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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  My 2017 Rav4 SE AWD review - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike Dallmeier - June 7 - 1:03 am

  First let me say I owned a 2013 Ford Escape SEL before buying this vehicle. That being said, my Escape had more options on it for the price point. I have never owned a Toyota before and I found the appearance of the RAV4 inviting. The 2017 RAV4s only offer a 4 cylinder engine, the 2016s offered a 6 cylinder. The SE comes with the ECO/Sport modes. ECO Im getting about 29mpg, Sport mode close to the same, although engine is more peppy in sport mode. There is plenty of power for merging onto highways and for passing in my opinion. Interior is quiet and road/engine noise into the cabin is minimal. The SEs suspension is more stiff, a little more rough than Id like but ok. Almost no vehicle lean going around corners, electric steering feels fine also. Stereo is great! Cabin speakers more than adequate, better than my Escapes. The seats are not as comfortable as I would have expected, a bit disappointing! The headlights and tail lights have the LED trim which looks very nice. Great visibility at night with just low beams on! Back seat is spacious, cargo area fine. The only thing I wish I had is memory button for drivers seat and a power passenger seat. Other than that its a nice vehicle, but I only have a little over 550 miles on it so far.

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  Great SUV/CUV, with a few caveats - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By tradedcmax - June 6 - 12:14 pm

  Updated 2 years later: I enjoyed the RAV4 and RAV4 hybrid for just over 2 years, but didnt realize the negative effect the front seat was having with my leg, and how I would develop a problem that could have caused or helped to contribute to neuropathy, something that developed during my RAV4 ownership. I had come to believe the RAV4 was the only car I could drive, without hurting my feet more. By chance I recently drove a Buick Encore, and while the seats were slightly more narrow, the bottom cushion side bolsters pushed up and provided support in a place that needed to be supported. I could not believe how much difference this made. I thought it was a fluke, and tried again and even again. Same thing, less problems with my feet hurting. Now, 4 weeks into this new relationship and Ive been able to do more than before. I have reduced the pain meds a bit, and I can go longer without the pain. I dont know if the condition is fully reversible or not, it came on during a 2 year period, so maybe it will take awhile. Maybe never. And maybe nothing to do with it? I dont know. But I do know Im getting better support with a different cars front seat. And I can get around without as much trouble - the need to limp from the pain is going away. As for repairs, I had the rear tailgate door switch that had to be replaced, and the problem of hitting the switch more than once was still present after the repair. In addition, the left front fog light burned out and was also covered under warranty. The last thing I noticed and didnt have serviced, was an intermittent issue with the brakes acting a bit odd, and without any consistency. It would feel like the left front caliper was grabbing or something. It was too intermittent to take in for service, and had recently passed the state inspection without issue. Is the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid a great car? Yes...and a great value. The paint on the RAV4 Hybrid, made in Japan, was way better. And the 30mpg average was just incredible. I miss the extra space, and the fact I was saving more gas. What I wish was that the seats were more comfortable, and that Toyota realized that not everyone is a certain shape and size, and plan accordingly with the seats. UPDATE: At about the one year anniversary of owning this great SUV, I traded it in with 18,000 miles on the odometer. Why? I traded it for a 2016 RAV4 Hybrid XLE. I enjoyed it so much that I took a small loss to get into the hybrid version. The gas mileage is anywhere from 31mpg around town and higher speed commutes, to 37.5mpg on a trip from Phila to Baltimore and back - going just about the speed limit using the adaptive radar cruise control. While I gave up the faux leather heated memory seats, I gained a significantly better technology equipped hybrid version. The tech package includes front collision avoidance with cars and pedestrians, lane departure, front and rear parking assist sensors, and of course blind spot monitoring. My wife misses her heated seats for her back issues, but agreed the cloth seats were more amiable to not sweating when hot, and not feeling as cold when it is cold outside. The RAV4 limited (non-hybrid) model did GRRRRREEEAAAAATTTT in the snow, it did a really good job in fact. The hybrid AWD is different, and havent had a chance to try it in the snow. But the limited non-hybrid was perfect in the snow - hoping for the same with this one. The only thing I found I didnt like on the non-hybrid version, which is made in Canada, was that the paint was as thin a layer as you could imagine and I got alot of chips from driving on the highway. The hybrid is made in Japan and so far, not a single chip. I did have to replace the windshield as a stone must have hit the windshield, and then it spread, but no chips on the hood.....so if you like a good paint job, get the hybrid because they seem like they are better painted as they are made in Japan. I would highly recommend the RAV4 to anyone......from the cargo size, to the quality, to the MPG, to the lack of problems, etc. Id say the RAV4 is a homerun! All in all, Im pleased with this vehicle. I upgraded from another smaller wagon cuv with all wheel drive, because it could not handle the speed of I95 in the Philly metro area. I was pleased with the handling of this RAV4, at those highway/rush hour speeds. I havent tried out the AWD as I bought this in the spring season when there was no snow. But so far, it is doing well. Ive had this for about a month and have just over 2,000 miles on it. But this is getting anywhere from 24 mpg on my suburbia trips, up to 28 mpg on the highway (higher speed) drives. I realize Id get more MPG if Id be able to go 45-50 mph, but that is not possible.

