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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  5000 mile review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Jon from Jersey - November 30 - 6:53 am

  Bought the Sport 3.5 liter V6 4wd in April and enjoyed my first 5000 miles. The six cylinder feels powerful and propels 4 people up steep hills and highway on ramps with astonishing acceleration. The sport tuned suspension provides a firm ride which minimizes body roll when you push it into the curves. Interior is comfortable for 4, a bit snug for 5 although rear leg room is plentiful for my 6 foot teenager. The front seat is comfortable for me - I am 510, with a cranky back. We recently went on family camping trip and with a roof carrier had no problem carrying everything. Only two beefs: the gas tank of 14 gallons is too small - 300 mi. before you get nervous, and the radio stinks.

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  Wow - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chop - November 30 - 6:43 am

  If you want a Sequoia, it is here. This has all the bells and whistles you could want. Road trips are just easier these days. Enjoy the Lazer cruise control, the XM radio, cooling seats (more like a breeze). Just a better product than my 06. Love the red-stone interior. Although the second row captain chairs are so-so, I would have preferred the bench style which is not available in the Platinum model.

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  Love it!!! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By arti tripathi - November 30 - 3:56 am

  Love my new HOT LAVA rav4 SE MODEL. Just love it. It has smooth ride, awesome features, great color, nice shape (i hate the round- van looking SUVS) either make a van or an suv... has great warranty as well i hope to drive it for a long time!!!

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  Is this a Camry or a Lexus? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By George - November 29 - 5:06 pm

  This has got to be the best Camry ever built! I come from of family of Toyota owners that hae been buying them since they began selling them in the United States. The 270 HP engine that Toyota has put into this car will simply take your breath away zero to 60 in 6.5 seconds is being conservative on Toyotas part trust me! Kudos to the engineers and designers at Toyota on this one, this car rocks.

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  My Camry SE - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Wiggity - November 29 - 12:20 pm

  The Toyota Camry SE V-6 is an outstanding and very good-looking vehicle. The body is quite breath-taking and all eyes are always on my vehicle.

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  Great Truck! - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By fauxarmy - November 29 - 7:59 am

  I bought the FJ used with around 9K and have put about 18K on it myself. Excellent, is about all I can say. Its what the FJCruiserForum folks refer to as the 2011 NSSE (not so special edition; check out threads if you want to know more). It did come with several amenities such as rack, JBL system plus woofer, TRD wheels and cat-back, TRD air-filter, auxiliary lights on bumper and roof air-dam, locking rear diff, and A-TRAC traction control; its the army green version top & bottom (like the TT version). Drives extremely well on and off-road. I owned and loved my 2006 Nissan Xterra, but the FJ is twice the vehicle.

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  Great and reliable car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By OM - November 28 - 7:36 pm

  Bought the car in 2001, and didnt have any major problems with it. Other than regular maintenance and a few minor repairs the car is great. It is reliable and fuel efficient. For being 16 years old it runs like a charm. engine runs excellent and the car starts immediately in any temperature. The AC doesnt work, and there is a minor oil leak that I still need to fix. Minor rust on the rear wheel wells, and paint is different colors on the metals and plastics. The interior plastics are cracking as well. Other than that, the car is great, especially for how old it is.

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  Best Car I Ever Bought - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jason - November 28 - 12:26 am

  This is the first Toyota product Ive ever owned. Im glad my first purchase was the 2006 Avalon Touring. This car has excellent styling and comfort to match. Im 67" tall and I fit comfortably behind the wheel. It is hard to find a car to fit my height, but with the Avalon I can now enjoy my ride. If you are in the market to purchase a car let me tell you, this car has it all, and for a good price. Im a true fan!!

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  Love the Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Resoh02 - November 27 - 11:00 pm

  I am averaging 52 mph overall. Fuel economy depends on driving habits. Rapid starts, driving over speed limit, cruise control on in hills all contribute to poor mileage. Keep an eye on the usage charts and you can improve mileage. I would buy another in a minute. I am awaiting the new and better Prius.

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  Love this Truck! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Will - November 27 - 7:00 pm

  This is the best truck in its class! For 3 months I researched, test-drove, and priced everything in its class and came away knowing that the new Tundra was the best choice. The powerful engine, smooth transmission, cavernous interior, and quiet ride puts this truck in a class of its own. With the 6-speed my Tundra gets better mileage than a friends 07 5.4L F150.