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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  nice - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By rdoe - February 5 - 10:00 am

  great car, great quality, nice features, lacks personality, but overall great buy. Engine could use additional power also.

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  comfortable, reliable - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By newontoyota - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a new Camry on May,03. Used to own Hondas. Pro: camry is not as responsive in local driving as accord or acura, but is quieter. Very comfortable in high way. Beautiful syling(dont change it!), roomy, tight handling. Cons: the brake pedal is too soft and feels slight vibration occasionally when the clutch disengages in the automatic transmission during braking. The door skin is too thin! I got a "din" dent on the door in the second week of owning the car, and spent $99 to remove it. Please make the door more resistant to ding dong dent!

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  Two Thumbs Up - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Oh What A Feeling - February 5 - 10:00 am

  These 2004 Siennas are hard to find and once I bought one I knew why. The quality is outstanding, the ride is pure fun and the features are so thoughful. You realize that the story of the Pres of Toyota who drove a 2003 Sienna around North America by himself to find ways to improve it is true. We bought the XLE Limited because it has so much, but we started by testing an LE model. The LE was fantasic in its own right as far as drive quality. This vehicle is very quiet even on roads that cause other vans (Odyssey) to hum you to death. We have four children and were all tall but fit comfortably.

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  Long term report 2004 4Runner SE V8 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By RaySmith - February 5 - 1:30 am

  I traded a 2000 Expedition in on the 4 Runner. I have been very satisfied with the size and performance of the 4Runner. The V8 and 5 speed transmission seem to always have the right combination no matter in what situation I find myself.

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  I Love It!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By toyotas last - February 4 - 5:36 pm

  I just picked it up yesterday so I will give you my early thoughts. Nice ride but a little bumpy, nothing to complain about. The I4 has plenty of power. The look of the car inside and out is amazing. The JBL is incredible, loud and clear. The leather is very classy. Im looking forward to driving it every day.

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  2005 Avalon Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By D W Nelson - February 4 - 4:03 pm

  This car is more than I expected, my first Avalon was 1995 and this is my 5th and by far the best of them all. I have not owned a Lexus but this car is much larger and more power than the ES 300. I am still finding new and wonderful features and I would say they must have talked to the consumer in planning this one. I am more than satisfied with my new Avalon Limited.

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  Cant miss convertible - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jazbuf - February 4 - 9:26 am

  We test drove 2 other converts. and the Solara was by far the most comfortable and by far the most quiet, absolutely no wind noise. A wonderful car to drive with top up or down. My only disappointment was no back-up assist available,no power seats available on passenger side or 8cyl. up-grade. I would buy the same car again after driving it for one year.

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  No American Car comes close to the Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By EJG - February 3 - 12:13 pm

  I have driven many cars in my time. Saturn L-2000, Honda Accord 1994, Pontiac Sunfire 1996, Buick Century 1988 and 1998, Buick Lucerne, Dodge Charger (recent) and many others. Besides the Honda Accord, no other car listed comes near the Camry. I have had this car for 70k now, and nothing besides the tires have been replaced, not even the brakes. If you want a car that starts up every day, is safe, comfortable, and is refined, buy a Camry.

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  Awesome - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By dags2517 - February 2 - 6:26 pm

  Just purchased this vehicle. All I can say is awesome! This SUV is perfect for a large family. We can fit three car seats in the middle bench seat(which is the main reason for purchase). Fit double stroller in back and plenty of room for anything extra. Drive is smooth and seats are comfortable. DVD system is great for the kids. Dashboard setup is awesome and very stylish. Finally the Sequoia has fold down third row. This vehicle as something for everyone.

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  Very Pleased!! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jeff - February 2 - 4:46 pm

  Very happy with the car. My wife had reservations about the appearance, but she has grown to love it, too. Very attractive in white. My 13 month old fits nicely in the back seat. Im 62" and Im comfortable. This is a commuter car for me. I live 25 miles from where I work. Been averaging about 48 mpg.