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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  Classy All Around Vehicle - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Jersey Guy - March 13 - 10:30 pm

  After having a 2001 Rav4 with no problems, we decided on a 2005. It handles great, better acceleration and terrific mileage. It drives beautiful in the snow, and the styling is nice. This vehicle is at home at the grocery store, home improvement centers and weddings. It is great for parking and quick trips to the store, and very agile on the highway for the long trips. It is unfortunate the styling changed. The very reasons that made the RAV4 popular have changed. My wife dosent like the new models, and either do I. It is no longer the cute ute. It isnt the compact ute it once was, and the whole reason for buying a RAV.

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  MY REVIEW - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By EDLER - March 13 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned and driven this vehicle for more then three years without any problem other than ordinary maintainance.

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  Great Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Joseph George - March 13 - 3:23 am

  The Highlander has never been returned for warranty work or factory defects, except for 2 minor recalls. My only concern is the ride is becoming a bit harsh at 34K miles

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  Excellent eye catching car! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By blr1620 - March 12 - 8:43 pm

  I have owned my toyota solara sle since september of 2004. I love this car. Fun to drive. eye catcher, everyone asks to see inside of it. Lots of room in the main part of the car and lots of room in the trunk. The only maintenance issue I had was egr valve gaskets, cheap and easy fix. I drove the car from oregon to arizona straight there only stops for gas. No problems.

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  Love my Highlander! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By nashvillegirl - March 12 - 2:59 pm

  We bought our 2002 dark green 4 cyl Highlander new, and it now has 353,800 miles on it! We have replaced the catalytic converters, A/C knob, and just recently, the timing chain. The car still looks great inside and out. When (if!) it ever dies, Ill buy another one. We have always owned Toyotas because they are so dependable and low-maintenance, but this is the best one ever.

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  Love it.... - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By ladybalboa - March 12 - 4:46 am

  I love my car. Averaging 52 mpg. Its great. The car is very comfortable for long trips.

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  By Far The Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By brlaity - March 12 - 2:30 am

  I have never really been a "mini-van" person, But I have to admit that there is truly no better vehicle for a growing family than the Toyota Sienna. This van has more than enough room for two growing boys and all of the things that my wife and I need to transport. The ride is excellent and, even though it is big, it handles like a car and I have yet to find any major "blind spots." Overall a seriously comfortable and economical ride that will make even the most adamant anti-minivan folks think twice.

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  Practical Car - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Sophiya - March 11 - 10:56 pm

  I was previously driving one of the very first models of the Rav4 (1997) model. That car was very reliable for 10 years of use. I decided to finally upgrade it to a new 2008 model with more power for my road trips to Tahoe and the snow. I couldnt be more pleased with the model. The v6 engine provides plenty of power and torque. Love the roomy interior design! Sound system is great. I average about 300 miles per tank. Thats a big plus for an SUV of this size.

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  incredible - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By kayli - March 11 - 10:33 pm

  Have had Corolla and Mazda GLC, and neither was as reliable as this car. In ten years Ive replaced tires, brakes, batteries, a starter and the hydraulic drive things and thats it.

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  Best truck ive ever had - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By firefighter632 - March 11 - 3:43 pm

  Ive had my 2006 Tacoma Double Cab TRD Offroad for 2 yrs now and LOVE it. The only downside i can find doesnt even apply to me which is the steering wheel tilted all the way up is still very difficult for my big brother (64 260) to drive comfortably. He loves the room in the backseat better than our dads Chevy Z71. I have put over 28K on the truck without doing anything but oil change every 5K and new tires once. I did put on a 3 in leveling kit with 265/75/16 tires. I can say im sold on Toyota Tacoma as my truck of choice for the future!