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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  pure toyota quality - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By crhfish - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I waited only 2 weeks for my Sienna le and I love it! drives like a luxury car and handles great, pure toyota quality

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  Mr. Mom Got a NEW Ride.................. - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kksdad - August 18 - 10:00 am

  20 years ago, I used to stand around with "the guys" talking about BMWs, Zs, Vettes, and today, its MINIVANs! Whats wrong with this picture? NOTHING, if Im in my new Sienna!!! At the "high end" you cant go wrong with either this, Odyssey, Quest, or MPV; they all have MORE pluses than minuses, but Im happy with our choice. Good ride and performance, great safety features, and a decent price matched w/Toyota reliability, what more can a "soccer dad" ask for!

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  Buy It !!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By joan byrnes - August 18 - 10:00 am

  My 7th mini van in 8 years and by far the best. The purchasing experience was pleasant. I like it enough to keep for 2 years rather than hold it for just one year.

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  First a Previa, now a Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Tabriz42 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  We have only had our Sienna for a month. We still have our 1992 Previa, which weve been really happy with. My sister purchased a 2000 Sienna, but we have held off since the last-generation Sienna was (at least subjectively) smaller than the Previa. The new (2003/2004) Sienna feels larger than either the old Sienna or Previa. The power of the 240 hp Sienna feels much more adequate than the 140 Previa. It seems to be built with the expected Toyota quality. Overall, were very pleased.

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  Rattles & Rough Transmission - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Baltimore - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The dash rattles, quirky transmission and problematic sunroof mar an otherwise excellent car. 02 & 03 models had the same rattles (due to windshield installation issues) but it appears the 04 models are no better. Transmission stutters when shifting from 1st to 2nd at 3,000 rpm. Sunroof refuses to close more than half-way, then you have to push it by hand.

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  My mistake, dont make it yours - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By edgeta - August 18 - 8:26 am

  I made some assumptions & mistakes in buying this car Note the drivers seat on the SE v/s the Limited, Limited has seatpan depth adjustment, SE does not. SE drivers seat is very firm, Limited is not as bad at all. A/C, you cant control the back A/C from the front except to turn it off and on, wherever the back seat passanger left it last, is were it is until you go in the back and change it. (I assumed front could control it). Not enough storage areas within drivers reach. If you have the "silver/grey" console, it refelects sun into your eyes when the sun is high, (I have to use a towel to cover). Now I understand when some reviews say "there is a lot of hard plastic in the interior" ouch

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  Love the Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Robert - August 18 - 8:03 am

  I bought the absolutely red hatchback. I love the car. Great gas mileage, fun to drive. Everyone asks me if its a hybrid. Great for city driving.

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  Great Commuter - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By S Cook - August 18 - 3:40 am

  My wife traded in our 2008 Accord LX-P because of the sever wind/road noise. Only had the Accord less than eight months. Have had the Corolla for almost a month and she just loves it. It is quieter than the Accord and rides just as well or better. We put 17" wheels on it and it really looks sharp. The gas mileage is about 36 mpg on her daily commute of 85mi round trip, I like the comfortable seats and the power is more than enough to get you on the freeway. Cant say enough good things about the car. It was a great trade as far as we are concerned.

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  The Rolex of SUVs - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By MFT - August 17 - 3:33 pm

  The TLC is the standard by which all SUVs are judged. Reliability, comfort, safety and durability for the long haul are superior to any other vehicle Ive owned. The overall integrity of the TLC outweighs others in its class. We moved out of the minivan market into a large SUV to satisfy our family needs - performance & safety were tops on our list. After initial sticker shock, cost comparisons revealed the reasons behind the price tag. Driving confirms the value everytime we travel the Autobahn or Autostrada.

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  Love the car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Babe - August 17 - 2:50 pm

  Love the Avalon. Fun to drive, very comfortable, and reliable. The car has lots of leg room, front and back.