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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  A solid SUV - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By ltd - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I had it for 14 months, no single problem, It quick pick up, easy parking,stable in the rainny day,confidence at steering wheel, almost like a sport car. Just love it very much.

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  Reliable and fun to drive - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By BPark - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is a peppy, fun car to drive. Its been very reliable. I had a problem with the driver seat moving a small amount when driving, especially when taking off quickly. They fixed it, but Its still not quite right. I would make sure to check that before driving off the lot!

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  Good versality - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Oben - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall satisfaction is good. Up to the tasks expected

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  SUV = Sedan-U-V - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By BA from SA - August 30 - 10:00 am

  After researching and Test Driving Midsize SUV for more than 6 Months, I chose the Highlander. This vehicle gives me all the utility I needed without sacrificing the comfort I wanted. The car-like ride is smooth, coupled with the intuitive layout of the controls, gave me an instant feel of comfort. There was never an awkward moment in the vehicle. The more I drive it, the more comfortable and secure I feel. None of the competing SUVs, gave me such peace of mind. I am totally satisfied with my purchase! Test drive the rest, but you will definitely settle on the best, like I did.

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  Excellent Car. - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Anon_Camry_Buyer - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The Best car in its class. Beats Accord lx v6 in legroom, comfort, ride and trunk space.

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  Perfection? - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jr_fan - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Sienna. The 2004 shows that Toyota had done their homework and built a mini-van that is very liveable. We owned a 1998 Sienna and I can tell you that we do not miss it one bit. I do wish that we had purchased the DVD player for our kids.

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  Sienna AWD LE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Eagle273 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were about to buy the honda when we heard about the sienna.We test drove both and found the sienna to be a much better ride.Also having three kids the ability to fold the rear seat 60/40 into the floor was a big factor.We have had this vehicle for about 2 weeks,already took it on one long road trip.So far it is great no problems at all,no rattles squeaks or defects.I have driven many mini vans and this is by far the best.

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  Best new car I have ever purchased - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By pb1966 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  We had our issues between SUV and Minivan as so many people do. We got our XLE with the DVD option and the kids love it. The ride is so nice and the interior and exterior details are the best we have seen. I spent a lot of time between the Honda and Toyota. The Honda is nice but the Toyota has a leg up on them. The split third row and ride is what sold us. Gas milage so far has been great.

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  My second 4Runner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By a2992 - August 30 - 6:53 am

  Ever since I sold my 94 4Runner in 2006, Ive always had my eye on getting another. My only complaint about the 94 was that there was no V8 at the time, and the V6 was WAY underpowered. So when I was in the market for a new car, I purchased the V8 Limited 4WD, and Im happy. The new 4Runner is futuristic enough, while still maintaining the DNA of the original generations. The solid construction, "never-die" dependability, and fun driving attitude make it a joy to drive. Its as if Im back in the 94, but this time, with all the power Ive ever wanted with 270 HP, and 300+ ft/lbs of torque. Im raring to get this thing off road where it belongs.

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  Spongy brakes - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Joe Dallas - August 30 - 4:23 am

  I have been driving it for 5 months now. It is reliable so far. The I4 has enough power to get into hwy and passes. The folding backseat flat the trunk and accept large stuff. It average local 23 and highway 26 MPG. One thing that alerts me is it has spongy brake and can be very low when press it (about 1" from the floor). It takes too long to actually feel brake taking effect. A large foot may actually touch the gas padel unintentionally. It brakes fine though. Checked with the dealer service and was told "this is by design and it is normal." Thinking about the gas padel recall and then adding this spongy brake, the feeling is not very comforting. Generally it is a good car.