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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  Toyota is Slipping - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By voicedude - September 17 - 7:59 am

  I bought this car for the engine, and it remains the best feature of the car. But I have had ongoing problems with the transmission, and many others have, too. This is only true with the 5-speed transmission on the V6 (not the 4-cyl.) The now infamous "whining transmission" noise that has been well documented on the owners forums (search transmission noise on RAV4 World and others) is something you will want to consider when youre buying this vehicle used. Also the poor response from Toyota in fixing the problem under warranty has completely soured me on the ownership experience, so I wouldnt be able to recommend this car to anyone. Go with Honda.

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  Best car i have had - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By toyota1987 - September 17 - 2:44 am

  I have had this car a long time without issues. the only thing i have replaced since i bought it was a starter. My car just hit 200,200 miles!!!

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  Best Van out there - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Prince Dunn - September 17 - 1:26 am

  Still have a 92 Previa. Sienna is much like it only quieter and more power. Comfortable ride and good inside features. No mechanical problems. Excellent room for tall people. Great cargo space. FWD needs studed snow tires for going up hills in snow/ice conditions. 4 wheel drive works better. Good value for your money. Son used it for a special driving course and it handled just great in quick tight turns.

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  not worth the money - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ghanchakkar - September 16 - 11:40 pm

  Excellent Engine. Excellent exterior design. I feel it was most beautiful car in year 2007-08. Horrible quality of interior. Everything falls apart just by little pull particularly console, curtain bag cover, gear box cover. windshield holding frame makes rubs with windshield glass whenever sudden temperature increase. Smart Key System does not work in various areas of Chicago downtown. I must use physical key to lock unlock car (not sure why).

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  4runner review - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By joew - September 16 - 2:26 pm

  Third version of 4runner I have owned..they keep getting better.

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  A Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Pleased With HLNDR - September 16 - 1:43 pm

  I gave up my sports car for this SUV and have few regrets. I sacrificed tight steering and handling and quick start off the light for a quieter, smoother, roomier car for me and my family. In retrospect, I should have done this a long time ago. The cargo space with easy fold seating is great for hauling away moderate cargo. Even though it is higher off the ground, its so much easier to put the baby seat in the second row. The leather bucket seats in my old car were difficult to get in and out of. The AWD is great. My RWD car was slipping all over the place. Looked at Tribeca, Pathfinder, Enclave and Tahoe, but this one felt right for me. Good price and good size.

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  Great ride! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By daveyboy - September 15 - 11:10 pm

  Im a Toyota man. This Camry is another high quality vehicle. Im getting 39 mpg most of the time. Im thinking about trading my wifes Honda Pilot (15 mpg) for a Highlander Hybrid.

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  Very Good Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Sean - September 15 - 10:53 pm

  I have put about 11000 miles on this since March 08. The engine, ride, handling, and capability are all excellent. It tows without any issues at all. I have only had two warranty issues so far, the radio and interior support pillar trim. It seems that when the dash gets HOT from the sun the trim sometimes moves out of place and warps. The transmission seems to have a mind of its own, it shifts how and when it wants to, it does not seem to be learning. Sometimes it is smooth and I can hardly feel it shift and other times it will slam the truck in gear. I am having it road tested on the next service and the transmission computer may have to be reset (according to the dealer).

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  Its good... but - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By HansJuergen - September 15 - 9:20 pm

  Purchased in August 06, and have driven it about 5000 miles. Although the engine is powerful, there is a bit of steering instability when accelerating hard. Also, the suspension is a bit bouncy. I also drive a Mini Cooper with very stiff suspension, and I guess I prefer the stiffer ride to the RAV4s. I agree that the standard stereo is disappointing, as are the cupholders. We get pretty good mileage (average 23mpg), but we tend to drive conservatively. It is tempting to step into the gas pedal now and then, but I am sure that this results in significantly less mileage, as others have reported. Also, when you do step into it, the downshift is rather abrupt and startling.

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  Cant wait to get another Tahoe - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gary - September 15 - 2:10 pm

  Ive had the car 6 months and I still cant get comfortable driving. The seat has no lumbar support. Changing lanes is always an adventure. The blind spots to the side and rear are enormous. I put some blind spot mirrors on and they help a bit, but even after driving for 30 years I still find it a challenge to change lanes. The mileage is mediocre, and considering it requires premium fuel, its no cheaper to run than a much larger and more comfortable Tahoe which uses regular, even though the Tahoe mileage is less. I had a leased Tahoe which is turned in to purchase, rather than lease, the FJ. It was a BAD decision. The Tahoe is the best vehicle I ever had and I hope to purchase another ASAP