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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  love my truck - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By jeanbean - June 5 - 7:10 am

  I was looking for trucks, I originally was going to buy a Lexus, I drove both and I decided to look at a Toyota, I bought the Sequoia, had it for a year and I loved it, it but it was too big like a bus. I tried the Highlander and that was it. I love the drive its so comfortable, drives like a Lexus, half the price, it is wonderful in the snow, rain and sleet, kids love the dvd player and I love the handling. It handles like a car; Im short so it is wonderful. Ill never drive anything but a Toyota Highlander, I highly recommend it.

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  Best value in class - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By atb2 - June 5 - 12:50 am

  First-time Camry owner with only 4k on the clock. Combined city/hwy mpg is 30.2 so far. Very smooth and quiet on the road for an I4, with minimal road/engine noise. Truly a solid and well-built sedan. Excellent overall.

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  Im impressed - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By sharon - June 4 - 11:46 am

  Bought this used and have not been disappointed. Other than a very tiny leak in the AC, no problems. Checked out the competition prior to this purchase and Toyota won easily. More comfortable ride, better interior looks and quality, less in price. I couldnt get over the lack of engine noise! During the first few weeks of ownership I was never sure if the engine had turned over or not! Plenty of power for hills and passing. Very nice ride and good handling. Friends and family have commented on what a nice car it is. Average 24 mpg mixed. Only feature I do not care for is the one touch power window. After two years of trying, I still cant crack the window without several attempts.

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  Extremely enjoyable! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Bradhexum - June 4 - 5:13 am

  Ive currently put 7000 miles in less than 5 months of driving, and every mile has been a pleasure. My last vehicle was a 2000 Xterra, and the Rav4 annihilates it in every aspect. Thoroughly researched this purchase-- Considered Highlander, CRV, FJCruiser, Volks GTI, RAV4 Base and Sport models as well. Limited was most efficient choice for me.

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  Great experience - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By T Benedict - June 3 - 10:50 pm

  I looked at GMC, Ford, VW, and Dodge before buying my Sequoia. I sold my GMC which I had been having numerious problems with. I have 2,000 miles on my Sequoia and like it more every day. The ride is smooth, it is fun to drive, great in deep snow and on unimproved dirt roads. It is comfortable enough so my wife will go with me when I go 4 wheeling on dirt trails (the length and width is not much bigger than a 4Runner). It is great off road. The gas could be better but is great for a big vehicle. In 20,000 it will cost about $300.00 more than most 6 cylinder engines.

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  Nice little car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Larry - June 3 - 10:20 pm

  I love my 2005 Corolla. the only complaint I have is that the front floorboard is not flat. There is a raised area in front of the seat. It makes it uncomfortable to place your feet on the floor. My wife states that since the floor board is not flat all the way acroos it hurts her hip and left foot (passenger side). Bad design. Otherwise the car is wonderful.

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  Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Deepa - June 3 - 10:10 pm

  This is an absolutely great car! Its big and very comfortable. The only problem that I have with the car are its parking brakes. They dont work at all. You can drive the car with them on and it will go down the slope if you dont turn the transmission on to Park.

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  What I expected!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By SLDinCT - June 3 - 11:06 am

  I want my cars to go 10 years or 100,000 miles at least. No problem here. I get 40 mpg often on highway, 5k oil changes, battery, tires, O2 sensors (warr) and filters are only work Ive done at 60k. Car went to FL from CT got 45 mpg for trip, wasnt too comfy, but was reliable. Winter gas mileage goes down to 35 with heat. Awkward drive seat adjustments. Poor OE radio & speakers. OE tires made it 36k. Michi Pilot A/S are SWEET. Open front end differential makes this car less capable in snow than it should be. This is the household 4th Corolla. There will be a fifth in 2015 or so. (Oh yea! No ABS on "S" model? What is that about?!!!)

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  Nice little car with electrical problems - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Ben - June 3 - 8:16 am

  This is a great second car - great gas mileage, sporty looks, and comfortably holds four adults. The only problems I have had have been electrical. Within two months of having the car, the daytime running lights would not turn off. I had to return to the dealership three times to finally have it fixed correctly. About a year after having the car, I noticed that when the lights were on and I hit the automatic door locks, the horn would honk. On one occasion while driving with the lights on, I hit a large bump in the road and the horn started honking one solid sound. I had to pull over and turn off the lights to stop the sound. I love this car, but there are some electrical problems.

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By seddy83 - June 3 - 7:46 am

  I love my car. I only intended on keeping it for a few years but I love it too much not to keep it in my family. I have not experienced any maintenance issues. Since I purchased the vehicle, Ive only had to do regular maintenance like oil changes, tires rotated, new wiper blades, etc. The only draw back to the car is that a cassette player came stock even though I have premium JBL speakers. Good thing I could swap it out with one that I can link my iPod to.