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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  Sequoia - Its not just a tree anymore! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By david - July 24 - 6:06 pm

  Our Sequoia has over 90k miles, and there have been 2 problems: the oxygen sensor went out ($170), back window motor went out (dealer fixed). Phenomenal build quality, super quiet except some wind noise (to be expected with large suv). High quality leather. Large sunroof.

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  Review after 10k miles - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By brianluedke - July 24 - 4:17 pm

  I reviewed this vehicle after I purchased it. Im now going over it again after 10k miles. It runs great. The AWD is awsome in the snow. Cant even tell it kicks in, but there is very little slipping during acceleration. Summer mpgs were 22-23, winter is more in the 20-21 mpgs, closer to 20. Still very good for AWD. No major problems or complaints. Could use a heated backside of the seat and heated steering wheel, but other than that its great. I tested a lot of vehicles before leasing this one. The Venza had a lot more to offer and drives much nicer. It turns through cornors with ease and accelerates very quickly. The exterior looks set it apart from the rest.

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  The surprise car of the decade! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mr_whippet_2001 - July 24 - 12:50 pm

  I would say one of the most surprising aspects of this car is the power... especially if you have to punch it from a stop. Here in southern Cal you will find an unfriendly car a centimeter away from your bumper if you arent breaking the speed of sound while in the fast lane. Im happy to report this car has no problem keeping up with others even going up a steep grade on our hwy 101!

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  BEST OVER ALL CAR!!! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert - July 24 - 12:46 pm

  I love my Toyota, never really liked them until I got mine and Toyota has me sold for life. Great car all around, comfort is ok, like others, back seat can be a little more confy and I have to issues with the driver side. Great acceleration for a small 1.8l vvt-I four banger. I put in a cold air intake and got better mpg and performance. I also love the looks better than the 09, dont like the new design. Have not had any issues with it at all. I got mine in the speedway blue metallic color and everyone compliments me for it, great color. Car handles very well on curves and ride quality isnt bad for a small compact. I only wish I had gotten the awd when they offered it, I hate my self 4 that.

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  Highlander III - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By krawl - July 24 - 12:10 pm

  Great car,fun to drive and very versatile.Build quality is quite good.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By draneri - July 24 - 4:33 am

  I test drove the 6 cyl Camry and really liked the power. The XLE had all the bells and whistles to really make the decision easy. The only negative was the fact the 6 cyl only had leather and I cannot stand leather seats. So I test drove the 4 cyl and really saw the 4 was responsive and better than most other 4s Ive tried. The only negative I can say about the car is the cruise control isnt as smooth as the Accord thereby requiring the shifting to occur more frequently than it needs to.

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  Unique racy looks, easy to own! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By bcd - July 24 - 2:40 am

  Bought it 6 yrs old with 40,000 miles, Toyota certified used. Has been totally reliable, and I get 35-37 mpg, driving mostly highway miles. I love the handling and steering - it feels very nimble, light and capable. The styling is unique and my Celica gets lots of looks and comments. Adequate power, firm but comfortable ride. Really everything you expect from a sports hatchback.

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  AWESOME Car! My 2nd Rav!!! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Michelle Burnette - July 24 - 12:03 am

  I love the car! I drive about 70 miles one way to work every morning! I love it! I love the stick shift and my moon roof! Very quiet and comfortable

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  Reliable, Unobtrusive - A True Toyota - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By NJWesterner - July 23 - 10:20 pm

  Excellent car based SUV. No mechanical issues after 61,000 miles. Comfortable and quiet on long drives. Lots of cargo room, and good mpg for an SUV - average 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. Reliable, unobtrusive, a bit boring -- exactly why one buys a Toyota. Expect this Highlander to last 200,000 plus miles.

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  Love My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Richard K - July 23 - 7:23 pm

  This car is everything I expected and more. I get 50 miles to the gallon on the highway and about 46 or 47 in city driving and I love everything about it.