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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  Exceptional Ride, Quality engineering - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Cali Driver - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, took a trip to Vegas on half a tank of gas! Was deciding on Camry or Corolla, Corolla won because of the gas milage. Longo Toyota and AAA was just fantastic, quality follow through after the sale. Love seat riser, simplistic/functional dash that Toyota is famous for. The occasional convoys on open highways new Corolla drivers get into is amusing and a subtle tribute to the engineers, (up to 5 following). Because space here is limited, My advice to everyone, read the manual to find out more cool features. Btw, I work down the street from Toyotas CA offices and lot of Toyotas on their lots dont think youd get that from GM.

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  never buy american again - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By willie mays - July 22 - 10:00 am

  have been a ford man all my life,when ford or any other american company could build a car as good as this one then i would go back but that going to happen went from an explorer to this car and what a ride,comfort and gas milegae the gauge never moves car handles well and ride is smooth.thought going from suv to compact car would be a problem boy was i wrong.car has so much room you would be surprised.

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  Outstanding - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Billie G. - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The car is comfortable and maintains my expectations as to the gas mileage. I bought the Sport SS and it has nice pep when you need it. Although I swore I would never buy a 4 cylinder again, this car has made me eat my words due to its reliable performance and fun driving experience. Shortly after I bought the car I was rear-ended in Chicago traffic. The hit was at 40 mph and to look at the car you would not know it had been hit other than the sport trim having been sheered off at the bottom of the trunk lid. The trunk lid was not affected in the hit and the car withstood the hit without causing sway or loss of control. I was amazed!

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  Quiet Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By tuxx - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I like the fact that the car is quiet and great on gas. I wish the seats were larger, which maybe the Avalon is, but the enterior may not be fancy, but the resale should be great.

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  Excellent Small SUV! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By joe - July 22 - 4:03 am

  Bought this Rav4 in March 2009. Has been a great vehicle. No problems so far. 4 cylinder engine has plenty of power for around town. Great ease of use for my wife. We transport 2 toddlers with their stuff, plenty of room. Road noise can be evident on rougher surfaced roads. Has lived up to my expectations relating to previous Toyota I owned. Seems like this Rav4 will be the same way. Would recommend purchase to anyone looking for a smaller SUV that is well designed and very dependable.

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  You Go Rav! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By bob franks - July 22 - 2:06 am

  Agile handling, good gas economy with the inline 4-cyl engine but has plenty of power. Took five hour trip to bring daughter and her new baby home for a visit. Had my mom in front with me, my daughter and wife sat in the back with the baby/carseat in backseat center. Carseat installed easily. Fit our luggage in the well under the rear cargo floor, and filled the cargo area with all the baby paraphenlia with no problem whatsoever. Even with this full load, the 4-cyl had plenty of power for highway driving and it still handled like a dream. Son-in-law loved its rugged look; and we the interior dash is awesome looking - looked at the competitors and RAV beat them all

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  I Love This Car!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Andys Mom - July 21 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased my new Prius 2 months ago and have been thrilled with it. It gets 51 mpg on the highway and 43-45 mpg in the city. The car accelerates smoothly and quickly with no difficulty on the freeway. The smart key is great, I never have to search for the key in my purse. I just leave it in the bottom of my purse, put my hand on the door handle and the door unlocks. Likewise, the car starts by pressing a start button (once again, the key stays in my purse which is in the car) - so convenient. Theres a surprising amount of room - no complaints from my kids in the back seat. I havent had any mechanical problems. The car works runs like a dream.

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  Matrix is a blast - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By adam - July 21 - 3:23 pm

  This car is much improved for 09. The 2.4 liter Camry motor makes this car a rocket but still a miser with the gas. The look is really sporty I get lots of compliments. No squeaks or rattles. Rear visibility is compromised with the new design but not unbearable. The 18" wheels on the XRS are sharp. You really forget this is a great practical utility vehicle.Th

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  Just bought one - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runner8762 - July 21 - 4:20 am

  I bought in mid 2014, a 2005 Toyota 4runner v6 Sport edition. It had 67k miles on it and 2-3 previous owners. I absolutely love it. the biggest catch for me buying it was the mpg, as my previous car was a civic. in all honesty it gets decent mpg, my city is 18, and highway is an easy 24. just dont drive like an idiot and mpgs arent too bad at all. the layout is great, super practical and simple. the back is big enough to sleep two and have room for gear. the engine is plenty powerful enough, although i can imagine a v8 being a bit stronger off the line. when i bought it I had to replace the alternator, and i did a seafoam flush of the oil and gas. great machine, buy it!

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  Loving our FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By BayAreaFJ - July 21 - 2:43 am

  My wife chose the FJ and loved driving it with our two young kids. It is easy to take them in and out of the back seat with the side-opening doors. We have the airbag package and it feels like they are in a vault. It has a hard, bumpy ride - as it should be, because this is no grocery- getter. This vehicle is absolutely no-nonsense and reliable, at 30,000 mi. with no issues, and none anticipated. Recently hauled three other guys for a mountain-climbing trip and the four of us were comfortable. One owns a new Jeep and lamented all the problems he is having already. We love this vehicle with no reservations and expect our kids to drive it when they turn 16 in about ten years.