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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  I went with the Camry. - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By bach229 - August 2 - 12:21 pm

  After 1100 miles, I have to say this car is great. The SE handles better than the other Camrys and is fun to drive. Excellent transmission! No CVT, of which Im not a fan. Very comfortable seats, good sound system, feels fast for a 4 cylinder. Love the interior layout, very roomy. Averaging 31 mpg so far in mixed driving. I drove Accord, Altima, Sonata, Optima, and Mazda 6 but liked this best of all.

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  RAV4 at 2,000 miles - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Kevin - August 1 - 11:50 pm

  I traded in my 1999 Sienna since the kids are older and dont need the van with mediocre mileage and performance. I test drove the RAV4 with a 4 cylinder and was unimpressed, very noisy during acceleration and not much power. Then I tried the 6 cylinder and it is awesomely powerful off the line. I have put on 2,000 miles in about 6 weeks and I have gotten 23-24 mpg. Im sure I would do better if I could keep it under 75. So far, the RAV4 has been fun to drive and performs more like a car then other SUVs I have driven. Took the kids skiing in the Catskills and it took the mountains effortlessly. Cant wait to try the 4X4 in the snow.

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  gas saver, so quiet - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Rita - August 1 - 11:11 pm

  It makes me love driving even with the heavy traffic. It is so smooth and quiet. I only do not like the white cup holders.

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  Second one I love them - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve - August 1 - 6:10 pm

  This is a totally awesome vehicle, broke it in with a 3000 mile cross country trip, and it satisfied every desire I had in a car. Everywhere we went people were impressed, and constantly compared it to a Lexus (got to love that).

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  Decent, solid, reliable Toyota - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By James - August 1 - 4:26 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 4.5 years and have had no issues. Transmission shifting from 3rd to 4th is a bit "herky jerky" at times but the overall ride is extremely smooth. Plan on buying another one in 2-3 years. A solid buy.

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  Nice Family Ride - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Tony - August 1 - 11:53 am

  Bought this car for my wife. XLE, AWD, JBL, Fog lamps and parking assist. Drove it twice so far and it is comfortable and quiet. The power sliding doors and rear door are a great convenience. It has been raining in NJ non stop and I was able to pull up to a store hit the power sliding door and my three year old daughter and my wife were able to jump in and close the door very quickly. This vehicle is made to be a comfortable, convenient and reliable family hauler. I feel it does what it is designed to do very well. The review says there is no steering feedback and there is body roll around corners. Come on people it is not a sports car, lets be realistic. I am looking forward to a road trip.

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  Excellent Quality - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By VEP - August 1 - 3:50 am

  Im a tough critic but this car is as reliable as a Toyota gets. I have had over 20 cars and Toyotas have been the most reliable. Over 100,000 on it and I put on the last 50,000. Have done nothing but normal maintenance. Drive belt, tires, brakes, etc. No repairs at all for me other than maintenance. Like the standard features of the "L" version. Very sound quality parts. Feels solid and well put together for a small car.

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  Over two years and not a single problem - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Frequent buyer - August 1 - 2:00 am

  We switched to Sequoia from a 4Runner. I dont want to bore you with the initial decision making and comparisons I made. We have had this SUV for two years now. Have taken it to all nasty road conditions. The car drives as if it is on rails. The has a much more dynamic feel than the 4Runner (ironic isnt it/). More importantly, this SUV has never had to go back to dealer . Not even for an adjustment. I cant say the same for our European cars. I really recommend this SUV.

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  Good - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Kevaroni - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Good reliable Car with fair gas milage. Nice quiet ride requiring little or no maintenance past oil changes

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  Smoking - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By John Adcock - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is totally impressive. Toyota just keeps them comming. The 4 cylendar with the 5 speed has all the power the you need and the comfort is unmatched. Quiet, tight, quick and very sleek. A real eye catcher too.