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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  My quick lil Camry - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By KBurnette09 - November 29 - 4:46 am

  This is a very well built car. I have the 3.0 liter v6 and it runs VERY strong. I took out the horrible fan design that runs off of the power steering and hooked up 2 electric fans with a relay on the ignition. Just got a new performance transmission put in it with a cold air intake and its a very quick car. I bought it for $300 and it had a wrecked hood and radiator and I replaced that for $350. And the new tranny was only $1100.

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  The future is here - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By writerman - November 28 - 9:30 pm

  The Prius must be experienced to be believed! We managed to get our Package #5 Prius at MSRP. It is really fun to drive and has sufficient room for a 65", 250+ pounder - even in the back seat! It feels solid and rides like a much larger vehicle, especially on trips. The most fun is in parking lots, when you drive past pedestrians on electric power. The double-takes are hilarious. Get the Smart Key feature. You never have to take your keys out of your pocket. Also, Toyota has a FREE special road service package for Prius owners and the best passive anti-theft package out there.

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  Nice little SUV, but... - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Mitch - November 28 - 7:40 pm

  Ive had my RAV4 for about a month and really enjoy it. Its fun to drive and the 269hp V6 is really peppy with great acceleration when necessary, like when entering the turnpike. I chose this car because I think Toyota makes a great product (this is my 5th Toyota in 19 years), and reliability is always at the top of my list when choosing a car, as I drive a lot. The engine is louder that in my Camry, although not to the point that its really annoying. I love the dual glove boxes and the below floor storage area. Steering is tight, as I prefer it, and the JBL audio system is great. The brakes are very responsive but need more foot pressure than I had expected. Overall, its a nice, small SUV.

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  Reliability Good Looks & Fun in the Sun - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Christine - November 28 - 1:43 pm

  I really love this car. No trouble whatsoever. I have had it for a year and 8 months. Just oil changes & tire rotations! Previously had a Saab and it was always in the shop. I really think the visibility is better than the Saab, windows are bigger. You really get used to using the side mirrors. Really havent had any problem. Only thing that I found troublesome was not having any rubber strip on the sides of the car which makes it very easily dinged. I am six foot and the car has enough leg room for me and is very comfortable. Has the luxury of a Lexus without the price. Today is Halloween and I had the top down! What fun! I always get lots of glances at this car!

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  A good decision - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By A good decision - November 28 - 9:46 am

  Picked up a 2005 4-runner V6 limited in March 05 and thus far am very satisfied. Exterior is visually pleasing as is the interior. Build quality seems exceptional. Controls are well placed and designed. Plenty of cup holders a plus. Drives well for a mid-sized SUV and in comparison to other similar SUVs, road manners are more refined. Actually feels like a tank on the road with regards to safety. Definitely very excited to get up in the morning and drive to work these days.

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  Great Buy - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By shaft45 - November 28 - 5:20 am

  This is my first SUV after driving an Accord for years. The horsepower is fantastic as well as the dual zone auto climate control. I have received so many compliments on this car. I got the dark blue exterior with beige leather interior and it is beautiful. The fuel economy so far is about 22-23 mpg in a combo of city and hwy driving and I am still breaking the engine in so expect this to improve a bit.

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  4Runner owner review - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Art Hyde Jr - November 28 - 1:03 am

  Highway mileage varies from 28 w/ 4 studded snows to 32 with 4 summer tires. Corrugated shifter makes vehicle feel like a sports car on mountain pass roads. High ride height allows one to be on eye level of other SUVs. Stability Conttrol w/ ABS prevented me from hitting elk that jumped out on icy road in front of me: vehicle did not flip. Bought optional XM radio which souds great w/ factory sound system. Not spongy off-road: enough ground clearance. No repairs if one follows factory mtce. Have owned a 4Runner (4 cyl & V6) every 3 years since 1990 & love the electric rear window.

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  A New Owner - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By esmuda - November 28 - 12:53 am

  This car is fun to drive and so very quiet. I love the technological advances Toyota has built into this. I especially enjoy the smart key system.

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  Best Gas Mileage V8 SUV - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By jj - November 27 - 7:13 pm

  After searching for the right sized auto with regard to value, we chose this beautiful 7 seater suv. Plenty of power for passing and hauling. Comfortable for everyone on long drives and the average gas mileage is 15.9, which is amazing compared to others in this class.

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  Like the truck but has problems - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By JLP - November 27 - 6:16 pm

  First Toyota truck I have ever owned. And probably last! I use it to pull my horse trailer and it does that well. But so did my Chevrolet and the Chevy would hold an alignment. Tundra wont. Had 4 alignments done in less than 2 years. Still wearing tires out way to soon. Dealer blames it on bad roads. Chevy was able to hold up to roads. Thought Toyota was supposed to be built better. Also, radio turned off and on by itself. Got it replaced, but lite still goes off and on. Really disappointed dealer cant fix alignment problem. Even took it to another tire place. Thought problem was fixed. After 3000 miles, tires are cupping again already and can feel it pulling. Ridiculous!