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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  Very Happy with My Second Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Woman - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I have never had a single problem with either of my Camrys, and the ride and interior are so comfortable and capable. Im always astonished when I see someone buy an unreliable car in the same class, and then having to deal with break downs. Stupid is a stupid does! My first Camry is over at 130,000 miles with not even the slightest problem, and Im going to drive it to 250!

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  Love my Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By katdav - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent comfort and driving control. Enjoy driving it in town and on the highway. Yes there is typical Toyota wind noise on the highway but can talk above it or turn up the sound system.

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  2003 Toyota Corolla - cute and fun! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Chancey - February 25 - 10:00 am

  It caught my eye on the lot and after test driving it, I had to have it. It has great pick up for a small car, is comfortable to ride and drive and I had lots of heads turn when I first drove it.

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  Are we driving same vehicle - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By regor - February 25 - 1:50 am

  Read all of the reviews and I question if we are driving the same vehicle. Am very happy with the performance. Did not buy a sports car but an SUV. The interior finish is great. All fits well, and the ergonomics are excellent. Have a hard time being comfortable in certain cars, but am very comfortable in this one. Outside finish is flawless. I like the design, but hey, some dont guess we wont all be riding 4 runners. Will comment of fuel economy at a later date, but am happy to this point. Hood does not rattle at high speeds, doors are not flimsy, horn sounds ok it alerts people what more do you want. My wife had not seen the vehicle before purchase, her reaction was "awesome."

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  4WD 4 Door TRD TOY! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jerm - February 24 - 7:03 pm

  This is one awesome Taco! Been driving this now for 2 months, it is a perfect truck. I struggled with the decision of a full size truck vs midsize. The new Tacoma is a perfect blend of fullsize function and midsize fun. I didnt want a truck that drove like a truck (long brake distance, funky cornering, etc) This Truck stops quickly and is responsive in cornering, plus it fits in my garage! One thing important to note, with the Off Road package, it is a bit bumpy, but again this isnt a granny sedan! The truck is great, very powerful, excellent acceleration off the line. And finally I love the fact I wont have to worry about major problems.... its a Toyota!

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  New Rav 4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By jays5 - February 24 - 10:30 am

  Just got our new rav 4 today. It is a tremendous inprovement over the 2002 model we traded which was very good and hard to part with. The ride is much improved. Power is much greater and handling is excellant. Gas mileage seems to be a little better, but is hard to tell at this point. Rear set and cargo space is greatly increased. We like the additonal safety features including standard ABS brakes, an actual rear bumper and the optional side air bags as well.

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  I love this car. - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Scott - February 23 - 2:20 pm

  This has been the best car I owned hands down. 190,000 miles and still zipping along. Im very tall and this car has better leg and head room than most any other car Ive sat in. Fun to drive and great mileage (38-40 hwy). No work done other than tires and oil changes. Still have original battery and did not need brakes until 150,000 miles. I plan on getting 300,000 out of this and Ill try to find another one for my next car. Stereo system is awsome too.

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  Very Comfortable SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By FlaCapn - February 23 - 7:53 am

  Having test driven the competition, the Sequoia was an easy choice. The Sequoia has nice lines, is a joy to drive, even the third row seats are comfortable. Ive had mine for two years now and would get one again if I had the need. I still smile when I get in this thing and drive it, Toyota did a great job.

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  Why I bought a 2012 Toyota Sienna - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By vanperson - February 23 - 2:50 am

  I have driven vans since 1976, starting with a Ford Econoline 150 followed by a string of 5 Chrysler minivans. In 2006, I purchased an new Oddesey EX-L . It was by far the best minivan I had ever owned. After posting nearly 90,000 mi of mostly trouble-free driving, some periodic transmission slippage prompted me to go shopping. I loved the Oddesey styling except its face that resembled a 2001 Oddesey. I also liked the style of Siennas. In short, Honda wouldnt deal and Toyota was eager. Still leary of the Sienna, I took a long test drive in both an XLE and a SE. The SE drove much like the Honda. The dealer added a light grey leather interior, awesome! Happy at 20K miles and 0% financing.

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  Petite, yet powerful - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Mightyp - February 23 - 2:33 am

  I bought this car (LE) as a commuter car (my other is a 454 crew cab) and the gas savings alone is paying for itself. I commute 150 miles one way to work and this car has never let me down in the 2 years of operation. I plan to utilize it one more year and trade up to a 06 model. The VVT-i gives me back the power to fly over Pacheco Pass (CA) seamlessly. Everything is within reach and ergonomically correct. Since I seldom have passengers the back seat is premium extra storage for me. This is a very reliable car that does what its designed to do for pennies on the dollar.