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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  Black, auto. 2004 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim F. - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my car on 10/6/2003. Traded in 2001 Rav4. This vehicle has more pep whitch makes it easier to drive. Handling and ride comfort are also improved. Not quiet but less tire and wind sound than 2001. Many new safety features. Interior is comfortable, materials are good.

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  EUV, economy usable vehicle - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Mr Honda - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Worth every penny. Rock solid econohauler. Cheap materials inside, easily scratched but easy to care for. Gauges difficult to read in bright sun, nearly invisible. Lawsuit waiting to happen.

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  Not a Toyota - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By mark Chan - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2004 Corolla rental for one day, really hated it! Only two things worth mentioning, extremely quiet and very rommy inside. Other than that, it is pretty much a GM product. Ride motion and body control is the worst I have ever seen. Toyota Echo rides much better! Engine power is weak and the A/C was blowing out cool air instead of cold air!

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  comfortable - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Shazia Mir - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I was really happy and thankful to my husband for buying us a Toyota. As we trust the name. With this Siena im really unhappy with the way its interior is at night, no reflectors to indicate any knobs or buttons for A/C or stereo when you are driving @ night. If you have a friend sitting next to you they are completely lost. I hope the newer models would improve that.

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  great car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Coupe - May 28 - 1:40 am

  Great car but bad visibility out the back. That is the only drawback.

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  Old Reliable... - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By sgarland85 - May 27 - 3:21 pm

  I wrote a review awhile back on here, which was positive, but I think I need to re-iterate. Ive had my Camry for 5 years and put on 65,00+ miles and it has not left me stranded once, period. Ive had to replace a few things here and there, but mostly just routine maintenance is all shes needed. After 17 years her metallic paint is still shiny.

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  I Almost Love My RAV4. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Melissa - May 27 - 6:16 am

  This is my first Toyota. I selected the RAV4 based on Toyotas reputation for reliability. I love the exterior design of the RAV4, it looks sharp with the optional 17" alloy wheels and crome stepbar. The interior is roomy and comfortable. I highly recommend against purchasing the 4cyl because of the extremely sluggish acceleration. I rated the Performance a "4" and Fun To Drive a "6" because of the acceleration (or lack thereof). I would love my little RAV4 if I werent so afraid of it ending up a little pile of scrap metal on the interstate.

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  Good cars for parents. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By BaylentheSky - May 26 - 5:46 pm

  Younger people, on the other hand, wont appreciate this car as much. The handling is awful, very bad around zig zag roads, I almost drove myself off the cliff (serious) because I was expecting it to be able to make a tight turn. Sure its my fault for driving so fast, but I would never have any problem with my main ride, a Nissan 240SX. A lot more comfy than my 240, not much wind noise, gas mileage is pretty good, performance is not bad, well built car that is very reliable. However its very boring :(

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  Great Car but easy to be stolen - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Mario - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My car was a great car in all ways. unfortunately My 1994 green toyota Camry le V6 was stolen this Wednesday in Inglewood, CA. if you really want one of these cars you better install an state of the art alarm and electronic locater. I hope the police will find it.

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  Steering Wheel always unlocking! - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Mimi - May 26 - 10:00 am

  What a great disappointment with my 2009 Toyota Avalon limited. This is my first and last Toyota. Had the mat / sticking pedal situation be disclosed earlier when known, I would NEVER have gotten this car. My steering wheel unlocks a couple of times a week. Brought into service center and they couldnt find anything wrong! Driving along and steering wheel just drops!! Tried to get rid of car but no one wants it!! I thought Toyota held his value but with all the problems lately, its a 50% sale for trade-ins! Going to get rid of it as soon as I can!