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:

• 

  Excellent Quality - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By VEP - August 1 - 3:50 am

  Im a tough critic but this car is as reliable as a Toyota gets. I have had over 20 cars and Toyotas have been the most reliable. Over 100,000 on it and I put on the last 50,000. Have done nothing but normal maintenance. Drive belt, tires, brakes, etc. No repairs at all for me other than maintenance. Like the standard features of the "L" version. Very sound quality parts. Feels solid and well put together for a small car.

• 

  Venza Problem aread - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By johnboy47 - July 31 - 10:31 am

  There are three problem that we are experiencing with our 2011 Venza. First, and most important, is the fact that small animals are getting under the hood and into the interior of the car (clove compartment mainly). This is due to a design flaw that exposes openings on each side of the vehicle where water drains off the windshield that are not screened to prevent this from happening. Second, the gas mileage is poor. We have the base 4 cylinder engine and there is no way this vehicle is getting the posted mileage-absolutely no way. Thirdly, there are serious problems with being able to see in the rear of the vehicle, making backing up in traffic a real challenge.

• 

  Excellent all-around vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By offroad - July 30 - 3:03 pm

  This is a great alternative to a Tahoe or Expedition. They handle well for a fullsize truck and cornering is flat with slight understeer when pushed too far. The traction control seems to do more harm than good. No way to turn it off either. Almost got it stuck 3 weeks after purchase going places I previously took my 4x4 pickup. Climbing a muddy hill, engine cuts power when tires slip leaving you with no momentum. Even with street tires, it should do better.

• 

  cELLLLL - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By celicaboy - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Under powered and over priced

• 

  A Fine Set of Wheels - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Paxman - July 29 - 4:26 am

  I loved my 2002 Highlander and Im liking this one even more. This is a very comfortable car to drive. Quiet and smooth ride with a good amount of power when required. Roomy interior. Nice temperature controls. Good amount of cargo space. The Limited comes with a little extra chrome trim which is a great accent to the black paint color. This is a useful, sweet looking vehicle and a fine ride!

• 

  Zippy and reliable - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Rick Burns - July 29 - 12:38 am

  Great around town and short trips. Very easy entry/exit due to low height and large doors. Very low maintenance costs...just normal service required. Very versitle cargo area.

• 

  Vanilla, Reliable - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - July 28 - 7:20 pm

  Boring car, but drives forever with no maintance. I have driven this car for two years and have had no problems what so ever. All I have done is oil changes. Awesome, but boring.

• 

  foundi out - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By peter rabbit - July 28 - 7:06 pm

  none

• 

  My 1st 4 Cylinders - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By cameralization - July 25 - 11:56 pm

  I have always drove V6 & V8. Since my new car is for business driving, i figured i go with the 4. I looked at Sonata, Optima, Altima & Camry and i am very pleased with my Camry decision. The SE V6 that i test drove was very fun to drive with lots of power however it was noisy and not as comfortable as the XLE mainly (i think) due to sportier suspensions and the low profile 18" tires. The XLE was much more comfortable ride and quieter. Even though i love my 4cylinders XLE, i wish i spent the extra money and got the V6 XLE. The 4 has ampul power and i know i will be happier at the gas pump with my 500 commuting miles a week.

• 

  best full sizer - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By carexpert - July 25 - 10:16 pm

  if you must have a full size suv, sequoia is the way to go. fact: american cars suffer dearly from poor quality. if you think otherwise, youre a fool who has not done your homework. sequoia brings together this higher end quality with most of the desireable features in fullsize suvs. is it a little pricey for the LMTD? yes, but you get put a little more at ease knowing its a toyota. if you must have an suv and can afford $40K, the sequoia would be my 1st pick again in a heartbeat.