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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  2005 XLE Toyota Camry 4 dr - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Rick - July 21 - 3:40 pm

  I just bought this car 3 months ago and I was looking at 2007 nissans and toyotas. The only reason I bought this one was that it only had 12,000 miles on it. Now I only have one complaint about this car and that is when you step on the gas it boggs down and it feels like Im towing a boat. Then once I get going its fine. The dealer told me it was a wire and they would reset the memory so the car would learn my driving habits. Im not convinced that this reset of THE WIRE really was it or that is just the way 05 camrys are. It really ticks me off but other than that I love the car. Is it me or do these 05 camrys have this problem? Making me wish I went with a 07 Altima.

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  Sienna Mini Van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Charles - July 21 - 2:20 pm

  Ive had the Toyota Sienna mini van for over two years now and I finally got around to writing a review. This is a great mini van. Ive owned american and other imports but Toyota is the best by far. We drive about 25k a year and have not had any problems. It has been in the snow in NC mountains and I pull my 17ft key west with it w/o any problems. We average about 26 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in town. I forgot to mention that the family loves this thing on long trips. In town it drive well also. If you are looking for a mini van you cant go wrong with Toyota. My next vehicle is going to be another Toyota.

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  Best Car ever owned. - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By martint1448 - July 21 - 10:28 am

  I bought a 2009 Prius and have so far put 162,000 miles on it without any issue of any kind. The first set of brakes are still in place and it has never let me down on trips all over the country.

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  always love a toyota! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rswan - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. It gets great gas mileage,and its a nice smooth ride. Its sporty looking with out being a sports car. this 4 cylinder has got plenty of pick up and go! Its a TOYOTA what more can you say!

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  RAV4 gets rave review - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Ken Souza - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Our RAV4 is everthing we expected and more. As long-time loyal Toyota customers (We still have our 1991 Corolla w/170,000 mi.) the RAV4 has met our every expectation with only one minor exception - wind noise. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive and ride in, even on long trips. Acceleration is very good with the more powerful 2004 engine. And design -- We have had a few second glances from young and adult alike. We plan to keep ours a long, long time.

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  Comfortable & soft bounce - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Romeo baby - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Pricy but sooo comfortable & could hardly feel bumps on rough roads. Slight press on gas pedal & has a quick pick up. I think overall, Toyota has a higher reliability than most cars.

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  one reliable car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Paul K - July 21 - 10:00 am

  We had bought this car brand new yet even after about 85000 miles, it seems nearly the same. It is very comfortable and has just the right amount of acceleration. Never had any problems with the car.

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  ms review - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By cmpfs11 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding value. Car is attractive, quiet, fuel efficient, practical. Great price for such a well build car.

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  Noise from seatbelts? driving me crazy! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By beetlemom_2000 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Camry for 5 months. The noise from inside the car is very annoying. Two trips back to the dealer havent solved the problem. Also have a fan belt noise when the heater/air conditioner is on and you start the car. They were not able to duplicate this in the shop. Other than those two things, the car seems to be fine.

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  Eye catcher - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Stan - July 21 - 9:56 am

  Purchased car used with 8400 miles, just turned 12,000. We love our Venza! So classy and fun to drive. Lots of power with the V-6. Really good gas mileage 19/26. Ride is more sporty than the Lexus, but still comfortable enough for us. The Michelins do make a difference. We decided on the Venza vs another RX Lexus which we loved. Price was a strong consideration. We trust Toyota and think they are getting bad press. Its a keeper for us. A good looking SUV/crossover.