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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  Best Car - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By pumasoccer3 - December 15 - 7:36 am

  I have trusted it and it broke down once because of a starter that i did not change which is suppose to be changed every 10 years. And since then i havent had a problem great car. Going to give it to my 16 year old.

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  Pleased with pre-owned RAV4 (28K miles) - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By k5zoo - December 15 - 2:42 am

  After wanting to downsize from my minivan with the additional goal of improved gas mileage, I initially test drove a pre-owned Ford Focus and it was ok but quite compact especially the second row leg room. I happened upon the RAV4 in the same lot. I really liked how spacious the leg room was in the second row and I really liked the back storage. I am 52" so the cargo door is a plus because I had to be on my toes with the van hatchback.The full sized spare tire is also a plus; I read some neg reviews about its location but I think its much easier access. My combined gas mileage is 25.4 M-F due to hwy commuting; on the weekend which is more in town its 25.1. Overall a good value.

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  Good little SUV - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Alex J - December 15 - 2:20 am

  The Rav4 is a comfortable little SUV. It is not the most powerfull, but it gets great MPG (When driven nicely). Seats are nice and supportive, and the silver/metal looking plastic looks upscale, even if your not sure what it exacly is. The AWD is nice and is needed in the rockies.

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  Met expectations - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Mr. S - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I was very concerned with the reported steering vibrations when I was buying my truck. I just got something installed that Toyota developed to eliminate the problem. I have no complains so far, my dealer was able to fix all issues for me, e.g. arm rest storage space lid flying open when upright, initial tire wear (got new Michelins) etc.

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  Toyota Quality!!! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By CalTundra - December 15 - 2:00 am

  This truck is fast, 0-60 is better than the Big 3 in this class. Best crash safety rating over Big 3. Smooth Lexus engine. Solid ride with little noise. Burns no oil. Excellent mileage (better than expected). Perfect extended cab truck.

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  Toyota 2wd 2002 - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Derek1231212 - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in great shape. Lately, it has been shifting its automatic transmission too early and bogging the engine. Also, at idle it has a rattle now. It is only 6 months old. Not what I expect from a Toyota.

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  Completely Over-rated - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By mhan - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Within two weeks a puddle collected under the driver side carpets. This truck looks rugged but is built like a Coke can. Its basically a raised Corolla with 4 wheel drive. Chintsy interior - cheap plastic controls, door handles, center console and lousy sounding 6 spkr CD stereo. Being built in Fremont, CA is part of the downfall. They couldnt even include a lock on the gas lids. This truck is way too expensive with little real value.

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  Prius 2006 - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Hue - December 15 - 12:36 am

  I thought for months about purchasing this car. Prior to finalizing the deal I experienced "buyers remorse"; however, since purchasing it, I have not regretted for a minute acquiring this fun little car. The gas and commuting time I have saved have been an added bonus.

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  Very good car/sSUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Linh - December 14 - 5:46 pm

  It is fun to drive this car/sSUV. The gas mileage is good. The layout of the temperature controls are good, but the control for the audio is a bit high or out of reach.

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  Bigger is Better - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By JMcKayPA - December 14 - 12:16 pm

  I had an 05 Rav 4 which was a great little SUV, but the 08 Highlander that Ive had for 3 weeks now is a lot more fun and a lot less cramped. Very quiet on the highway, quick to accelerate and a very comfortable interior. Took some getting used to with the bigger front. Love the radio with the sound adjustment feature. When the road gets loud, the radio goes up!