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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  So far so good - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By rick - November 23 - 10:00 am

  Really like the versatility of the Base Sienna. Removable seats and the folding 3-Row is a great feature. Runs great for a minivan. The 4 cyl engine (hard to get in the Los Angeles area) has enough pep to get us around town. Strangely, when I was looking into the jack compartment in the back of the van, it seems there was a big motor there which I think could only be for the sliding doors but this van does not have auto sliding doors. does this mean it can be upgraded?

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  Best Minivan in the human history so far - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Young - November 23 - 10:00 am

  We just bought an SE 2 weeks ago. Drives better than my 2002 Odyssey. Acceleration is good. The appearance is just stunning. I got a pre-dawn Gray. It perfectly matches the black interior. I cant take my eyes of it. Sorry wife . My wife and I and our 4 kids all love it very much.

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  Finally love my RAV4 - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Maxine Gatling - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I drove a V6 Camry for 11 years so I was used to the silky smooth ride of a Camry. Of course, the RAV4 is a SUV,and not a sedan, so it took me about a week to get used to the rougher ride. The V6 is still a smoother ride than the V4 RAV or the V4 Honda CR-V. I think I am going to love this SUV as I adjust to the different ride. It handles very nicely.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By NewCar2009 - November 23 - 8:46 am

  Ive had the car for a few weeks. However, very disappointed in the windsheild wipers. If I would have known this, I wouldnt have purchased the car. The left hand wiper shimmers at the bottom; brought it back and was told they cant fix it. Another major issue is that the right hand wiper makes a line smack in the middle of the drivers viewing. I just got back from driving in the rain and it was dangerous. The line distorts viewing. Id say this is a design flaw in the placement of the wipers and the wipers themselves; buyers beware!

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  Rough Rider - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By lcartwright - November 22 - 4:56 pm

  I found that my Truck can take a lot of rough riding, but it tends to drive rocky on paved roads too. Its only fault is lack of balance, which can be expected from a high profile vehichle. Otherwise, I love it!

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  First Toyota - Hoping for Better - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Jamesicu - November 22 - 10:53 am

  This was my first time owning a Toyota and is going to be my last. I have problems with the idle on the car and they have not repaired (I have video of this issue). I have a problem with mice entering the vents and entering the car because the vents do not close when you shut the car off (Poor Design). The tires are very poor in the snow and only last about 25,000 miles. I put on Michelin tires and what a difference. The car engine has plenty of power and is not to bad on using fuel for a V6. Overall, I will not purchase this car again or another Toyota.

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  2008 My camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By cam_guy - November 22 - 5:33 am

  Overall the Camry is a great car, I have many Camrys over the past 20 years. The ride is what I want, handling is good too. I feel Toyota is slipping in overall quality. The finish inside has cheapened, but its little better on the 08 then the 07. The Bluetooth system stinks in my opinion, will not recognize my verbal commands very well.

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  Rugged good looks inside and out... - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alvin - November 22 - 4:26 am

  I researched the 4Runner and found it reliable, also good looking (even the older ones). Went to Roseville to find one with the 3rd row seating and we spotted one, a white SR5 4WD, 3rd row, sideairbags, spoiler, tow package and some 17" wheels. Was going to get a 2005 but Im glad I got a 2006. I love the projector headlights, chrome handles and grill. The inside is rugged and basic, keeping it simple. The cloth seats are supportive; no major blind spots. It looks big on the outside, but once you start driving its like a car. On a few bumps it will remind you that youre in a truck. Smooth, power.

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  MY ECHO - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Gregory Estes - November 22 - 3:36 am

  I presently have 79,373 miles on my echo. It has 4 doors, manual transmission, and I average just over 40 mpg if I drive 60mph or less. I drive 85 miles round trip per day 4-5 days per week for work, (both highway and city). I change my own oil and filter every 3000 miles, and have only had it in the shop once at the dealer for its 60,000 mile check up. I love this car! Not a bit of trouble, very dependable. They dont make Echos anymore, but Toyotas replacement is the Yaris, (same engine, different body style). If I needed another reliable and economic car I would buy another Echo, if I could find one, or a new Yaris. Toyota really has a winner here!!

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  Still Love It - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JulieV - November 21 - 6:00 pm

  It has been a year and a half and my I still think Ive made to right choice with the 4Runner over its competitor.