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  I got a brand new LEMON! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By erin - June 2 - 11:13 am

  After reading so many other reviews, Im convinced I got a Corolla reject! Door hinges started to come apart after a few months. I paid $700 extra for that paint protection, undercoating crap (I know, I know, my own fault). The paint scratches off when my nails hit it lightly on the trunk. I have lots of paint chips where rust is coming through! Not in places where stones could even hit it! Now, my alloy wheels are rusting from the inside and look all bubbly. There is an annoying *ping* when pulling out of a parking space that makes everyone in the parking lot turn and look. Im so disappointed in the quality of this car. Im dumping it now that Im out of warranty!

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  Unreliable - Terrible service - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Not Happy - June 1 - 7:10 am

  One of the main reasons I purchased this Highlander was Toyotas reputation for reliability. After about 11 months, the battery went dead. I had to tow it to Brent Brown Toyota in Orem, Utah. They evaluated the electrical system and replaced the battery under warranty, but charged me for the tow. 3 weeks later, the battery was dead again. Back to Brent Brown Toyota (which at this point Id like to say has the worst service department on the planet). The service adviser was lousy, the service manager is an obnoxious, rude liar. Ive had the car back 4 times now and they still havent figured it out. I cant believe Toyota allows such lousy people at their dealerships. Im done with Toyota

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  Barely a truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By jequines - May 26 - 7:41 pm

  Have put 50,000kms on now with not too much trouble. Stereo went dead within 2 months of buying it, dealership replaced. This truck is terribly underpowered, drove it through the mountains and I was down to 60kph in 3rd gear full throttle. Frame seems weak if I drive down a gravel road I can see the box shaking and twisting independant of the cab quite violently. Box wont hold much wieght, at 600lbs rear suspension is almost fully compressed. Truck gets awesome gas mileage and the styling is great.

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  Dont Rush into it! - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By mike806 - May 25 - 2:09 am

  I actually just bought a Corolla S a hours ago and I already regret my purchase, I should have gone with the CIVIC or the Sentra, better Gas, more power, more leg room and much better Dash Board Look., I did like the sporty look of the S model, but after a few hours I should have just gone with the Civic, 30 more dollars a month would have been definitely worth it.

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  Disappointed!!!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CZ - May 23 - 1:56 pm

  This new car drives me crazy. Acceleration is slow and hesitate, and sometimes there is no-response. Transmission is not smooth. The engine noise is loud. I regret that I purchased this car.

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  Never again! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By cert963 - May 19 - 10:00 am

  A lot of repairs due to everyday use, parts and labor at dealer very expensive. Build with very cheap materials that break unusually fast dealer and Toyota will blame you for anything that you touched or used on the vehicle even the radio that you listen to is your fault. My first and believe me last Toyota to buy. Happy with my other Nissan and infinity trucks that I own for far more years of service and far less problems!

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  Toyota quality no more - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Mark - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Having owned several Toyota vehicles dating back to the 70s, I am truly disappointed in the recent quality of their vehicles. Brakes wear prematurely, CV joints are bad, and automatic sliding door went out. All before 50,000 miles. And of course, all of these repairs are very expensive. No more Toyotas in my future.

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  searching for a gear - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By hammer - May 16 - 5:29 pm

  the 6 speed transmission will stall when changing into second gear it will hesitate about 5 seconds while you just roll befor eit catches and takes off the toyota dealer said was searching for a gear and was normal almost hit twice while rolling, the back up camera is poor as it shows the back license plant