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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  Gen 2 Rav nicer than Gen 1 but -Quality - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Canada Rav - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I have two Gen 1 2L Manual AWD Ravs. This one is nicer. More room, more storage space, more comfortable, more power, quieter, better fuel efficiency (~ 500 km @ 50l on the 2l Gen 1s and ~ 560 km @ 50l on the 2.4l Gen2). The extra 0.4L makes a big difference. I especially like the way the engine compartment is laid out. Much more room to work on the motor. My only complaint is the drive by wire accelerator pedal. I find there is no fine control at low speeds so low speed creeping, driving is not intuitive. It is certainly a step backwards to go from cable to potentiometer with respect to feel and man-machine interface. BAD: The transmission vibrates in 5th under load :(

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By gigmom - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Highlander with 67,000 miles on it.. It just turned 216,000 miles. Minor repairs like brakes, O2 sensor, but this car is a BEAST in the snow! I live on a mountain top in New England and it goes through a foot and a half of snow on a dirt road climbing a hill like its nothing!! The original Toyota battery lasted for 169,000 miles. The car rocks! I will drive it until it sighs its last breath then buy another.

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  Too expensive to maintain - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Dave in CT - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Had to replace 1st set of runflat tires at 23K miles ($600+). New brake pads and rotors turned at 40K miles. The "alloy" wheels are peeling. Will soon need to replace the second set of runflat tires @ 47K miles. I would put regular tires on it if there was a place for a spare. Not the quality I expected when I purchased it, first Toyota purchased and probably the last.

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  Love it! - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Jimbob - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Just returned from a round trip to Illinois and driving the speed limits, averaged 33 mpg, which includes a traffic tie up in the Twin Cities, and side winds the entire trip. Couldnt be any better! Fantastic ride and handling!

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  It gets the job done! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Hurasame - October 14 - 10:00 am

  My wife totaled our 2006 Corolla LE. Decided we wanted another Corolla but with a little sport. So we purchased the S Model. Car looks sleek and aggressive. I agree with some posters that the paint needs to be more durable. Like maybe 3 or 4 layers. Gas mileage is incredible and you have to love spending about $30 dollars to fill up the tank. I wish though the seats can be adjusted in more different ways and the steering feels at times a little artificial. Other than that, Id buy another Corolla.

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  2011 XLE V6 - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Henley - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I would have to say coming from a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am, I am in Heaven. I love having all of the power features, and a back seat that will actually sit an adult. I do mostly high way driving and sit in a lot of traffic on my way home and have been averaging around 28 mpg. I have hit 32 mpg on the highway with no traffic. I was able to get the car with the 2 year 25K mile maintenance. I am surprised that i was able to get the car for just over $25,500 brand new. I come from a family of Toyota owners (some have moved up to Lexus) and I can see why they keep buying them. I am sure that I will by another Toyota the next time I buy a car.

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  2001 4 Runner 4 X 4 - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By R. McNamara - October 14 - 7:20 am

  This vehicle has lived up to all my expectations. I live in a very snowy area, it went through waist deep snow with no problems. The 4x4 system is easy to use. It is painted dark green. The front bumper is painted to match and it doesnt hold up well to chips from rocks. The paint shows every ding and scratch. The preset number buttons on the factory radio are almost worn off completly.

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  Good MPG for the long trips to the city - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Jack - October 14 - 7:00 am

  I purchased this car in 2/08 in Tempe AZ and save about $3K instead of buying it in ABQ, NM. Im getting about 38.5 to 41 MPG a week. Car is great on gas and has low engine noise. AC works great and came with most of the options of the LE (i.e., cruise control, tire pressure sensor, power locks and Windows variable speed windshield wipers etc). Good suspension and no interior problems. Seats fold down and tons of trunk space. It been a good little car.

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  Pleasure Trip - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By anonymous909 - October 13 - 11:06 am

  Wow!! A mid-size convertible under $30K with the reliability and power of a high-end Toyota Camry, packed to hilt with extras....not to mention the best and biggest power moonroof available anywhere. Move over Avalon this is by far the best car Toyota makes. I test drove this thing and had to have it. They dont seem to sell these w/o the upgraded package so be prepared not to penny-pinch. Got mine for $29,999 with everything it can possibly come with.

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  Rattling Noise, MPG not up there - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By chewyxrage - October 13 - 10:26 am

  Ive had my Corolla for one year now and have driven it approx. 7,000 miles. I enjoy the car overall but there are some things that really annoy me about it. The panels for the side curtain airbags rattle and it annoys the bejesus out of me. It comes and goes. I have also recently noticed some more rattling noise (again, comes and goes) from the back area of the car. The gas mileage I get driving around the city isnt as good as advertised. It appears to be more like 25 for city driving and 30-33 on the highway. This was my first economy car. Being 63, I fit pretty comfortable in this vehicle. The engine is very quiet and has some quickness for being a 4 banger.