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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  2nd time owner - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By krystle - November 21 - 12:40 pm

  I had a 2012 Camry sport I loved it loved how it grounded to the road the 2016 is sleek love the new design its a tad bit smaller than my 2012 BUT I love it my 2012 was having some shuddering problems with the transmission but totally love my 2016

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  2nd time owner - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By krystle - November 21 - 12:40 pm

  I had a 2012 Camry sport I loved it loved how it grounded to the road the 2016 is sleek love the new design its a tad bit smaller than my 2012 BUT I love it my 2012 was having some shuddering problems with the transmission but totally love my 2016

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  Good car but others have gotten better - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By emajor - November 21 - 7:23 am

  Our Yaris is a 2008 and we are now 3 1/2 years and 36,000 miles into our ownership. Car has been perfectly reliable and exceeds EPA ratings, we regularly see 40 to 44 mpg highway, 30+ in town. Roomy up front, with lots of legroom, but narrow. Backseat has enough legroom & headroom for 6-footers and under. Large trunk. Lots of storage pockets, the center gauges are no problem, and the interior is pretty nice. Less road noise than the Fit. Problems: The engine has enough power, but the 4 speed automatic needs another gear or two. Driving position is terrible for taller drivers; the wheel is too far away, and the pedals too close. Pay attention to this during your test drive.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By catrna - November 21 - 6:52 am

  I have owned a 2002 for 5 years and while it seemed like a good car at first it is not. At 89000 miles the transmission died and is no longer covered buy warranty. After doing more web serarching I found that Many 2001-2003 Rav 4s have presented with this problem Toyota is aware of this but has not recalled. So unless you have monney in your pocket to shell out for car repaires dont buy.

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  Who needs a Smartcar??! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Justin - November 21 - 6:10 am

  When I drive my Echo, I forget that it is a 1.5 liter VVT-i and not a sports car. I was surprised when I test drove it, as I was expecting the response to compare to a Ford Tempo. The car has more interior room than my brothers 2008 Aveo, and my other brothers 2008 Focus! It is not the fastest car on the block, but it sure is fun to drive! I own the manual, so I wouldnt even want to ever drive an auto again!

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  ALMOST 5 YRS OF OWNERSHIP - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By ROBERT - November 21 - 4:36 am

  This is our third 4runner & (still have the 1998 limited & the 2008 limited). The 2012 runs great but is a little underpowered getting up to freeway speeds quickly. Doors sound tinny when closing. More room inside than the older models. Third row seat never used to date. Leather option still looks great. Nav screen not illuminated enough. Overall satisfied as it never has had problems. Plan to keep atleast a few more years. Its garaged and i use amsoil with mobil one oil filters on all three.

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  Limited 4 runner - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By jlaree2006 - November 21 - 4:08 am

  I love my new Limited 4-runner. drives awesome, so glad we decided to go with this vehicle. Everything is amazing about the SUV, the comfort, the room, the leather, the sound system! I cant say enough good things about it!!!

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  Impressed, but not overwhelmed - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By atok - November 20 - 10:33 pm

  I wasnt looking forward to a minivan, but I really like the Sienna. Its fun to drive and looks good. Well built, very useful whether youre hauling a pack of kids or a load of building supplies. Its comfortable, but being 63", the front seats dont go back enough and it feels cramped driving it. Mileage is fine at 20 mpg in mixed driving. We bought it new looking for a reliable car that would last 10 years, and so far its ok, except we have been in the the shop for a few small issues - the CD changer failed twice, wheel noise when turning sharply, automatic rear door was catching/grinding.

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  Reconsidering It - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Ray - November 20 - 3:46 pm

  My first complaint is the interior. Really cheap looking. Other comparable models like the CR-V have much nicer interior. Toyota really lacks technology in their interiors. Cargo area lighting is so terrible! Why put the light on the door which is going to be open? Furthermore, door opens to curbside! Why? Im only 57 and I sit with the seat all the way back, and that is already tight for me. if youre tall, definitely dont get a Toyota. They for some reason only have enough room for people my height. Radio antenna is cheap also. Unscrews easily which causes radio static. MPG not as good as advertised.

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  Functional and fun! - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By ginzero - November 20 - 7:36 am

  I have two kids and our Rav4 was just too cramped. Also needed to carry visitors/cargo and go on long road trips. Test drove 2010 Dodge Caravan and Odyssey. The Sienna had smoother shifting of the three and had the most power. Cabin noise was less than the Caravan and about the same as the Odyssey. The Caravan had the most interior function of the three. I went with with a 3 year lease and the Sienna was the best value for my needs. I think the LE is the sweet spot model for the Siennas; lots of features for $28k. The SE model drives slightly better but its a mini-van, if you want performance look elsewhere. If you want a people mover get this. +1000 miles 20 mpg avg.