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:

• 

  What Fun!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jenny - April 6 - 5:03 pm

  Got my baby a few weeks ago. Getting over 40 miles to the gallon, mixed freeway and town driving. Fun, fun, fun, cute, cute, cute. Surprisingly, lots of space inside, feels very roomy. It is very zippy, corners well. Sound system is great, very handy to plug my MP3 player in. No more carting around my CD case. I got a red one. I actually wanted blue, but the little critters are so hard to find. Plus, they sell the moment they are put on the lot. Great buy for the money, plus the Toyota name. I highly recommend this car.

• 

  Toyota Camry 2004 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Rich - April 5 - 7:56 pm

  Most of my driving & ownership experience has been positive. There is some evidence that points to trouble with the braking system, as well as the interior design does limit vision when looking over your shoulder to check for blindspots.

• 

  Great Car Horrible Tires - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By nunnally - April 4 - 6:42 pm

  I really like this SUV but there is one small problem. THE TIRES ARE NOT AVAILABLE!!!! One of the tires blew out last night after having this car for ONE Week. The dealer told us the tire is not under the bumper to bumper warranty. We would have to purchase a new on if we can find one. The dealership told me that the tire is on national back order. Then they said the last time they had to order one of these Yokohama Geolander 245/60R20 tires it took over 3 months for it to come in. YOU THINK THIS IS SOMETHING TOYOTA WOULD HAVE TO DISCLOSE BEFORE THE SALE! Toyota really screwed us on this one. Stay away from this car unless you know how to fabricate you own tires.

• 

  Wow, I just save $20 bucks - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By me - April 4 - 4:40 pm

  Well, I just filled up my new LE and It only cost me $31.00. I got 400 miles out of the tank. My previous car cost me $50 to 58 to fill and I got 400 miles to the tanks. This car will pay for its self in a few years. The bucket seats are not the greatest fo all day driving and the automatic steering is something different, but hey I bought a car that will last and has great gas mileage not a Corvette. I love my car. This war will save me about $80 per week. That is about $4000 per year savings in gas and in 3 1/2 years the car has paid for its self.

• 

  So Far, So Great - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By AustinTX4Runner - April 4 - 2:00 am

  we just purchased a 98 4Runner Limited with approximately 97K miles on it. The thing that amazes me is that theres not a squeak or rattle to be heard when driving it, and the engine and transmission feel like the vehicle is new. The fit and finish is classic Toyota - which means its basically flawless. My only regret is that I bought the truck for my wife and I hardly get to enjoy the huge moonroof, slide down rear glass, and comfy leather seats. Absolutely great truck and I know well have it for years to come.

• 

  Unsurpassed Reliability - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By sarah - April 3 - 7:46 am

  I bought my 97 Camry a year ago from an old lady with only 35k on it. I figured it would be a smart investment because it would last a long time and I wouldnt have to take a loan out on it. One year later I havent had any real issues. It blows blue smoke after its been sitting awhile, but it clears right up. It also burns oil, but its understood these cars are known for that problem. It is in almost mint condition, the metallic paint is still glossy and shiny without any real signs of fading. The only real complaint I have about this car is that it has absolutely no balls. The 2.2 liter engine has no gusto. I heard that Camrys V6 rectifies this problem quite nicely. A

• 

  5000 miles and very disappointed - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By jbreach - April 2 - 2:51 am

  For starters ... I rushed to upgrade from a 2011 Rav4 model I loved to a 2013 model I dont like very much. After 5000 miles of city and highway, this SUV consistently disappoints. While many overall improvements have been made as listed in great details throughout the other reviews, the fundamental issues are the power/train. combo and also the tire change up in this new model. This is not a fund vehicle to drive (unlike the 2011 model). The car feels sluggish, hesitant and often puzzled as if it doesnt know what gear to go into and when (automatic version and AWD).

• 

  Fuel efficient automobile - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By gcdyer - April 2 - 1:40 am

  We have been impressed with the mpg from this Toyota. On a 500 mile trip - mostly freeway driving, we achieved 41.5 mpg. City mpg seems to be around 30-32. The car is quiet and responsive. Fit and finish is excellent.

• 

  Underwhelming - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By B Walker - March 31 - 6:53 am

  After 10,000 miles, this car is a disappointment. Unless you drive in a way to aggravate those behind you, we average mid to high 20s when strictly in the city and 33 to 34 on the highway with cruise set between 70 and 75. The best we have done is 39 mpg on a downhill trip from the Vermont mountains to Connecticut. Go with the 4 cylinder and save $10,000. The ride is somewhat bouncy.

• 

  2015 Sienna SE drifting issue - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Tommy2016 - March 30 - 11:49 pm

  . Overall I love the minivan except for one issue 1. My van is brand new 2015 but it has drifting issue. Tired over a long trip because you constantly have to keep your hand on the steering wheel. As soon as you let it goes, the van either drifting to the left and right. I have the Dealer do the front end alignment and tire rotation but it is not helping. At first I thought is the tire pressure but I did make sure the pressure level the same for all tires and to the recommended PSI (36). I wonder if anyone out there has the same problem and got it fixed. I am not sure if the tires are the issue or not either. 2. I called Toyota directly and they state there is no report on the drifting issue but I found a few comment on the web regarding drifting issue on the SE model even when the Van is brand new. Anyone out there got the same issue and figured out what the problem is please let me know. Thank