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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  Very Satisfied - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron - January 20 - 9:51 pm

  This is a well engineered vehicle. Very comfortable seats, very quiet in the cabin. Birds eye camera and saftey features ie. blind spot and lane sensing are fantastic. The only thing I would like to see added is a power passenger seat. Buying the Hybrid was a no brainer...I think it was only around $700 more than the gas model. Checked my mileage this last refill and it was 33.95 mpg. The computer read out indicated 35.1 so very close to actual.

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  Incredibly roomy! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By VenzaYaris - January 20 - 4:46 pm

  Proud owner of a FWD V6 Venza w/ premium package for over a month. Ride isnt as bad as others have complained -- we do feel some of the bumps on the road, but its nothing to lose sleep over. Storage capacity is incredible; weve taken ours for a 1200km shopping trip and was able to load quite a bit of stuff in the rear. Fuel economy is alright, considering its a v6 (avg about 23mpg mostly city so far). The amount of power & torque in the V6 is pretty amazing; Im not surprised if this thing can do 0-60 in 6.5 secs!

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  Very good MiniSUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Pancholo - January 20 - 3:16 pm

  I love driving my Limited RAV4 6 cyl 4x4. It has very good acceleration. The brakes could be better as it should stop quicker than it does. It rides smooth for an SUV. It is very reliable. After driving this fun miniSUV on long trips for 3 years, it only gave me a problem once. The dealer had to replace the steering box after off road trips and it started making a soft thunking sound when the wheel is turned all the way to the left (but it was still driving well). Warranty replacement of course. I would buy another RAV4 after this one gets to be too old.

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  Barcelona Red Toyota Rav-4 sport v6 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ferrell - January 20 - 11:06 am

  What can I say besides I absolutely love this suv. Previously I owned a honda crv (I was glad to see it go). There is so much more space in the cabin and a lot more power under the hood. I also take pride in knowing that I could race a bmw x3 and leave it in the dust (hands down). It only takes about $25-30 to fill up (for now) but I find myself stopping for gas more often than I did with my old crv. I also like the options that were included on my vehicle --- I have the side curtain airbags, uphill and downhill assist control, the in dash 6 disc player with the subwoofer,and the tourneau cover and net. I really like driving on the freeway because the passing/merging power is second to none.

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  I love the Sequoia. - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By rpnuge@aol.com - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Finally after 2 years of talking and watching other people drive by me on the highway, I bought an 03 Phantom Grey SR5 Sequoia. This website was great in helping with reviews and what I should expect for price. The dealership had plenty in stock and we picked one off the lot. It drives great, is comfortable, looks sharp, and is all around fun to drive. I feel comfortable in it wether dressed up for dinner or road tripping with the back jammed. Great SUV and hope it lives up to the great anticipated quality and value. Gas mileage is as expected 14- 17MPG, but still tough to swallow.

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  this is a great car but be careful - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By brightangel - January 20 - 10:00 am

  this was my first car and i had it for 2 and a half months before i totaled it. i loved everything about the car, but if youre thinking about getting one, make sure you get the antilock brakes. i didnt know that they were not standard and mine didnt come with any. That is why my brakes locked up in the rain, and i rear ended somebody causing $11,600 in damages. i am definatly getting another one just like it, but this time im getting the ABS system.

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  my frist 8,000 km eperience - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By sammmaasehhn - January 20 - 10:00 am

  good size, good match with fuel economy to power ignition key sticks sometimes in lock or wont turn unless steering wheel is turned to take preasure off if parked with wheels turned. everything else works as it should they should offer the 180 horsepower 1.8 engine on the "sport" model as a option. currently have 8300 km on it

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  Dust Eclipses in a 4-door - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Paul_Can - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Not only does the Corolla S look awesome, but you can dust just about any 4 banger on the road with this 1.8L 5 speed. Ive dusted Mitsubishis, Hondas and even SUVs left and right in a car that gets almost 40 MPG combined. The inside is perfect, the outside is perfect, I cant say enough about the best selling car of all time!

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  robo car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Don Lane - January 20 - 10:00 am

  A really fun car to own and drive. Previous car was a MB 350ML. We are getting 55 MPG average city and highway

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  Sienna is great!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mocan55 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is well built combining functionality with many "bells and whistles." Well-thought-out design and engineering...smart placement of amenities and storage.