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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  Great mpg and comfort for the long commutes - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By boelke - September 9 - 8:14 pm

  Purchased one because of a 150 mile daily commute to and from work. Exceptional gas mileage averaging at 52 mpg on mixed highway traffic (I-5 & 118). I am pleased with our decision and it was definitely worth the savings over driving my Z3 daily.

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  Most Reliable Car Ever - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Drek4 - September 9 - 7:40 am

  This car is very reliable and besides normal maintenance, have hardly done any repairs on it in my four years of ownership. I`m 6`4" so it`s roomy except a little tight for the legs. This car has great fuel economy, so it`s great for trips. The car is surprisingly agile and very nervous for it`s size. I use it mainly for driving to work, trips on occasion and as my winter car.

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  6 months and still loving it - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By run4jc58 - September 8 - 7:38 am

  Understand - I am a 56 year old man with a wife of 25 years and 2 grown kids. I am not green...not wasteful, but not green. I dont haul kids, but I do haul stuff sometimes! Ive yet to need to haul anything (Home Depot, etc.) that this Prius wouldnt haul. I traded a beautiful, fully loaded 2012 Tacoma - 4 door, 4WD, TRD Sport Edition (17 MPG) - on this Prius. Why? Fuel economy, and I love gadgets. This car is my "fun to drive gadget." Yes, I called it "fun to drive." Why? Because I enjoy trying to squeeze the most fuel economy out of that I can, and Im getting a real 42 mpg - calculated manually (trip computer says 44-46 usually.) And its a Toyota - amazing quality.

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  Mileage is the ONLY downfall - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Pam - September 7 - 7:53 pm

  My Sequoia has been a delight from the very first day. My friends assumed from the look, feel and ride of it, that it was new. I certainly didnt correct them!! On highway trips, it rides like cloud. In town, it handles and responds very well. The gas mileage is the single issue I have with it. I average approximately 16 mpg. Wish it were 21 or more. Love it anyway!

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  Great car but MAJOR blind spots - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Votch1 - September 7 - 1:56 pm

  I leased this car in May 2005 (2006 model) and was impressed with the ride, acceleration, and quietness. I guess I should have driven a little more with the top up for the test drive. Top- down driving is pure pleasure! Top-up is challenging due to the large rear headrests (cannot remove) and the large c-pillars. One quickly learns to drive using only the side mirrors. I have had MANY close-calls cutting people off because I could not see them beside me or slightly behind. Backing up will require putting your head out the drivers window to look back. Mechanical & build quality are PERFECT!

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  2002 Sienna 3.0 V6 - 113K - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By jackman7 - September 6 - 2:57 am

  Purchased new in 2002, now 113k. Overall a great buy for us. Tires a problem with wear due to frt. end weight. You will replace rotors if you do not replace pads earlier than expected. We only get 12-14k on a set of front pads just to be safe. Wifes van; shes a little speedy. Rear shoes repl @ 65k. Normal maintenance items; timing belt @ 90k, change trans fluid every 35-40k, coolant @ 70k, plugs @ 60k. Front end parts great though must keep aligned. No problems with doors but recommend periodic greasing of all. Engine and transmission still pull like new (knock on wood). Please report on this site engine/transmission problems and mileage occurred.

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  Expected a little more! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By cayugajim - September 6 - 12:56 am

  Ill begin by saying that my RAV4 was purchased to replace a 2002 Buick Rendezvous. So for comparison purposes, the RAV is a far superior vehicle. However, the 4 cyl in my base model is underpowered and hesitates when cold. According to the dealer, this is normal and part of the vehicles computer program to maximize efficiency. Fuel economy is also a bit disappointing. With a ratio of 70/30 city/hwy driving, Ive never exceeded 22 mpg (usually around 20). On the plus side, the all wheel drive is great and the vehicle is very reliable. Its also quite roomy and easy to drive. The hard plastic spare tire cover looks great, but is a bear to put back on!

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  Uncomfortable seats - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By acheback - September 5 - 11:26 pm

  Both my husband and I are having a terrible time with the seats. We both get terrible backaches. I have been to the chiro twice, husband once. We love the car, but cant stand the pain.

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  Best SUV owned yet! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By DSkeet - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I have always heard of the uncompareable Toyota quality. Well after selling my wifes 97 Accord we bought a 2000 4Runner Limited 4wd. Performs very well offroad, pulls our Sea Doo jet boat well. I will be buying a Toyota Land Cruiser myself as soon as my BMW is sold. Again, an awesome vehicle, highly recommend!

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  RAV4 Seats & Head Rests - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By ann - September 5 - 5:33 am

  I recently purchased a 2009 RAV4 and love everything about it except the seats and head rests. The seats have very little support and the head rests tilt so far forward my neck hurts every time I drive. I have read many complaints about the uncomfortable seats and head rests and dont understand why Toyota cant change them. I wont buy another Toyota until these features are changed.