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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  Eye catcher - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Stan - July 21 - 9:56 am

  Purchased car used with 8400 miles, just turned 12,000. We love our Venza! So classy and fun to drive. Lots of power with the V-6. Really good gas mileage 19/26. Ride is more sporty than the Lexus, but still comfortable enough for us. The Michelins do make a difference. We decided on the Venza vs another RX Lexus which we loved. Price was a strong consideration. We trust Toyota and think they are getting bad press. Its a keeper for us. A good looking SUV/crossover.

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  Love it! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By molly phy - July 21 - 9:33 am

  This has been a great vehicle. Has never been in the shop for any reason. We drive on several vacations/year and always have plenty of room for our two kids and suitcases. Very reliable and much better gas mileage than the Expedition I used to own.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By glevin - July 20 - 11:16 pm

  I was looking for a vehicle, and I wanted something that had 4 wheel drive for Michigan winters, but only part time so I could switch it off when not needed. I needed a vehicle which was dependable, and would look as good going across a muddy dirt road, or pulling up to a nice restaurant. This truck fits the bill in every way. Im a little over 50k, and I have yet to have a problem (other then a flat tire). Toyota quality wins me over again.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By S-port U-tility - July 20 - 6:50 am

  I owned everything from rice-cookers, german sedans, 911s and F350s and this 2008 Highlander is the best blend of utility, speed and comfort in any car Ive driven. Needing 5000lb towing for smaller farm duties, grinding out daily one-hour commutes with speed and good gas mileage (18.8-21.0 depending on driving style) and great 2nd row passenger leg and head room (Im 6-2) no one in the family is complaining. Bought the Base AWD. Added leather and tow hitch. Still almost too nice for utility work. Toyotas should hold up quality-wise. If it does, this one will be with me until one of us take a rest!

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  Great car for moms - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Sherri - July 19 - 10:06 pm

  I traded in a bulky BMW X5 for this car - wanted something nice, with power, easy on the eyes - and this is it. I love the navigation, the leather is beautiful, stereo is great. This car is fun to drive and easy on gas, and sporty enough to make being the carpool mom FUN!

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  No complaints yet - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By rlse - July 19 - 8:06 pm

  I have been happy with the S model. I am used to high comfort and performance so I was apprehensive about getting a small car like this. After test driving many cars, this one was comfortable, fun and had a good reputation. Also, I like the great gas mileage. In almost two years I have had no problems and no complaints.

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  10K Update to 03/07 Review - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - July 19 - 6:26 pm

  The comments provided in my 03/07/2008 review hold true. I have now reached the 10K mark and have learned how to drive to max the mileage - regularly getting 54 MPG in VA summer mixed city/hwy driving using pulse & glide. I am getting ready to switch to synthetic oil which, I am told, will show a slight increase in MPG. One long trip from VA to MA and back proved comfortable with 52 MPG hwy miles. The cars funky design still turns heads and all passengers are impressed with the roominess and cargo carrying capacity. If a Toyota fan, test drive the Camry Hybrid and then the Prius; for me... hands-down selection of the Prius was a no- brainer. Only complaint - hood dings easily.

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  Most Reliable Car Ever Built - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - July 19 - 4:30 pm

  Having purchased five Hondas, and as good as Hondas are, I must say that I certainly dont feel that the Camry gives up anything in the way of handling to my 2004 Accord Coupe, but I have gained a much smoother and quieter Lexus-like ride. This car is just so easy to drive and the ergonomics are tops. Best car for the money in my opinion. I should also mention that since Ive owned the Camry (April 2001), I have not had one single problem. Put the superb Nokian all season tires on this car and the Camry sticks to the ground like glue in rain or snow. The 2001 four cylinder feels somewhat underpowered around town (especially after driving the 6-cylinder 2004 Accord Coupe with 245hp), but once you get moving, especially on the highway, the refinement of the engine really shows. 90 miles per hour on the highway and this engine is as smooth as silk.

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  Amazing car-economical and stylish - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By great car - July 19 - 11:10 am

  This is my first new car. I have owned it for 3 years and I really liked it. No mechanical problems to speak of and it is very economical from insurance standpoint as well as gas mileage. I highly recommend this car.

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  Very Good - With Minor Improvements - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sierra Steve - July 19 - 10:00 am

  My main gripes are as follows: the transmission downshifts really hard in the hills (I had a Chevy and a Ford that shifted cleaner) I hope they can address this issue. Im 62" and the ergonomics are generally great for the driver, except that they buried the clock at the bottom of the dash panel, and when they shifter is in drive it actually blocks the view of some of the HVAC controls. Its even worse for my wife who is 53". The drivers seat needs at least a 2 position memory switch, and it would be really nice if they had incorporated the stereo controls into the steering wheel pod. Other than that, Ill shut up - its a great vehicle!