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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  great car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By nissasmnd - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car so far. No rattles or squeaks. Ride is quite and smooth. Recall on the car for the gas tank was done quickly and without any trouble. Taken on 2000 mile trip and the milage was around 26mpg -was impressed. Going over 70 mph with air on most of the trip. Trip was from calif to washington so there was mountains included in the trip. Dogs love the room it the van.

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  Excellent car! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By yzhang111 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Great family minivan ever drive. High quality feeling of interior design.

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  Love it!!! - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dezi - October 30 - 7:40 pm

  Our second Sequoia. Put a lot of long distance driving on it!! Could not ask for any better!! Yes, it isn`t great on gas but we knew that when we bought it. Its better than most!! Great car!! Love it!!

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  Little old lady - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By margaret Judd - October 30 - 7:16 am

  Perfect car for someone my age. Small enough to handle in tight spots and reliable as to engine and fuel economy.Never had an accident so body is excellent. I like the seat position as it is a little higher than in a Honda I previously owned. Current mileage 11000.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By ahenson5 - October 30 - 4:43 am

  I love this vehicle! I traded a 2001 RAV4 which I bought new when the body style changed. I really liked my 2001 but I love this vehicle. The V-6 is awesome and there is a ton of room for passengers and cargo.

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  Xrs owner - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Brian - October 29 - 11:26 pm

  I have now owned the car for over a year and a half. Im 22 and may be a little ruff with it at times. I love the car, but had a few problems with it. At 22,000 miles two tires blew and by 30,000 I had replace the other two. At about 15,000 miles the fuel injector had to be replaced already. The clutch fried out at 37,000 miles and had to pay $1,400 to have it replaced. But over all I wouldnt trade it for anything, I dont know why its just a nice car.

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  Not perfect, can be annoying - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Martin - October 29 - 1:40 pm

  Had it for a year now. No major problems, lots of annoyances. The navigation system is very difficult to operate, with too many unecessary steps. Cannot change the route while car is moving. Radio FM displays no text while driving (for safety reasons, it says), but the satellite radio does show the first 10 letters of the song title and the singers name. Squeaks and rattles from the dashboard and the sunroof. Drives well, good acceleration, though not as quiet as expected. Comfortable inside, lots of space. Satellite radio antennas reception not as good as other competitors. Dashboard can create glare on the windshield under certain conditions. Overall happy with the purchase.

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  2007 Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Brown - October 29 - 1:23 pm

  An excellent car for any age. More power, and excitement than the last generation Camry. No comparison with the competition. Toyota has out done themselves this time.

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  I would buy another one - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mcnamara - October 29 - 1:20 pm

  We have owned the vehicle for 5 months. There has not been one problem with the car. Mileage 27.5 mpg city and 26 - 30 mpg on the highway. Most driving is at 5,000 to 6,500 feet above sea level. Gasoline is typically purchased with an ethanol/regular mixture. The ride is quiet and smooth. Plenty of power.

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  No problems yet - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Scott - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car with 85,000 miles on it from the dealership almost 3 years ago. It now has 116,000-17,000 miles on it and i havent had any issues yet. I keep up with all maintenance. She has never let me down yet, and I have a lot of future plans for her.