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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  Fun and Fast - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By ROD - March 10 - 9:00 pm

  I wanted an SUV that gets better mileage than the big ones and still have the room for trips and hauling stuff. I tow my 2 snowmobiles so this was perfect since it will handle 3500 lbs. I have been getting about 25 mpg and have not had any problem after 6 months and 6k. It has surpassed all my expectations and is fun to drive and it gets down the road in a hurry. Highly recommend it.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By James - March 10 - 5:56 pm

  Have had my venza one week and have enjoyed every mile. Have driven in sunshine and in rain on interstate, back roads and in city. It seems to be a good fit all around. Love the entry and exit convenience. The first couple of tanks of driving gave the expected performance and fuel mileage, at this time I could not think of a change that I would suggest

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  Love this Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By chudgars - March 10 - 2:30 pm

  This is a great van. Bought it for Toyota quality and I got so much more. The package with side curtain airbags and a DVD player are a plus. It keeps my kids busy on long drives. Also the AC plugs in the car are a great bonus when you need to run something or want to have a laptop plugged in on long rides. No problems in 4 months of ownership. I recommend it to everyone.

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  Continuing problems - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By rjloblaw - March 10 - 9:20 am

  Acceleration is adequate, but torque is all but absent! Too much weight for the old four cylinder engine. The transmission/computer is a major issue. Unexpected downshifting on pimple sized grades when in cruise, upshifting when decelerating, peculiar hold back sensations when at low speeds are among the problems experienced by me and, obviously, others. Poor mileage is yet another factor as is the numerous blind spots resulting from the appearance over proper design issues. Dealers do not handle the transmission matters well as Ive had no luck in clearing up the inadequacies. Is Toyota losing control as they grow in size or is their arrogance the major problem? My first & last Camry!

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  Purchased Slightly Used but I Love it! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Angie - March 10 - 1:40 am

  I bought my 09 Corolla in November 2009. It was a programmed car so it had some miles on it and a few problems that the dealer corrected. The biggest being the heater blower switch had to be replaced. This was my first new-to- me car and its been so much fun to drive! Compared to my truck I was driving I cant believe how much I am saving on gas! Its sleek and stylish on the outside plus very comfortable. So far for me no out of pocket maintenance issues and it handled the first snow fall here in the midwest very well. I am happy with my choice.

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  I drive it every chance I get! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Michellebell - March 9 - 10:46 am

  I was ready to buy a new car for the first time ever. I did oodles of research, lots of test drives and asking friends. I finally hit upon the Highlander as my main interests were comfort and reliability. I had never bought a foreign car before, but my HL has not disappointed. I am 54" and it seems like it was built just for me. My husband, however, is 64" and he seems cramped when he drives it, although he fits better in the passenger seat. Taller drivers may need to look at the Sequoia. I enjoy driving my HL so much, that i drive it at every opportunity!

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  Satisfied Customer - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Satisfied Customer - March 9 - 5:33 am

  Purchased used with 82,000 miles. Have driven 5,000 miles so far. Typical Toyota, feels like a new car. Paint and interior still look like new. Even my 18 year old son (a Jeep guy) admits it really drives nice. Glad we bought it!

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  Impressive - 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By octav - March 9 - 4:13 am

  All I can hope is to have the time to experience all the capability of this truck. Within a day of the purchase, I found myself planning trips that I hadnt been on since I sold my Tacoma 4x4 in 2001. This is a huge truck that drives impeccably. The fit and finish is superb. The kids love the rear seat entertainment system.

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  Love My Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Andy - March 9 - 1:30 am

  I have only had it two days but I am already loving it. My previous ride was a 2008 Nissan Armada LE loaded with everything you could ever want, except fuel efficiency. I decided to sell the Armada and accept a sizable loss due to the outlook on oil/gas, was lucky to find a package 6 with nobody waiting for it and I only had to wait 3 weeks for it to arrive (with 1 mile on the odo).

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  First non-American car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By cburg - March 9 - 12:43 am

  We bought this car after our 99 Ford Taurus was eating up our bank account. Overall my wife and I love the car, we drove the Civic and the Sentra. The Toyota had the best ride and options for the money. This car takes the bumps very well. As far as mpg after 3 weeks we are getting 22 mpg. My wife mainly drives the car and she is only 7 miles from work. We drove the LE and didnt like the interior - very plain, not a lot of options. The S model has a lot of nice stuff in it. Does not come with floor mats! 130.00 - thats outrageous.