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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  Very happy with our purchase - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By BKNY - December 24 - 1:50 pm

  Enjoying this van even more than we expected. Just completed road trip halfway across USA (2700mi round trip) with our infant and preschooler and the van was quieter and more comfortable than many of the hotels we stayed in. Very smooth, versatile, comfortable and dependable, avgd 25+mpg loaded down with AC full on - even over the mountains & back. Drives great, power is there when needed. Highly recommended for families with small children & all the associated stuff. Smart layout, fold- down front console is simply brilliant. No more diving for the pacifier. Cant say enough about how impressed I am with this van. Feels & drives like a Lexus made for baby seats & strollers.

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  Toyota = (disappointment)^2 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By UNHAPPY - December 24 - 11:23 am

  A/C is too weak in the Summer. Heater is weak in the Winter. Plastic smells funny in the Summer. Seats are horrible and there is no way to relax. Looks old, like 2007 body. Observed gas mileage appears poor: 20 mpg. Ergonomics is very poor: I have to open my door with two fingers from the inside... Cheap-O stereo. Interior is cheap plastic garbage: Some of the dashboard parts have misplacement. Electronics (RPM failure) and some wiring issues were covered by Toyota since itÂ’s a lease and I donÂ’t care about details. My Story: I had no motivation to buy Toyota Camry but I needed a car ASAP (I graduated and moved to NYC in August 2008). I wanted to buy VW Jetta but NY dealers were playing games..

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  Toyotas Buick - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Great long distance vehicle. We have put 15,000 miles in a little over a year and this vehicle is flawless.. This is the one for road trips.

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  Happy - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Fred145 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  No problems to date. Extremely happy with the reliability. General maintenance only performed.

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  Step Up - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Cosmic - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Did a lot of research to replace our 92 Caravan - lots of good vehicles out there - this is the best for us in terms of size and standard features. A definite step up from our previous car - 4 speed auto, dual side doors, rear ventilation system, and folding seats. Expect that this will be with us for a long time.

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  Nice 2002 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By caccar - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I put 30,000 miles on in 8 months. Not a single problem. All wheel drive excellent in 6" snow and on steep muddy mountain roads.

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  So far so good - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By djc - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I am very impressed with the power of the 4 cyl in the XR model w/auto transmission. Interior is designed well. The only complaint I have with the car is the fuel economy 21 mpg city. Im hoping it gets better after it breaks in.

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  My space pod- COSMO - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Iris - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Love my little space pod - cosmo. I love the head room in the front of the car and dual hatchback lift. My cosmo provides a very pleasant, smooth, and comfortable drive.

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  Very Good - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By DANIEL GRIFFIN - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good car. I have owned 3 of them 1996, 1999, and 2002 and all of them were great cars.

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  1st 6 months - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Lenny P - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This is one great car. I highly recommend. All minor details are thought through carefully. Only gripe is no power antenna unless Limited edition. Drives very much like a car but can handle off road bumps pretty well. Interior is quiet and comfortable. No defects at all to date and I have about 17K already. I had 4Runner before and Highlander actually has more usable room. Probably because it is a little wider. Acceleration is very good. Much better than 4Runner. A Great all-round vehicle as it was designed to be.