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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  BYE BYE 98 Suburban - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By atldave - August 23 - 2:00 am

  We traded our 98 GMC Suburban 4X4 LT. We looked at the Yukon XL and there was no comparison. The Toyota is really a vehicle that you can live with day in and day out. Its a blast to drive! It seats 8 comfortably...The Yukons are mostly sold with 4 bucket seats in ATL now. The interior comfort and ease of use is way ahead of the Yukon XL. The Yukon XL back seat was a beast to remove. The Yukon just was too truck- like, plus it was more expensive feature for feature. We dont tow much...If I towed, Id have taken the Yukon.

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  Got the feeling - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By RamPatriot - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Truly enjoyable ride. Has the feel of an expensive car but quite affordable at under $25,000. Sequential shifting makes driving in rush-hour traffic less stressful, and the addition of shifting mechanism on the steering column makes multi-tasking possible. Gas mileage has been great and the use of regular unleaded gasoline is a real plus. The only negative is storage. Overall, a feel good experience.

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  The 4 banger that could - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By gbpfan - August 23 - 2:00 am

  A great 2 person ride. Back seat OK for kids. Great handling (You just want to take drives went ever you can). Performance is surprising for a 4 cycl. Ok low end gearing, great high end gearing. Road noise. Great performance ride for the price.

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  A great vehicle to drive - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Kim-H.S. Golf Coach - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my RAV4 last January and Im surprised at how much I enjoy it! I drive about 130 miles round trip to work, both city/highway miles, and Im averaging 26 mpgs. I can haul people/things with this vehicle. I havent noticed the lack of power that most people are griping about. My husband and I hauled butt, fully loaded, at 70+, in the Rockies with no problem. Hmmm, maybe some people just like to complain...or maybe I dont drive like a maniac! I have the all- wheel drive version, and it handles well in crappy, snowy driving conditions.

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  2003 Toyta 4-Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Giles B. Diemert - August 23 - 2:00 am

  From the moment I purchased this vehicle, I put it to the test. With only 1200 miles on it I was traveling at 115 mph with ease. I am the Vice- President of a Toyota and Lexus dealership, so I know how these vehicles are to preform. I have had 3 Lexus sports cars in the last 3 years, including an SC 300 and an IS 300 and this vehicle would out-perform any of them. With its all wheel drive system and a huge V-8 with the X-REAS suspension this is the best vehicle Ive ever had.

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  Great Work Toyota! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tyrone Bookman - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Im new to the 4 Runner but not to Toyota. This is my fourth and my best experience yet. When I test drove the V-8 Limited I was was sold. My dealership provided pricing that was very competetive accompanied with Quality service. Just took it up the coast.....loved it!!!!

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  Great car, not very owner-servicable - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By kscommuter1 - August 23 - 12:36 am

  My 2010 Prius went 150,000 miles with NO unscheduled maintenance. Oil changes, tire rotations and replacements, filters, tune ups... thats it. And, of course there is that gas mileage (I get 46-47 in mostly highway driving). Sadly, this car is not very user-serviceable. Instructions, unbelievably, call for removal of the front bumper to replace the headlight bulbs. I ignored this and simply reached around behind them to unscrew... now I have pulled a wire loose. Plastic panels have to come off to access the oil drain plug. The windshield wipers and their motor have to come out to access the spark plugs-- seriously! Such thoughtless design is so very un-Japanese.

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  Just What I Needed - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Paws Nursery - August 23 - 12:30 am

  This machine is more that just a rugged farm implement for which I bought it. It is also comfortable around town. Shifting is harder that in a front-driver, but once used to it I found it quite enjoyable. Engine has both low- and high-end so it doesnt matter the gear, itll accelerate with ease. The 4WD and TRD Off-Road package make it more suited than some Jeeps. It is very capable, has a huge bed, and is designed to last 300,000 miles. Oil filter on top of engine makes replacement easy.

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  Side mirrors - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Barbara - August 22 - 8:11 pm

  Purchased a RAV4 2015 limited. Like the car but wish they would change the side mirror design very bad blind spot. Was just in a accident because of blind stop. Anyone else have this problem?

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  More sporty than crossovers - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By jstorbeck - August 22 - 2:24 pm

  After considering and test driving a lot of small SUVs including the Jeep Liberty, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, and Cadillac suv, I ran across the RAV4. I had always read good reviews but I hated the look of the tire on the back. The Sport model solves that with run flat tires and no spare tire. Pickup is good in the V6 and I like that it doesnt look like the "mommy crossovers". Its built on its own frame. Dashboard controls are easy to reach and black. After about 4 months I am getting 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The paint on this car is amazing and durable. My only complaints are road noise is a little more than I would like and the gas tank is a little small.