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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  We have owned this van 4 years now..... - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By myfj40 - March 1 - 12:00 pm

  Not a bad van by any means. We have grown very comfortable with it and can rely on it to get us were we need to be every time. When we first bought it (pre-owned) we had an intermittent problem with the front blower not working. In troubleshooting that it seemed as though the "techs" had torn into the problem and never located the culprit....The relay had a manufacturing defect; as did the rest of the identical ones in the van. After ordering replacement relays (From Japan and not Tennessee as were the factory ones) it has worked finer ever since. Sometimes it is worth it to buy parts that are built correctly !!!

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  Loving It! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By KarenLS1956 - March 1 - 8:50 am

  Lease was up on my 2005 Highlander V6 Limited which I enjoyed. Did a lot of homework on smaller SUVs since we are empty nesters now and always said Id never go back to a car. Test drove many SUVs then I test drove the Camry for the heck of it and I was sold. Fits me like a glove. Cant believe the smoothness and quiet cabin which is my #1 priority. Had 2 Honda Accords years ago and thought they were the best cars I ever owned but I was wrong, this Camry surpasses any vehicle Ive had. Didnt take any adjusting from driving an SUV to a car which I thought Id feel. Gas mileage is excellent compared to the Highlander. City 24.6. Highway not sure yet. Loving every aspect of this car!

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  Best 4Runner yet - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By happy2b - March 1 - 8:16 am

  I like this 4Runner, overall. Looks sharp and excellent build quality. Coming from a torquey sport sedan, a more powerful engine is something to be desired. I know its not a sports car and its going to take some getting used to. Hopefully it will perform better after the break-in period. It does need better lower end torque. The 4x4 feels heavier than the 4x2. Nice interior and good sounding stereo. The wire antenna has to go; Toyota is moving backwards on this one.

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  Matrix, a class by its own...... - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Ziggy - March 1 - 5:40 am

  driving this one of a kind vehicle in its own class is quite intriguing with me. Besides purshasing at a reasonable price is well deserving.It should if not pass the rate of the corolla.

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  Excellent car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Saqib - March 1 - 2:36 am

  I have been driving this wonderful car since past 1&1/2 years now and I want to say that this is such a fantastic, most reliable, durable and fun car to drive. Excellent quality of material thats used. Excellent and roomy interior, the best mileage and very powerful airconditioning.

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  Love my 4RUNNERS - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Felicia - March 1 - 2:03 am

  This is my 3rd 4RUNNER. I have had the 2003, 2007, and now the 2010 Limited 4RUNNER. I am very satisfied with this one other than the fact that the basics I just knew would be standard are not even available as options. This is the highest 4Runner Ive owned, and it has no running boards, go figure, also no wind deflectors available. Love the adjustable, reclining backs, AWESOME! Also very pleased with all the other perks. Im a Toyota Fan for LIFE!

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  Warning for Future Buyers - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By WeileMom - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall Ive loved our Sienna XLE. We traded in a 2000 LE that had oil gelling and planned to keep the XLE for 10 years. However, we have many complaints, the largest being squeaky breaks-a known Sienna problem since 2001. The breaks dont just squeak- they SCREAM! I would love to hear from other people with the same problem because Toyota says they can do absolutely nothing. The mechanics at Toyota told me to brake harder!! Also, the paint is bad and chips easily; the carpet colors are too light and show dirt; we have had a couple of warrantied things replaced. My husband is 65" and his knees touch the dashboard on the passenger side.

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  SOLID vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By JAMMER - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving this vehicle for its solid ride (this is one heavy vehicle), comfortable seating, rear window operation and rugged off road capabilities

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  Best truck on the road - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By de Liege - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned chevy c-10s, ford f-150 and f-250s and Dodge Powerwagons and this is by far the best truck i have driven. I get compliments at almost every corner and all valets love to park it.

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  Lovin It - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By happy go lucky - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I could not be happier with my new Solara. The drive is incredibly smooth and quiet. The interior is fancy looking. The exterior is fancy as well.I had to choose between this and the Honda Accord and I chose the Solara because it drove so much better.