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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  Very satisfied Venza owner - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Jose A. Cabiya - May 25 - 9:03 am

  I was looking for a smaller SUV (owned a Ford Explorer), and was also concerned about rising gas prices. The Venza has met all my expectations. I feel that this vehicle is at the forefront of car technology. Superb acceleration and brakes. Drive feels very good, despite what reviews say. Own a copper-colored version: Ive had people stop me at gas stations to ask me about the car, and to congratulate me, specially about the color. I feel proud driving this car. Love my 20-inch tires, even though they say they affect the ride and are costly, but they do make the car look good! Passengers express how comfortable this car is. Not a single technical problem so far. Got 30 mpg in highway.

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  2005 Sienna a Hit - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By JBastock - May 25 - 2:53 am

  I just traded in a 2000 Toyota Sienna and went with the 2005 model. I couldnt be happier. I was impressed with the power, performance and reliability of the 2000 model and Toyota has outdone themselves with the upgrades. This minivan drives like a car, not a truck like the Ford Freestar or even the Honda Odyssey. Its roomy; 50% larger than the 2000 model; quiet with good milage and instrumentation to help you make the most out of your milage. Welcome additions include the second row roll down windows and stow-n-go rear seating. With ABS, Traction control, and front and side curtain airbags, this is a great mix of safety and performance. Ill be back to try the next upgrade in a few years.

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  Thanks toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By paul - May 25 - 12:30 am

  I really enjoy the car, dependable stylish, roomy, good ride. Could use more power. I find car quite hard on fuel about town, about 375/400 km to tank. Cant wait to see a 2007.

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  Worthy of the SE (Sports Edition) name - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By JimBob Seeker - May 24 - 11:40 pm

  My driving experience spans more than 35 years. I have always wanted a sports car but the pragmatist in me could never justify it. I have owned economy cars, mini-vans and family sedans but never a car with a performance flavor until now. I purchased a used 09 Camry SE with 20Km on the odometer several months ago and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could have my cake and eat it too. This vehicle carries 4 adults in comfort, provides very good fuel economy, handles superbly, has decent acceleration, feels right at home on the freeway, looks like a sports car and has a very likable personality. Overall, I am very pleased with the car. I would definitely buy another.

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  Now we can fly - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By tanya - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a better car. Its fun and classy.

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  great! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By dezertwind - May 24 - 10:00 am

  For off-roading types, this is the truck to get, if you need a full-size truck. Ive had it off-road several times, and this is where you see the build quality come into play - it is very sure-footed, even in the loosest sand in the Arizona sand washes. Mine is a 4x4/TRD - dont settle for less. After an all-day trip on the highway, my back/butt were fine, so no complaints about the seating. I carry my dirt-bike up hills/no problem at all. The tranny was a bit jerky at first, but now it is starting to loosen up (as expected).

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  Evaluation 03 XLS Avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Thomas C. - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Just an ALL around fun car to own and drive. I think that it drives and handles better than 03 LS Lincoln! My wife owns a Toyato also,02 Camry LS, and shes very happy with it!

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  Mostly good - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Mick "The Kid" - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Really like my RAVA4 for the most part. Rides and handles nicely and is very sharp looking. Does lack a few features that most vehicles have by 2003, such as compass, thermometer, self locking doors etc. Unlighted clock is rather difficult to read in daytime.

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  Typical...I love Toyota - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By txdave - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 1.5 years...its been trouble free! (as expected from Toyota). This is the 3rd Toyota for me. My last one, 1987 Tercel wagon, was trouble free to the end...I got 260,000 miles out of it!!! Anyway..I LOVE my new Corolla! Keep up the good work, Toyota...maybe one day...American car makers will wake up.

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  RAV4 loves the snow - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By rustinginvermont - May 23 - 9:03 am

  The day I bought our 2006 RAV4, brought heavy wet snow. I momentarily got stuck in the driveway in nine inches of nearly frozen slush. It took the 4WD LOCK switch to get out but it worked like a charm. It snows nearly every day (during winter of course) where we live in Vermont. This vehicle makes you feel like you can go 100 mph on snow and ice covered roads. (no were not that dumb) Now that it is big enough for us (two carseats) we are happy to be driving a RAV once again. My six foot three inch friend was very comfortable in the back seat behind my drivers seat which was slid all the way back.The 4 cyl. is more engine than anyone would ever need. Get an 8cyl. truck if you want to plow snow