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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  My Rav4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By John Schwarz - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Up to now I have driven only 1900 miles on my new Rav4 2004. The reading of the clock is hard to see from the driving position. It is too bad that there is no rear bumper, I worry that somebody may hit the rear door. So far I have not had a mileage reading of 23 mpg. per the window sticker. I have had a reading of under 22 mpg., but mostly 19 mpg.

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  What a Turkey - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By RobMcP - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Toyota doesnt know how to build trucks or take care of customers. 4WD broke first time I used 4WLow in deep snow (in my driveway). Dealer accused me of abuse (had to be because Toyotas dont break...unbelievable arrogance). Got it resolved (had to go to another dealer who took mercy on me) but Toyota help center was no help at all. Took 2 months to resolve and repair. It also eats brakes (we drive VERY conservatively) and the windshield has cracked twice for no apparent reason. Clicking noise of fuel injectors when cold. Overall, a total turkey. If you want to buy a full-sized SUV buy American. Lesson learned.

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  19 years of tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By sn00py1680 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I started rideing in the tacoma series of from 1985, and started to drive that same truck in 2000, and recently purchased the 04 Tacoma. What is most surprizing is that both trucks drive exactly the same, even with the 19 year differnce in age.... Good job Toyota

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  Sienna Ride - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Andy Anderson - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sienna. This is the best van I have ever owned. The ride and handeling are excellent. The ease of changing the seats is great. You no longe have to remove the rear seats. I was supprised when I was able to put 10 foot lumber in the van and close the tail gate. The fit and finish is excellent. Im looking forward to many years of trouble free driving.

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  First minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Roderick - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Terrible intown mileage. Has 1800 miles on it now - hope better later. It gets around 13to14mpg. Hope for 17 on highway. Like to drive in traffic because sits higher and large windows. Has bigger tires, so running board helps getting in. Three adults have sit in the back, but wouldnt want to take a long trip. Sitting like this is ok just going around town. Still getting used to the satillite cruse control. Think will be better when feel more confident using it. Like having the regular cruise to choose when want.

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  I like 2005 Camry SE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By jcai - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Just ride it for about a week. Tried 2004 SE, found its suspension to be too stiff and harsh. 2005 SE is tuned just right--Harder than LE but less harsh than SE 2004. Handling is just right, better than my Infiniti I30. 4-cyn performance is OK for local commute but weak for passing on freeway.

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  I love it - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By reallynervous - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the ride and the 2.4L V4 engine is decent. The standard equipment is great and it is very comfortable. The steering feels great and reponse is good. The lines are clean and it has a very aerodynamic look. I cant get over the awesome gas mileage. I am very happy with the car.

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  2009 Toyota Corolla - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By itsalladream321 - January 1 - 10:23 pm

  This is a great car for those of you looking for fuel economy. After my Honda Civic was totaled, I got the Corolla. I wanted something similar to the Civic, but more affordable. So far I dont have any complaints. I just took a 1000 mile trip to Oregon and I average about 32 MPG. I think that is a pretty dang good average. It was comfortable and easy to drive the whole way. I loved it.

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  Want a truck the rest of your life? - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Donald - January 1 - 7:10 pm

  Do you want a pickup/truck that, with maintenance will last you for the rest of your life? Do you like having a bond with your vehicle? Well if you dont get board with having the same vehicle, this truck (can only speak for 1995 up to 2000) will last the rest of your life. Its not invincible, and It still is a machine. But a very well made machine. The 2RZ (2.4L straight 4) is a solid engine. A Toyota Master Mechanic once told me from his experiences and what he has seen, he feels that this engine is in the top 10 best engines in the entire world. Not just Toyota engines. If you love this truck, it will love you back. This truck will always start for you. Unless the started dies, but if you have a manual you have an easy way around that to at least get somewhere to get the new part. At the very least, this engine with maintenance it will always be capable of turning over. This truck (2.4L) is not a maintenance free truck, but the maintenance is consistent (other words you wont have to many surprises), fairly cheap and easy to do most of the time. Buying a truck like this saves you money driving it. It does not wear tires unevenly, with the 2.4L you can push 30mpg if you dont drive it hard (trying to push 80 on the freeway, hard acceleration from stops, etc...) Almost every part on the car can last you to at least 200K before needing replacing (specifically ball joints. DO NOT go past 200K on upper Ball Joints). This truck (2.4L) can take a beating and will happily do it, because it wants to see you succeed. It wants to help put you in a possession that someday you can pass it onto a Son or Daughter. This truck will help you work hard, or at the the very least get you from point A to B consistently. It doesnt try to be the fastest, the strongest, the best looking, the most luxurious, the smoothest, it just tries. and tries and tries. It may not get an A++ in school, but it tries. and its participation bumps its grade up. This truck (2.4L) will be around a long time, and its a damn shame they dont make them with kind of personality like this anymore. If you are in the market, and happen to be reading this. 5/5, 10/10, 100/100, what ever you go buy. This truck (2.4L) has and always will have my recommendation.

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  Love My Red RX - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By kelly - January 1 - 3:16 pm

  Fun and RELIABLE..its a Toyota! I purchased the red model and have many comments on its sporty appeal. The gas mileage is wonderful with todays gas prices. Love the interior... very modern/sleek and FUN!