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 Van - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Mr. - October 13 - 2:00 am

  We owned a 1999 Pontiac Montana, Well what can I say the intake manifold started leaking. Here is the bad part of the Montana it only had 35000 miles on it. Not to mention oil leaks. We own a Toyota Tacoma SR5 4dr 4x4. We love it. No PROBLEMS! So we decided on the Sienna. We Love It! Nice ride, good pickup, and lots of room. Get the captains chairs, very comfo

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  Great car for the money. - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By WRXwanter2 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used from a Ford Dealer and it has given me no problems as of yet. The build quality and reliability are amazing, Being young I have rode in many other smaller cars and this car just feels like it has been put together well. The 1.8L VVT- i engine is on par with its competetors. It has far more torque than a civic, and the power comes on down low. Lets not be mistaken this car is no rocket, but if driven right its no slouch. I have the 4 speed auto and it shifts smoothly. To sum up this car in one word it would be smooth. I recomend this car to anyone who needs a good reliable car at an extremely afordable price.

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  We Love Our Sienna - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Ellyn66 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  We researched all mini vans when we were ready to buy. As like most of you, it probably came down to the Sienna and the Odessey. We ruled out the Odessey in 2000 for the simple reason of not having leather seats. We would be bring how a newborn in our new car and the though of the first time she might get sick in the car with cloth seats was my decision only to get leather. (The Odessy wasnt very stylish either.) We just replace the brakes at 30K and have never had a problem at all with our car. We just saw pix of the 2004 coming in March and are thinking about the upgrade due to all of the new safety features.

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  The number 1 SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By SuzyQt - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned other Ravs in the past, but this one is the best. The exterior styling is excellent, and the gas mileage is superb. The engine is fine for hauling people and even passing on the highway.Also, the handling is excellent, and it is very secure on the turns.

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  absolutely satisfied - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dr. D - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a Land Cruiser, a Range Rover, a Discovery, and 2 Dodge trucks previously and find myself extremely satisfied with the Sequoia. For a full size SUV, its the best value for the money considering all factors.

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  Everyday driver and fun when you want. - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Alexander - October 12 - 9:56 pm

  Its a Camry with balls. Push the button that disengages the TCS, and drive (safely), feel the oversteer. I absolutely love the fact that at 70 MPH, up a steep grade of 7%, I can put the pedal to the floor, drop to a lower gear, and accelerate to 80, and pass safely. This car is most certainly "quick" when you need it to be. It feels like it predicts what you need in the moment and responds appropriately. The fun part is, this car is also "fast". I have gone from a dead stop to the floor in this car multiple times, and every single one was different (which is why I wish it had a sport mode, and possible launch mode in sport {hint hint, Toyota!}). This car actively adapts to recent driving patterns, which I think is amazing. This is my daily driver. Tech is there, fuel economy is there, space is there. I know I should drive a Mazda for my driving experience, but there is no comparable model made by Mazda that satisfies all of my needs at the same time like this vehicle. I intend to own it for a very long time. (P.S. Toyota, when you allow this car to function in a "Sport Mode", tone back the power steering, and let the driver feel the road a little bit more :)!

• 

  Everyday driver and fun when you want. - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Alexander - October 12 - 9:56 pm

  Its a Camry with balls. Push the button that disengages the TCS, and drive (safely), feel the oversteer. I absolutely love the fact that at 70 MPH, up a steep grade of 7%, I can put the pedal to the floor, drop to a lower gear, and accelerate to 80, and pass safely. This car is most certainly "quick" when you need it to be. It feels like it predicts what you need in the moment and responds appropriately. The fun part is, this car is also "fast". I have gone from a dead stop to the floor in this car multiple times, and every single one was different (which is why I wish it had a sport mode, and possible launch mode in sport {hint hint, Toyota!}). This car actively adapts to recent driving patterns, which I think is amazing. This is my daily driver. Tech is there, fuel economy is there, space is there. I know I should drive a Mazda for my driving experience, but there is no comparable model made by Mazda that satisfies all of my needs at the same time like this vehicle. I intend to own it for a very long time. (P.S. Toyota, when you allow this car to function in a "Sport Mode", tone back the power steering, and let the driver feel the road a little bit more :)!

• 

  Everyday driver and fun when you want. - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Alexander - October 12 - 9:56 pm

  Its a Camry with balls. Push the button that disengages the TCS, and drive (safely), feel the oversteer. I absolutely love the fact that at 70 MPH, up a steep grade of 7%, I can put the pedal to the floor, drop to a lower gear, and accelerate to 80, and pass safely. This car is most certainly "quick" when you need it to be. It feels like it predicts what you need in the moment and responds appropriately. The fun part is, this car is also "fast". I have gone from a dead stop to the floor in this car multiple times, and every single one was different (which is why I wish it had a sport mode, and possible launch mode in sport {hint hint, Toyota!}). This car actively adapts to recent driving patterns, which I think is amazing. This is my daily driver. Tech is there, fuel economy is there, space is there. I know I should drive a Mazda for my driving experience, but there is no comparable model made by Mazda that satisfies all of my needs at the same time like this vehicle. I intend to own it for a very long time. (P.S. Toyota, when you allow this car to function in a "Sport Mode", tone back the power steering, and let the driver feel the road a little bit more :)!

• 

  Great truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Jo - October 12 - 6:46 am

  I purchased this truck new about 8 years ago. I love my truck. V-8 is always responsive, no hesitation, a/c works great even in south Mississippi summers. Transmission is as flawless as the day it was born. The interior has held up wonderfully, only one temp control knob has split on the inside, looking for a new one! On long trips, its good for about 8 hours before my back gets sore. Exterior has also held up well due to frequent oil changes, tire rotations and wash and wax frequently and this truck will last. No rust. Bed is smaller than a full size pickup, but this is great for parking and moving small loads. Big loads I use the trailer hitch and find a trailer.

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  Great vehicle...but - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim - October 12 - 5:53 am

  After 11000 miles the drivers seat is still very uncomfortable,too hard and difficult to zero in on adjustment that is tolerable. A couple hundrd miles at the wheel kills my back.The arm rests..what were they thinking?The power window and door lock area is a major protrusion. Auto up and down drivers window...why? not necessary.The vehicle is built well,rides and handles tight with tight turning radius..very nice.Power with 4 cyl.is good enough,my wife and i drove it from NY to Florida and it had pleanty of power to handle the interstates and got 27 mpg fully loaded with a milage robbing clam shell cargo carrier on the roof.Two years down the road,trade it in for vehicle with more comfort.