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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  I Expected More for a Limited - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By debkitty - March 31 - 12:00 pm

  Drove a Rav4 2005 sport that was more fun w/nicer console than 2006 and newer. It drove like a sport car. This model feels heavy, though its nice to drive/missing the same zip. I take very good care of my vehicles. Beware of those who complain & dont maintain. Paint job less than I expected. I live in the country. When I put in reverse about 30% of the time it chokes/knocks about in backing up. Rear Door should have been corrected years ago, opens backward would prefer up. Loyal to Toyota/ 4th Toyota, not enough bang for the buck compared to USA mfg.s w/luxury models and opts. Driving light lives up to the 24 MPG, however, previously all my Toyotas did better than they claimed.

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  Terrific Car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By CWT - March 31 - 8:20 am

  I staked out this specific vehicle with the options and found it at the local dealership, it had only been on the lot 3 days. Red, black interior; we added leather; all the feathers. My wife is short and is a teacher and she needed something that would accomodate her business needs along with a cool stylish and economical vehicle, this one made the grade.

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  Comfy Cruiser - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Big Daddy - March 31 - 4:56 am

  The 2007 Sequoia is a great vehicle for a family with too much stuff. Ample storage room, comfortable seats. No issues over the first 10K miles. Great build quality, fairly quiet interior. Tires seem to wear well. Have avgd around 20 miles/gallon on hwy. Around 15 city. Overall great looks, fun to drive. Much better value compared to the 2008s. Would buy again.

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  The Best Hybrid Yet! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Danny - March 31 - 2:30 am

  When Honda first introduced the first Hybrid vehicle on the market, it didnt do such of a large impact, simply because fuel economy was not such a concern several years ago but now since the high prices of gasoline has reflected off my new 07 Prius I seem to realize I have not only purchased a gas saving car, but I bought the best hybrid yet! With its remarkable value; lower prices, more to choose from, and better looks, it totally beat any hybrid in its price- range! I totally enjoy every piece of metal used on my car, and I seemed to realize, it was one of the greatest investments in my life that I have conducted...Because of what I have done, I have

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  It gives me no good reason to sell it. - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By bg1127 - March 30 - 9:51 pm

  I bought used with 117,000 miles about 3 years ago and have about 160k on it now. Ive replaced rear brake pads and oil changes and thats it. Cold a/c in Texas summers and plenty of power. Ive been toying with the notion of selling it for something else but its so reliable I cant justify it. I always buy my cars used and only keep them about 3 years. This misnt be the exception :) Awesome product Toyota!

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  corolla - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Lupe Ponce - March 30 - 10:00 am

  this model and year of the corolla was awesome. It is an extremely low low mataintenance vehicle.

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  A van as a friend - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Merry - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I really do not know why some people think this van is not good. I have had this van for more than three years. It is so smooth to drive. I never had to go to dealer except change engine oil. I had no any problem with it. but honestly I used 93 gas all the time, and probably it is the reason why I had no problem at all.

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By kericks - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought the van in 99 and have driven the pants off of it! It now has 92,000 miles on it, change the oil every 5 to 7.5K miles and it runs beautifully. Oil still light brown after all those miles, and doesnt use a drop of oil between changes. Took on long trip across Nevada, got 26 mpg driving between 75 and 80 mph! (Over 540 miles on one tank!) Only problem has been a broken rear latch (200 bucks to fix) and a slow drivers side window caused, we believe, after it was stolen and recovered. Could use more room behind rear seats, but seats are a dream to flip up or remove.

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  camry 96 - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Smartstream - March 30 - 10:00 am

  One of the best reliable cars i have ever driven.

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  Cant Get More Car for Your Change - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By sky9820 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Cars being my hobby, I tested out the many models competing in this class. Although the Civic came the closest, it was a lot more expensive, the interior seemed a bit cheaper, and it was definitely not built for tall persons such as I. The Corolla felt much roomier. It came with the Gold Package and felt as close as you can get to a Lexus for change youd find in your couch (almost). Yes, there are cheaper models, but none compare in reliability or quality. Coupled with a manual transmission (automatic felt a bit sluggish) its the greatest value on the market (and retains it for a while as well).