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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  Solid - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By PR TAcoma - December 24 - 8:46 pm

  Bought my PreRunner SR5 V6 XtraCab new in fall of 98 and it still runs like a champ. Its only got 127k on it and had no major work done (tires, a few batteries, ac fan/resistor, starter contacts -- thats it). Considering how neglectful Ive been, its run great. Ive taken it on several long road trips and moved across the country with a full bed, but not towing anything, and its not missed a beat. City mileage is not that good at around about 12-15 depending on the temp and red lights. Have gotten it up past 24 on mountain highways, and currently am getting about 18/city keeping the engine under 2000 RPM when possible. Stinks in snow without modifications is the worse of it.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mjr88car - December 24 - 2:33 pm

  A great SUV for the money. Bought it for the Toyota quality and reliability and wanted the best 4x4. I have the manual with full time four wheel drive and my mileage is consistently 21-23 hwy and 19 city. Solid, fun to drive, and it does grow on you. I put on 2 blind spot mirrors which do help a lot. However I find that all the hype about the poor rear view is nonsense anyway. If you know how to drive its no problem. I fish in Canada and have gotten stuck with my old domestic 4x4 (dont know how they can call them true 4x4s). I finally bought something that will get me in/ out of less than poor road and landing conditions. Love the VSC and traction control. I rarely ever lock everything in.

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  Reflects the Driver... - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Jack Rabbit - December 24 - 12:13 pm

  Being an Admirer of the Prius and the fact that theres a waiting list for one, I browsed the lot at the dealership I went to and I could not get over the awesome body style and "unusual" paint job (sunburst metallic). The thought of another six year car payment was dreaded but Id moved from a 30 minute commute to and from work a day to a 65 minute one and I needed better gas mileage and a warranty so I decided to "bite the bullet" and managed to leave with a manual 09 Matrix S. Not for one moment do I regret it!!! The gas mileage is incredible (compared to my 01 Chevy Cavalier), Its very "giddy" in the speed department, Very maneuverable on the road and comfortable to drive...

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  2008 Toyota Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Abe - December 24 - 3:33 am

  Toyota has made it very easy to make choices with the package numbers on their Prius model. I gave up room space, horsepower, luxury and performance and it was all worth it. My wife is getting one as soon as the lease on her car is up. Its quite an experience that has gotten my friends and my co-workers excited also.

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  Dependable and reliable - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Archie Bowers - December 24 - 2:58 am

  My 03 Std cab, 4x4 was purchased used and beaten up but mechanically sound back in 2008. It has never left me standing, always starts even in -30 up here in Calgary. The crank windows and manual locks are annoying but it rides well, doesnt rattle, hauls everything, and serves as a perfect dirty contractor truck. The 4.7 sucks gas but the truck has get up and go. Not fast, but definitely quick. When i see other same model trucks out there i know the owners are enjoying the dependability, since Toyota definitely knows how to deliver up good trucks. This reflects in the resale price. I have 225,000 km on this truck and i know it can do another 225,000 no probs! Fluid and brakes only.

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  Best car Ive driven, ever! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By murty - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a couple of months ago with nearly 150k miles on it, & I love driving it. My mechanic was impressed with its condition; he told me it will go another 100k! I have owned cars with 150k miles, always as a 2nd owner, & I always found them fairly uncomfortable. Ive owned a 76 Honda Civic, an 86 Toyota Tercel (which still runs), an 85 GM Oldsmobile, & a 94 Ford Taurus. The feel of the Avalon is not sporty, but it is wonderfully smooth and powerful. Suddenly I want to go for long drives again, like when I first began driving at 16. Ive only owned it for a couple of months, but already I am hoping to sell another of my cars to buy a 2nd Avalon (a newer XLS or Ltd).

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  2010 highlander-one year later - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By colorado - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our 2010 Highlander-Limited for one year. After 17,000 miles of mountain driving it rides the same as it did on day one. No squeaks. Eerily quiet ride. V6 has plenty of power. Top-quality build. Completely happy with purchase.

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  Good buy - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Gary - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Moved from an ES350 and really like the better visibility, ride (no boat float), comfort and especially much less road noise. Do hear the wiper motors and the whine of the transmission. Had to change out the horrible noisy wiper blades. Very cheap interior by comparison to others in class. It really has great handling compared to others in class. Not sure I will buy another until they get a better interior.

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  So far so good - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Cinnamonstik - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I only mine yesterday however I did months of research before deciding on this one. It was a close race between this and the Chevy Equinox. I bought the RAV4 for a couple reasons over the Chevy: 1. The Equinox wasnt available in the V-6 unless I ordered one. Being a bigger SUV, I felt I would need the 6 vs the 4. 2. Although a little smaller than the Equinox, the RAV4 is the perfect size for me. Pros: 1. I love the individually heated seats. Very cool. 2. The built in Nav is great. No more hassling with my Garmin. 3. The fog lights made it even cooler. 4. Turns on a dime. Cons: 1. The dealer told me it was bluetooth equipped. It wasnt but Im making them install it.

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  I think I have a lemon :( - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By smilechick - December 23 - 4:52 am

  *Starting the car: You have to have the clutch pushed very hard, all the way to the ground and make sure to hold the button in long enough. My fiance’s car is a 6 speed with a push start and I’ve never had any trouble with his car. I have driven a stick shift for over 15 years. This clutch is very picky and after a lot of time spent stranded, sitting in my car, I have finally realized that I need to ride the clutch, unfortunately. Thats the only way I can get it to get up and go without stalling. Im always super nervous while driving it for this reason and feel unsafe. My fiancé also refuses to drive my car for this reason. *Where is the sound proofing?? When driving in the rain/snow...