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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  sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jclc - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This is our second sienna, and we will probably buy a third one. We are in love with the van. It is so much easier to get in and out of than a car, and the ride is as smooth. It handles very well. They are more expensive and the packages are not as good as some of the other vans. You pay dearly for all of the gingerbread features.

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  Nice car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Ed - October 7 - 7:00 am

  I bought the car for one reason, dependability. I previously owned a Camry for 7 years and the car never gave me a lick of problems. I passed it on to my son who is still driving the car and loving the gas mileage. The 2005 model is loaded with safety features that I hope I never have to use or rely on but its good to know they are there. I bought the 4 cyl xle model and the power is adequate for almost any situation. The ride is very comfortable and smooth. What can I say, I am biased in my opinion about this car however I will tell you this, the Toyota Camry earned it.

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  Very Nice - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - October 6 - 11:56 pm

  Got my Rav one month ago. First thing is that its great on hills and excellent off start. Holds plenty of gear with great cargo room and system. Seats are great but had leather put in aftermarket (not an option on sport) I miss my satellite radio so awaiting for dash fit kit, but sound of jbl speakers are great. Waiting to see how it rides in snow. Fit and finish of parts are clean, tight and look great. Great on long highway trips and fuel economy has been 26 mpg. Wish it had full time 4wd ability for heavy rain and snow. Toyota needs to offer satellite as option or the connection for it. Only serious complaint is that you cant read radio and clock display in daytime or with sunglasses on.

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  So far so good! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Joanne - October 6 - 10:16 pm

  I came out of an 07 F-150, so I wont compare apples to oranges. I love the responsive steering. The V6 has quite the pickup, particularly on the highway. Its easy to lose track of how fast youre going, as the drive is very smooth. Love all the gadgets and cubbies for stuff. I have a bad back so seating is important to me. This seat is very comfy and easy to adjust. My son says the back seat is more comfortable than my husbands Lincoln Town Car! Very happy with my new car. (My boss wasnt too happy as I work at a Ford dealership!) Not many of these around yet, so I get lots of looks and questions. Highly recommend this vehicle!

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  4 yr / 100K Review - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By BCC - October 6 - 8:50 pm

  After 4 yrs and 100K+ miles on my RAV4 I have had no problems whatsoever. What a great car. This is my first Toyota. No wonder people love em. Has been to the dealer for routine maintenance only. I seem to have finally done something to it: there is a slight squeak under the dashboard that I plan to have fixed soon. Besides that all I have spent on it is fuel and oil only. Too bad the new one is an oversized version, this was the perfect size (and I am 6"1 220 lbs).

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By steve majeed - October 6 - 8:10 pm

  This is my second Tundra. The first one was very reliable. This one drives really nice, lots of power, great handling, plenty of room in front and the backseat is awesome. If you are looking for a big truck this is it. The only drawback the interior is cheaply built for a Toyota, too much plastic which scratches very easily. The dash lay out needs some work, the radio and controls needs to shift closer to the drivers seat.

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  LOVE This Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Karen - October 6 - 9:40 am

  This is my favorite car EVER! It has just as much cargo space as my old Honda CRV (maybe even more USABLE space because the back seats fold down completely flat). Ive been getting 48 mpg with next to no change in my driving habits and driving it is just a blast. I swear it seems like it had better traction in the snow than my all-wheel drive CRV. Its very comfortable and all the steering wheel controls make adjusting volume, temperature etc. a cinch and you dont have to take your hands off the steering wheel. The sound system cranks so while Im sitting in stop and go traffic burning no gas I can jam and enjoy myself. All cars should be this environmentally friendly and fun to drive!

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  Buy this model - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By IMAQUIVRN - October 5 - 11:00 pm

  Purchased our 2010 Prius II this August. Heres what we found: 50 -52 mpg below 60 mph 46 - 49 mpg at sustained 70-75 mph. Rides/feels like a much bigger car. Lots of passing power due to electric motor kicking in. Top speed - 115 mph (rock steady, but wife whimpering). Good storage space; well planned. Pick a small Toyota dealership and dont pay for all the nonsense and gimmicks on the III, IV models. Or wait for the Prius I to come out. Youll like this car, no disappointments.

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  Incredible savings - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Heff - October 5 - 6:23 pm

  I traded my second Cadillac CTS for the Camry Hybrid. I was worried about what I considered to be a huge step down for the sake of fuel efficiency. I was wrong. Its not a race car, but the Hybrid is still an exceptional ride. The Hybrid shifts flawlessly between the electric and gas engines with greater smoothness than most transmissions. To hedge my bet, I had every available option included in my Camry. Wow! The fit and finish match my CTS stitch for stitch and the sound system is incredible. Best of all, I am buying LESS than half the gasoline I used in the CTS. Whatever the price is at the pump, Im saving half. Buying this car is the right thing to do.

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - October 5 - 2:23 pm

  Awesome car and fun to drive. CT no sales tax, $2,000 FED Income Tax credit and averaging 50 MPG, what more could you want.