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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  Finally, a truck I love - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joe - November 13 - 1:10 pm

  Picked up the 4x2 doublecab with TRD#2 package, and I cant say enough good things about it. The ride is very smooth, and bears little resemblance to the ride on the 04 models. Responsiveness is very good, and handles like a dream. Most use will be on freeways in town, with the occasional foray onto forest roads or across the family farm to hunt.

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  Its okay. - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By luvtoyota10 - November 13 - 12:17 pm

  So, a year and seven days ago I traded my 2010 Toyota Venza in for a 2013 Toyota Highlander. I got the highlander for easier access for my family. Its a good car and thats it. It handles pleasantly, but its no where near fun to drive. Handles great in snow. Ive had no technical or mechanical Issues only build quality issues. Today I tried moving the second row captain chair on the drivers side foward to put something in the third row and the lever on the top of the seat back completely came of. I was not pulling hard at all. I am extremely disappointed and my Toyota dealership WILL fix this, I would expect better from a Toyota. The interior is already lower quality than my past Toyotas.

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  Very Reliable, Excellent Quality - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By MistR Pardi - November 13 - 11:16 am

  As far as quality goes this car rates a 20. When I bought my 94 Camry I first thought it was a 97 or 98 from the looks of the interior. I know cars and this car is solid. No parts falling apart or ripping seats like others in its class. Only repairs I have had to do were fix the rear struts and a small oil leak so far. I also replaced the timing belt which made the car brand new. Keep up with oil changes and tune ups and this car will drive forever.

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  Very uncomfortable seats! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Mukwonago Wis - November 13 - 10:30 am

  The RAV4 Limited V6 rides well, has good power, and in most ways is a great SUV. But the front seats are AWFUL. Very, very uncomfortable for both my wife and me (53" and 6). Very disappointing. Previously has a CRV and the seats were comfortable for short and long trips. Great SUV but I dont know how long we can keep it since we drive 20k+ miles per year.

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  A Lexus for a Camry Price !!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mike Mogab - November 13 - 9:36 am

  Bought the XLE V6 with every option on it except heated seats... who needs heated seats in Florida. Car is fantastic. Exterior reminds me of a 530i and the interior is plush especially with the light woodgrain finish. The Nav is easy to use and figure out compared to other reviews I have read on other makers. I have had zero problems so far at 2000 miles and am averaging around 27mpg with city and highway combined. This is my first Toyota after driving Chrysler products for the last 15 years.

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  Highlander - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By suvad13 - November 12 - 9:32 pm

  We purchased our Highlander 5 weeks ago and have 2200 miles logged. The comfort and practically of the interior is superb. It drives very well, quiet cabin, and we love the bluetooth and rear view camera. The V-6 has plently of power and average 24-26 mpg on the hwy. In mixed driving 22 mpg. There is also plenty of storage.

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  Great but with problems - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By D C - November 12 - 7:23 pm

  First time to drive a Toyota, never owned a truck other than GMC. Drives great and is comfortable. Been back to the dealer twice in two weeks trying to fix the whistling from the windshield, sounds like youre holding a beer bottle out the window. No other problems!

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  Reliable suv - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By cv - November 12 - 4:26 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for over 5 years now with no major problems. 122,000 miles. Regular oil changes and maintenence. Replaced clutch mechanics on interior, thats it. Very reliable. Fun off road in Desert sand or mountain snow. Tows, and handles well. Gas mileage could be better, my Tahoe friends get similar mileage with their bigger vehicles. Definitely could use more horsepower. Overall a great suv

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  Perfect Fit for years to come - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Adam V - November 12 - 3:40 pm

  I sold my V6 99 Accord to help finance the 07 RAV4 and so far so good. Its as near perfect in terms of optioning as I could find, and the utility it offers is second to none. The interior layout is classic toyota and controls are placed in harmony where youd want them to be. Outside styling is always personal, but I love looking at it even after the honeymoon period is over. Rear door is a blessing and a curse, but when picking up a plasma TV last week my mothers 06 Ford Escape could not hold it b/c of the rear liftgage setup. The RAV4s swing door allowed more vertical clearance. Also, love the spare on back to allow for more cargo space even at expense of the "look."

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  Worst Car Ive ever driven! - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Kevinster - November 12 - 3:07 pm

  I admit this car has its place... and its not with me. Ive driven quite a few cars and I would consider myself a "car guy", so Im going to base my review on that. Apart from the quite ugly exterior theres not much to talk about there. Upon entering the car youll notice it sits VERY low to the ground and for a "family sedan" you would be surprised. A nice amenity it has is that it has power windows, and the amenities stop there. Although the interior has some decent soft touch plastics, youll notice its not very inviting. The look is very bland. One thing Im surprised on is that it has no cupholders. The seats feel like youre sitting on an old sofa and the rear seats seem to be missing headrests. It has a radio with a tape player; so nothing out of place for that year of vehicle. Now for the drive. The suspension feels okay, and I can say thats the best thing about the car. Its not so soft, but it does soak up a bit of the bumps in the road. Steering is quite bad and has very little direct response, but most people could live with it. Now, the acceleration is my main issue here: it feels like it has none. You practically have to floor it to even get moving to speed and there is just no enjoyment in driving this car. The brakes are also quite unresponsive. If you actually enjoy driving this is NOT the car for you. If you could care less about what car you drive, want something cheap and to get to point A to point B I suppose this car is okay. But with how low it rides, how small it is, lack of cupholders and with the slow moving speeds I would say this isnt a good daily driver.