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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  A lot of fun, but... - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Sammycamry - December 4 - 9:26 pm

  I only have about 500 miles on the car and so far I love it but it is a rattle trap with a lot of unnecessary noises from interior of car. My seatbelt squeaks, I have several rattles coming from headliner. On the positive side, this car is a beast!!! I cannot say enough about how fast this thing is! I hope the dealership can iron out my compaints and let me love this car!!

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  2006 RAV4 Limited V6 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By silverphx - December 4 - 7:03 pm

  This car is very fun to drive. I love the pick-up/speed it has. I love its small size (easy to park/maneuver in traffic, etc), but it also offer a lot of power. I love the 3rd row seat/fold flat capability.

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  Clunk when taking off from a stop - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Greg - December 4 - 6:43 pm

  I bought a new 2010 Camry. it has had a clunk when leaving a stop light with 3/4 to full tank of gas. It sounds as if the spare tire shifted. I have taken it in to HOOVER TOYOTA, Alabama 3 times and had a Toyota engineer come out and the dealer, engineer and service manager all heard the clunk. They went on to tell me it is within spec. I will never by a Toyota again. The dealer was so set on dodging the issue. The engineer told me it was something I had to deal with. I dont think a new car under 3000 miles should feel as if something is shifting in the trunk when you take off. Very bad service and car never again!

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  2008 Toy - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By A Real SUV!!! - December 4 - 1:23 am

  Love this truck, bought it 500 miles ago. I had a Ford expedition that I got rid of when gas hit almost $5.00 a gallon. I went to a Cherokee sport which was just as bad, then I went to 2009 Toyota matrix, which was beautiful on gas, but I was very unhappy with the limited space. 10 months later I traded in the matrix for the sequoia (best investment I made!). I dont care if gas hits $10.00 a gallon - its worth it & if you put super you can get about 14 miles a gallon in the city.

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  Two Days Out - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Wolfgong - December 3 - 11:53 pm

  2010 RAV4 4WD (4432C). CF FE MF QV. 101 miles the TPS light began to flash. Then stayed on. I checked the tires, they are not low. I slightly overfilled the tires and the light went out. 174 miles the TPS light goes back on again. Tires are not low. Rattles are everywhere; like surround sound. Front seats lack thigh support, again. The value of the display button on the steering wheel is comical. So far Im not convinced this is a worthy effort by Toyota. This specific vehicle was made in Japan.

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  VERY NICE DESIGN - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron - December 3 - 6:56 pm

  My wife and I test drove several cars, SUVs, and Crossovers before settling in on the RAV4. We found it easy for both of us to get in and out. I am 511" and my wife is 53", yet we can both slide in and out with ease (dont have to grab handles or anything). In the past my wife has been more comfortable driving smaller cars. However, with the RAV4 we both found the visibility exceptional, as well as being very easy to turn and park. We love the cargo room and the easy-to- open rear door. Since this is a vehicle that both of us drive it had to satisfy both of our needs, and it does.

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  Id do it again - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By gillie1 - December 3 - 6:53 pm

  I purchased my 2000 Sienna CE new after buying a used Camry. The Toyota quality is fantastic. I rent mini-vans of all makes with my employment so I was familiar with competing products. I test drove the Sienna and bought it on the spot and took it home to my wife who is thrilled with the car. The ride is very smooth and quiet. We are comfortable and well rested after a long trip. I am currently pricing a new 2002 Sienna to replace this one

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  Just Turned 200,000! - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By jeds - December 3 - 4:30 pm

  Normal maintenance, some extra cleaning of rear breaks, regular synthetic oil changes. Had one handle break at 120,000. Replaced it myself. Starter replaced at 140,000. Luv the car.

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  New car owner - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By dave - December 3 - 4:26 pm

  I just purchased the car July of 2006. I have approximately 2000 miles. The MPG seems to be improving. If you stay at 55 mph , the MPG get better. I started at 41.1 MPH, and now I am up to 48.6 MPG, staying at slower speeds. Will update.

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  Happy that I leased it. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By DPJR - December 3 - 1:50 pm

  I replaced our 2005 BMW convertable with our 2008 Prius. My wife and I are enjoying the change except on occasion we miss having the top down. One day Toyota will build a hybrid convertible. The Prius is an amazing auto, when driving it you feel like you are driving large vehicle. Your mileage will vary on how you drive. If you drive it with a heavy foot and stomp on the accelarator and jump on the brakes your mpg is going to suffer. If you drive how the auto school advised, your mpg will be better than expectied.