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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  Meet Virginia - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Neneefor2 - February 19 - 6:03 pm

  Hands down, this car is worth every cent. They have a great resale and if taken care of, will out last any car on the market. The V6 is a must. I will never own any other car. "Virginia" is trustworthy and comfortable. Being a single female, I have comfort that she wont let me down

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  poor - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By buttermilk - February 19 - 5:16 pm

  Very poor fuel economy. It is running a lot worst than (17/23) mile/gallon. Less than 11 MPG in city. Another problem is the car does not move right away once the gas pedal is pressed. There is at least half second delay.

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  5 Year Tacoma Owner/READ ME! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By 07tacomagirl - February 19 - 11:36 am

  Well, Purchased Feb. 5, 2007.....first of all I LOVE MY TRUCK!!! Sadly, it spends more time at the dealer than I have actually driven it. I have a file on it at least a solid inch thick. Things replaced so far: washer line..started shooting out of the side of my hood, 3 months in blower motor went out, 7,000 miles tire blew...literally came apart, 3 weeks later another tire blew, decided to replaced dunlops, engine rattle started, 14,000 miles brakes, calipers, rotors replaced they couldnt figure out why they wouldnt stop squeeling. 2 years in trans. hits when parked at a stop light. All before 36,000 mile and my list goes on but ran out of room. Im at 75,000 miles but at least its paid!

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  My Review - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By me - February 18 - 3:46 pm

  It is a great car.

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  Wife says it drives like a dream - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By keny - February 18 - 1:20 pm

  Had the car a month. Waited to write my comment until we took a 2300 mile trip. Overall we love the car. A little disappointed with the overall 24mpg. We drove on interstates, in big cities, mountains and 2-lanes. Inside is roomy and comfortable. Love the bluetooth. The Nav system is no better than my Magellan portable. Disappointed that there are areas with no turn-by-turn instructions even though it lists streets. There are some features on it I really liked like the split screen. The front mats are already showing signs of matting. Love the transmission. Mpg is much better at 60-65 mph than over 75 mph. That should be expected. We did get about 31 mpg on one tank. A keeper.

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  The Shoe Does Not Fit - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By BB - February 18 - 9:16 am

  The Venza is a solid vehicle hampered by a few glaring defects. The fuel economy is good, but could have been improved by putting on 17 or 18in tires. I have no idea what Toyota was thinking when they mounted 19in tires on the 4 cylinder and 20in tires on the 6 cylinder. Replacement tires for the 19s are currently limited to the original tires. I can only hope Toyota received a great kickback for these terrible tires. I truly hate them. As a tall driver, I find the wideness of the center center console impedes my comfort. The good thing for Toyota is that these items are resolvable.

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  Taco - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alan - February 18 - 8:06 am

  I really enjoy my truck! I have 217,000 miles and will run it for as long as I can. Only major repair was the water pump. Still running original fuel filter, drum brakes, AC, plug wires. It drives like new and does not burn any oil. You cannot beat Toyota quality and this truck proves that.

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  4 Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Frank Trask - February 18 - 3:36 am

  My experience with the 4 Runner is much better than I expected and being my 7th Toyota product I do expect a lot. I had the Dealer install Michelins as from previous experience the Dunlops dont make it. Ride and handling is excellent for this type of vehicle. Fuel mileage so far 19 mpg+.

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  Favorite bike carrier - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By George Nierlich - February 18 - 3:09 am

  Update: after a month-long cross country trip, still no troubles whatsoever. Everything just works. Drive, change oil, repeat. We have no soccer kids and no in-laws to haul around. But we have bikes, including a tandem, and we like to travel to ride our bikes. The Sienna SE at least has a few "sporty" touches to ease the male ego when, really, it has the sexy styling of a toaster. It does have very good navi (except map updates are stupid expensive), great bluetooth, very nice media center (love it reading texts to us), great climate control, room for our tandem and all our gear INSIDE, and all day comfortable seats. It hauls a Costco load that will incinerate your wallet. So far no reason to go back to the dealer except services. Whats not to like?

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  Heres our honest opinion. We like the car. - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By ericells - February 18 - 3:06 am

  Weve had the Toyota RAV 4 Limited AWD since May 2013. Going from a Honda Pilot to this car took some getting used to. We havent owned anything other than Hondas since 1987. We test drove Hondas, Hyundais, Mazdas and we settled on the new RAV 4 as being the most practical vehicle for the money. We didnt spring for the extra $1100 for navigation. Our phones can get us where we need to go for no extra charge. All in all, we like the car and would recommend it