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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  Toyota Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By markstrat - August 27 - 10:00 am

  My Tundra has 85000+ miles on it, the only tie-up Ive had is a tie-rod end on it...I think that it was hit on that side before I got the truck though. Ive put on 50,000 miles, never a brake job (try ceramic pads if you have problems)..I tow a 3500# boat 1,000 miles through the mountians without a problem...other than the mpg drop. Avg 17mpg in normal conditions, 11 towing. No squeaks or creaks or anything at all to complain about.

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  I LOVE my Sienna!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By nhmommyx3 - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I especially like the little hooks for grocery bags so I am not treated with a huge mess from spilled groceries when I return home. I purchased a fuse for daytime running lights on line for less than $10 (from a popular auction site) and think they should be standard. Overall I am very happy with the vehicle, except for the clunk when it downshifts at slow speeds

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  Venza is a Class Act - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Susan Semegran - August 27 - 5:50 am

  I have been in my Venza for a month and I love it. Its beautiful and the ride is powerful and smooth. Interior appointments are easy to use and very classy. Interior has a lot of room in the front and in the back seat. Lots of storage room. Who needs an SUV. The Venza does it all. Toyota does it again. I had my Rav4 for 8 years and loved it. Now Ive gone the next step up with the Venza.

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  Great Tow Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By GMG - August 26 - 8:56 pm

  Just returned from 4000 mile trip from Az to Mn. Averaged 19-20 MPG at 75-80 mph. Got as high as 22 mpg low of 18. Had 2 people and 300 lbs of stuff. Truck virtually drives itself. Very quiet and tight. This truck tows 4000 lb boat effortlessly. This is no commuter vehicle but if you need the towing capability and interior room this is a great choice.

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  NASCAR-loving Grandma - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Carol L. - August 26 - 3:43 pm

  Im a 70-year-old widow who wanted an age-appropriate "sports car" which would cause youngsters at stop signs to turn around and stare approvingly at it. Do they ever! Mine is Lunar Mist Metallic and has great pickup, but is NOT a comfortable ride for passengers. It has a fantastic sound system for CDs, and I smile every time I slide into those leather seats and drive off. I also have an older Toyota sedan for long trips and passenger comfort - so my new Solara is (so far) used just for happy, fun, reliable city driving. I can recommend it highly for older singles who love to drive but dont want to spend their money on a Lexus. My new Solara is my favorite gift to myself!

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By george - August 26 - 7:43 am

  This vehicle is excellent!! The car of the future ahead of its time! I traded in my suv pickup that was getting 18 miles per gallon. Im getting 45+ now! Anyone that commutes a distance to work, this is for you. The savings in gas almost pays for the vehicle. The fact that it is smart looking and larger inside then it appears provides an enjoyable experience.

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  Greatest "car" I have ever owned! - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By jefe76 - August 26 - 4:07 am

  I am writing this review as I await the salvage yard to take my dear RAV4 away from me after five great years of service following a REC. The number one thing to recommend this car to any potential buyers on the used market is that I drove this car on several camping trips ranging from Georgia to Rhode Island and never had a problem or worried that I may encounter one. I honestly believe this car was the best city car ever made. Its ability to maneuver through Philly while surviving the rigors of neglected streets was astounding. The two problems that I had with the car were this: 1.-The engine is incredibly weak, even with a manual transmission. 2.-No room for adults in the back seat.

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  Good Choice - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Beth - August 24 - 8:03 pm

  My Toyota Corolla is a reliable, fun to drive vehicle. It is easy to maneuver, holds to the road, gets good gas mileage, and maintenance has been minimum.

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  BeatsAnyDomestic - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By RosyRed - August 24 - 11:43 am

  Great mileage, easy handling, dash components within easy reach, tire pressure monitors a pain on real cold days - likely with any car with TPM systems. Why they left out an MP3 connector is beyond comprehension - otherwise a perfect car. Good height, visibility, what you want in a larger vehicle but with the great fuel economy .

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  2006 Sequoia - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Joseph Pino - August 24 - 7:10 am

  I traded in a 2005 4Runner for this vehicle due to uncomfortable seats. The Sequoia is comfortable, yet firm and handles good for a vehicle of this size. My fuel economy has averaged 17.5 MPG on a mix of 75% highway, 25% local driving. The build quaility is excellent and there are no squeaks or rattles. The 4.7L V8 is refined and responsive. Step on it at 40 mph and you will feel pushed back in your seat. My vehicle has a 4.11 rear so it has good acceleration. The 5 speed transmission shifts very well. There is an enormous amout of room for hauling cargo or people. All accessaries work well. Overall, I am very pleased with this vehicle and dont plan to sell it anytime soon.