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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  Awful Ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Awful Ride - March 6 - 8:53 am

  I have the TRD package and this is the worse riding vehicle I have ever owned. On a good road, the ride is ok. On a freeway where the road is segmented cement blocks (most old freeways in California) you had better have your seat belt fastened if you want to stay in the cab. I am being told by Toyota that is in the TRD package. Maybe. I drove the GMC Sierra and picked the Tundra due to power. Big mistake. This is the only problem I have with the truck but it is a major one and this truck will be the first and last Tundra I own. If you want a good ride, stay away from this truck.

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  Wish they all were made like this - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Psal - March 5 - 6:03 pm

  Bought 6 yrs old in 2004 with 29000 miles. Have 115K on it now and in 6 years have put brakes, wipers, tires, and battery....thats it. Would buy another in a heartbeat. Paid $11K in 04 and the Blue Book today is $6K. Too bad Ill never trade it.

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  15K Mile Update - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By sheepleking - March 4 - 8:03 am

  15K mile Update - Well the tapping noise is gone but honeymoon is over. I still like the RAV4, but now all the little things are starting to poke their heads out. - It definitely rides more like a truck now than when I bought it, with the suspension sending me jarring messages over all but the best of roads. - There are also little rattles and squeaks coming from the riser by my head between the driver and passenger door. - The drivers side window rattles a little (just a tiny amount but its definitely noticeable to me) - The noise from the rear when doing 25mph or less is horrible. It sounds like a squeaky/rattleing cage. Ive looked at all the seals, made sure everything was tightened and nothing helps. - Gas mileage has been stagnant...still 18-20 city and 22 - 25 highway. Other than that, it does what I need it to do (hauling kids to sports, school activies, shopping runs, etc.) so I wont complain too much. My next vehicle will probably not be another RAV4 but I wouldnt downplay it if someone told me they were considering buying one.

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  Not what I expected - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By tallbored - March 3 - 11:03 pm

  I got the new Avalon to replace my 1998 Camry. The car has lots of power (268 hp), and a comfortable ride... but it is not very well built. The interior trim looks nice, but it is kind of rattley and cheap. My transmission doesnt shift into overdrive on the highway, which waste premium gas. It is at the dealer now.

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  2002 Camry - Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Sb0004clt - March 3 - 3:00 pm

  I have an early production 2002 Camry. It is a great car, and exhibits the traditional reliability you expect from Toyota. This was the first year for this particular body style/chassis and the 2.4 VVIT engine. There were some minor early production mechanical problems experienced with the car including: manifold issues, belt tensioner issues, and leaking valve stem seals. These all occurred between 75,000 and 90,000 miles. I have since put another 80,000 (170,000) on the car and have had very few issues. Yes the car is boring and is has a soft suspension, but you will be hard pressed to find a car put together as well as this one. The driver-side leather seat is beginning to crack and t

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  Great car - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Maggie - March 3 - 2:38 am

  I love this car, great ride, quality interior, great stereo and navigation. I am loving the safety features; backup monitor, cross traffic warning, blind spot monitoring. My only complaint is the terrible rear view visibility!

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  Great Small Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By mcdawgg - March 1 - 7:03 pm

  This is a very nice, reliable, comfortable, and inexpensive car. It is quiet on the highway, and comfortable. Bullet-proof reliability. Cheap to maintain, and great on gas. Many people say the 4 speed automatic is old and outdated, but take another look. Thats right, the Corolla is just about THE most fuel efficient in its class, according to Consumer Reports. So, yes, a 5 speed auto would be bettter, but the 4 speed auto still beats just about all the other cars in this class, and it is very quiet. The engine & transmission are proven - ultra-reliable for an automatic.

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  Dissapointed - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Randy - February 28 - 4:50 am

  I left GM for Toyota with the expectation of a better vehicle. This hasnt been the case. My Highlander has made eight trips to the dealer to address problems. The problems: defective gas tank, of all things, which had to be replaced; incorrect fuel gauge reading (on its second sending unit and still not fixed); dis- colored dash panels; on its second XM receiver and all within 5,000 miles. The Dealer has been very helpful, but perplexed at times at the Highlanders oddities. Now, I wonder if the unintended acceleration bug will be next! I did not have as many problems with the Buick I traded in on this Highlander. What an unexpected disappointment this Highlander has been for what it cost.

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  Be sure before you buy - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jay - February 27 - 8:36 pm

  I have only had my runner about 2 months, but there is lots for me to say. I love my runner, but it lets me down ALL the time. I bought it with 128,000, it currently has 132,000, and in that short time I have done: Rear axle repair (leaking oil) both sides, rear and front brakes, new rotors ($1100 bucks) New tires Michelin LTX All Terrains (4) $800, flywheel cracked, $735, started went out, $220. I bought it for $6400 bucks and have now put in over 2 grand. If you buy one and I recommend you do, buy a good well maintained one, because if you dont you can end up like me, up to your neck in repair bills. RECOMMENDATION: Buy one that is a one owner well cared for car.

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  Excellent for big guys - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Sagray - February 27 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had this for 5 days now, and I took it on a weekend trip already. Its wonderful to drive. Not super duper quiet, but much better than most non-luxury cars. I searched for an upper-tier vehicle that would fit my 64", 300 lb frame. None of the luxury vehicles fit me, and I almost gave up before I read that Toyota made the Highlander bigger for 2008. All I can say is EUREKA! They did a great job, because its a great vehicle, and it fits me quite nicely. Everything seems designed quite well. Since I got all the bells and whistles, Im still learning my way around but I havent found anything to really disappoint me.