under the hood), except I guess people are upset about the v6 option dissolving. However, the 4 cyl is just fine for me. Do NOT buy this car expecting a luxury ride--buy this car because you want a vehicle that will get you where you need to go no matter what, and will last you 10+ years with minimal problems. Who cares if people think its "boring" to drive? After my Jeep nightmare, I can tell you that it is WAY more boring to sit at a dealership for hours waiting for repairs!! When you start up the Rav you know you will get to your destination no matter what. At the end of the day, thats all I care about. If youre a buyer with similar priorities, youll love the 2015 Rav4

• 

  The Grand RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Pete - December 20 - 10:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle in August. Already with 2200 miles on it. Love it as much as my Camry, that I retired with 268,000 miles. Currently, getting 28 mpg with Shell Gas, driving 64 miles round trip per day. Quiet, quality, great dealership....the base engine is spunky with plenty of pickup...

• 

  Great car - Highly Recommended - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Sean in Atlanta - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle as a certified used Toyota with 32K miles. Have had only minor problems with the car: Brakes - Feel of brakes is not very solid, and will squeal without the right pads. Dont believe the dealership about Toyota pads, I had 2 sets of them and finally replaced them all with AutoZone pads, which worked beautifully - noise free! Other than that, this car is a JEWEL. The ride is super smooth, the car has a solid feel to it, and the suspension gives a very comfy ride.

• 

  So Far So Good! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By 03 XR Owner - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my Matrix about 3 weeks ago, and so far so good! Traded in a large p- up in an effort to save gas and enjoy far superior build-quality. My Matrix is roomy, extremely comfortable, and seems built as if to last a lifetime.

• 

  Cant go wrong with this minivan - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Soccer Dad - December 20 - 1:20 am

  This vehicle made perfect sense for my family with three children. Timing couldnt be better, either, with some summer trips to the mountains planned. The roof rack is very sturdy and Yakima makes planting the bikes up there an easy proposition for under $300. However, like another guy said elsewhere, running boards would make this task a bit easier. But $2,000?! I feel a little like a soccer dad driving this rather immense vehicle around, but once you get used to it, the Sienna feels very car-like. On the other hand, I piled some 4x8 foot plywood among other manly Home Depot pieces to get my machismo back. My main complaint are the too many gadgets to "protect" you - beepers/buzzers.

• 

  Just got it and love it - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Bennett - December 19 - 9:16 pm

  Recently purchase XL model without any extras. Doesnt matter as it came with everything and more than I needed. I really like the clean center console. With the audio controls on the steering wheel I leave all the compartments closed for a clean sleek uncluttered look. We took our first trip with our new Avalon and averaged over 32 mpg at 75 mph. Just came out of a F150 so I really appreciate the gas mileage. Also, recently had 5 adults in the car. My back seat passengers were amazed by the leg room. I also like the seats. They are not the sporty type with built up sides that you find in most cars today. Basically this is a Japanese Sedan DeVille.....