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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  Dont Even Look At Competitors!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ImUrPapi - October 15 - 2:06 pm

  This is my first car, and I love it. I bought this new Camry solely on infamous reliability and reputation. Mine is super white, and exterior is georgeous. Im 24 years old and I wouldve never bought this Camry if it wasnt redesigned. Interior is simple and well laid out. The blue neon center console makes the interior look really cool, every single person thats been in my car loved it. I didnt notice any tranny hesitation for over 300 miles mixed city/hwy and 250 miles round trip on hwy. Fuel economy is just so-so. Overall, it blasts off any competitors.

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  Great van - great price - great value! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Alvin - October 14 - 12:06 pm

  Test drove a few vans, the Sienna was not only the cheapest for us in insurance, but the best riding! One review called it "rode like a Lexus" and we couldnt agree more!! Excellent van, great resale value, good safety features (3 rows of side curtain airbags STANDARD!) Make sure you guys buy the one with VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) great safety tool!

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  Im keeping it - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By farmlassie - October 14 - 9:00 am

  This car is absolutely wonderful! I have loved it from the day I bought it. We have had 3 minivans since we bought this car and I still prefer my ECHO. It is effected by the wind, but it is well worth it. With the price of gas it is a real asset to own. I would buy it again if I needed another car. It isnt the most comfortable on long trips, especially not having a right-arm rest for the driver. The safety is greatly appreciated.

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  LOVE IT!!!! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jmatz - October 14 - 12:16 am

  Takes a bit getting used to the blind spots. Love the car to the max! Fun to drive, 4X4 is really nice. Have a friend with a Jeep Wrangler and goes toe to toe off road with it and is much more practical. A few things I would improve would be the seats do not have a forward track for the people getting into the back seat. You have to manually move it forward from the front. The rear windows do not go down. Does not seem like a big deal, but the wind whips through the truck like crazy. Last thing would be the back window would be nice if it would go down like with the 4 runner. But all in all I would highly recommend this vehicle!! BUY IT!

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  I would prefer to buy - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Suren - October 13 - 7:33 pm

  I like this SUV, more comfortable and fun to drive. I have Sport V6 with 3.5 L, excellent pickup.

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  Best auto ever owned - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By arthur meehan - October 13 - 3:06 pm

  Im 76 years old and have never had a vechicle that pleased me more.It has everything from sensors to detect items to the rear or sides to a laser to warn and automatically slow me down when approaching the vechicle in front of us. A DVD system, moon roof and GPS system add to the pleasure of driving this vechicle. Simply--I love it.

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  Really good choice - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By JP - October 13 - 1:33 pm

  Owned a 1993, 4 cyl, 5-speed manual trans, Toyota Corolla wagon. Felt ready for something different, but didnt want to loose what I liked about the wagon. Spent about 6 months researching and driving cars. Top choices that I test drove were: Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander and Toyota RAV4. RAV4 won out.

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  2001 avalon xls, fantastic reliability - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By bill - October 13 - 12:06 pm

  Bought with 21,000 miles. Now at 113,000, same brakes. Only one problem with faulty sensor, 27 mph on highway, 23 combined city/hwy. I sold my 97 mercedes after many problems. I would consider a 2005 avalon, except it uses premium fuel. This is the best car for the money I have owned. I am 64 and have more room than the Mercedes. No loss of oil after 5,000 mi between changes, oil is still honey colored. All I do is rotate tires and change oil. How can you not love this car?

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  Best SUV ever - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toyota #1 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has the handling and feel of a small vehicle, then you turn around and there is a ton of room. Plenty of power to get you going, solid on the road, and sporty looking.

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  satisfied - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By aod - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I changed to a smaller suv. I have owned a Suburban, and an Escalade. I am enjoying the luxury, yet it is not as large.