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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  Performance - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joetrack - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2001 Tundra before the 4Runner the ride on the Tundra was better than the 4Runner smooth. The Runner, rides like a truck. The seats squeak driver and passagers, The sunroof when open rattles. Rear end rattles on rough roads.

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  Stepped Up to a 4 Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By blm012 - July 29 - 10:00 am

  With the X-REAS suspension, there is virtually no bounce or roll and although the handling is solid, bumps do not jar the passengers. The 10 speaker JBL system provides crisp notes and deep base tones from our 6 disk CD changer. The glove box door sustained a couple a shallow scratches and they were easily repaired when the dealers trim shop applied heat and lightly buffed with a silicone coated cloth. The dual climate control, handling, and seating comfort make this a road trip vehicle.

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  Cant beat it! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By TRM - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car! Absolutely no complaints whatsoever. However, the "TMV" is about $2,000 higher than what I paid for it.

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  A good minivan, but not perfect - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By GDW - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Weve had the LE-7, #7 for two months. The van is comfortable, large, handles well with a smooth quiet ride, and gets great gas mileage. The split folding rear seats together with the well beneath them (for loose items) are useful. The daytime running lights did not initally work, a shoulder belt retraction mechanism had to be replaced on one of the middle seats, and the gas gauge reads high so that we have almost run out of gas (half gallon left)when there is apparently an eight tank left. The gas warning light did not come on. The lower rear quarter panels are cheap and made out of flexible plastic. Even Toyota has first year production problems.

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  Corolla S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Sunny - July 29 - 8:26 am

  Nice car, fun to drive, tight handling.

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  2011 Venza Good Value, Good Looks, Fit and Finish Inside not Perfect - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By venzaowner - July 29 - 8:13 am

  I wanted 4-cylinder to save gas (180 hp is plenty enough for me). I wanted a hatchback style so I could put more stuff in back. I needed rear seats that folded down so I could put more and longer stuff in. I wanted leather since its easier to keep clean and looks more professional. I wanted a panoramic roof so that it makes the back seats feel more spacious and comfortable to sit in. I wanted USB and MP3 capability so I dont have to change CDs so often. I wanted good looks on the outside. I wanted a nice, polite, clean and clear-looking front instrument panel. I wanted a non-luxury, well-known brand so I can get max. value for money and it it fixed anywhere. The Venza was it.

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  Gets the Job Done - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Day Tripper - July 29 - 7:40 am

  This is a great truck with a lot of get up and go. The Tacoma is well-built and Toyotas trademark mechanical craftsmanship has not disappointed. However, there are two areas that have been below par. The comfort is not the greatest. This isnt the vehicle one wants to travel in for long distances! The other detractor is the emergency brake. I cant even tell the brake is engaged. A couple of times I have forgotten to let it out, I have still been able to roll backward and drive forward without realizing the brake was on. In addition, the brake is ancient in its design - a pull out stick under the ignition. That may have something to do with its effectiveness.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By NYABU - July 29 - 7:03 am

  Bought this car new, almost 9 years later it runs and looks as good as it did when new. No major repairs, except for maintenance and the car has never broken down. Particularly comfortable on weekly drives between LA and Vegas. Was rear-ended while sitting at a light by a car traveling 40 miles an hour. The other car was totaled, mine is being fixed and I feel fine. Im glad they could fix, would never get the true value of this vehicle.

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  full size compromize - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By ED - July 29 - 6:03 am

  I bought this truck expecting good fuel economy and rugged capabilities. It is a great truck for off roading, towing, and getting dirty and if you want to look tough on your commute to work. The truck has disappointing fuel economy i rarely if ever got above 17 mpg on the freeway. the ground clearance is high so if youre under 58" better get the steps or nerf tubes. the automatic was terrible, it always searched for a right gear and downshifted constantly with the cruise control on, even on level roads, and engine noise gets pretty loud.

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  So so - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Nelson NYC - July 29 - 5:16 am

  The Camry SE is an above average sedan at an affordable price. It does everything well but nothing spectacular. Gas mileage at 7500 mi is still around 20 MPG and Im hoping it will improve as I rack up the mileage. With 268 HP it definitely has some spunk, but the tranny hesitates at times. My dashboard creaks like an old house in the wind and the starter makes a sound on cold weather starts. I guess for the price of the performance and that it runs on regular gas makes it more attractive than other sedans on its price range. One thing though, at hard acceleration there isnt the torque steer that is experienced with other front wheel drive vehicles with this amount of HP.