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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  Brantley Family - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By L. Brantley - November 18 - 3:53 am

  I have really loved this car! I went from a Lumina to the Corolla last year. I enjoy driving this car plus the great gas mileage you get with gas prices so high. My husband liked mine so much he went out and bought a second one! We now have his and her and Corollas! I have the CE and he has the LE.

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  Not worth the money - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - November 18 - 2:06 am

  Overall, not the quality I expected from a Toyota. I previously had a Volvo S80 and it was a much better built car than the Toyota is. The interior plastic trim is very cheap. At first it looks like brushed metal, but it is just painted plastic that scratches very easily. The seats are not that comfortable for what is considered to be a large car. The body side molding chips very, very easily.

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  Very Versatile Car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Dan - November 17 - 11:50 pm

  Owned our Matrix for 2 months. We have taken it on several Arizona dirt/rocky roads since we like to hike a lot. Very good ground clearance for a car, never bottomed out. Hauled 22 boxes of tile and some roofing material in it. Easy to switch from a four seater car to a two seater hauler. We have a blowup mattress that fits perfectly in the back when you lay the seats down. Just plug it in to the ac outlet up front and you can be camping for the night. The cargo nets are nice to separate some permanent storage stuff in the back (blowup mattress, sleeping bag, quilt, water, etc.) which you need in the desert. It is a very versatile vehicle which fits our many needs perfectly!!!

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  Never Thought Id Like a Minivan - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Momof2 - November 17 - 11:06 pm

  I traded in my 2007 Odyssey for the 2010 Sienna. Wow, what a difference! The Sienna drives like a car, is almost effortless to park, is SO comfortable, and has totally changed my mind about minivans. I wish I had gone with the Sienna originally, rather than blindly believing Hondas were superior - I was so wrong! All the features on the Sienna are nice, especially the rear camera, Bluetooth connection, auto headlights and auto rear door. This one is a keeper!

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  Interior Not So Great - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By MoJuice - November 17 - 9:53 pm

  Well, had to dump the 97 Mountaineer that was getting about 12-16 mpg. I drive about 60 miles a day with the wife driving an additional 44 miles (thats 104 a day). Figured we would keep the Lesabre for the family car and this cute little button for driving to work. Not a lot of horse power and wife says its kinda scary next to semi on overpasses, but overall it serves its purpose with a big ole smile.

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  Heed my advice, Do NOT, get a Toyota! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By David - November 17 - 7:36 pm

  I traded in my TRUSTWORTHY Ford Escape for this....and coughed up a good amount of cash. They asked for 34,000 Dollars, for a Toyota....but, this is with the V6 and highest Luxury trims....Well, it was not better build quality than by Ford Escape.....which was on 05. It drove like a Camry......boring, and looks horrible. Also, I noticed, it took much of its styling from the Ford Edge, which I would recommend over this vehicle. The car rattles on paved roads. Navigation is sluggish, like Windows XP, and the entire car is lackluster. Thank god for the high resale, I am getting a FORD!

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  Fun, reliable, good fit for tall people - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By szabaka - November 17 - 12:08 pm

  I am 67" (36" inseam) and love my Rav4 Sport w/the V6. The JBL audio is excellent. I have had this car from day one, 25k miles, never a problem - other than flipping a coin for who has the car for the day. Winter (northern Vermont) with Firestone Winterforce: excellent. Ive tried getting it to skid, nearly impossible. Never stuck, stomping on the pedal and all four wheels really grab. I am 67" tall and have no issue on the driver side (passenger side is ok, I dont sit in the rear but could if the driver seat wasnt all the way back). My only beef is the small light in the rear door. Minor annoyance.

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  RX 330 Disguise - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By SWANN SANSO - November 17 - 11:53 am

  A version of the RX 330 just bigger. Great for long distance driving.

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  The mini-van for the Family - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Roche - November 17 - 8:03 am

  Best purchase for a family vehicle ever made. Had everything we would dream of and then some. Great ride and comfort for my wife and kids, especially for trips.

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  Simply the Best - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By anne - November 17 - 2:43 am

  Great mileage, pick-up is awesome, highway driving and reliabilty ++++ move in a "Bose" and Id live in it