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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  Hi-Tech Wonder - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By reallysmartguy - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The Prius is a gas to drive, but doesnt need much gas. It has deceptively good pickup for such a small car. During the spring and fall Ive been getting over 50mpg, that drops down to about 48 when I have to use the AC in the summer or when I make short trips in the winter and require long warmups.

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  the ultimate shuttle vehicle - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By mtn sport - November 22 - 10:00 am

  My first Toyota & certainly not the last. This truck is great, Ive pulled some fancy looking 4x4s out of some rough spots w/ no problem. Highly recommend the TRD package. Added a shell to the back for traveling.

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  Terrific! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By iamdot - November 22 - 10:00 am

  It does what you want when you want it to. Have had my truck for almost two years and the only problems Ive had is a little shaking when braking (which the dealer fixed) and some squeaking with my belt. Has the power to peel out when towing a bass boat, charge up hills, and went up some "expert" 4x4 trails which the fixed up truckers didnt think I had a chance (since mine is stock). The TRD helped with the 4x4ing along with overall ride, would highly recommend.

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  need more A/C in Texas - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By dphipps - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the size and comfort of my highlander. BUT the thing I hate, no rear air. I have one child and another on the way not to mention we live in Texas. My child roasts in the back seat because the air isnt hitting her. Would it be that hard to put a vent in the back? I also am bothered by the noise when one window opens, intense pressure on your ears.

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  New Owner - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By W.D. - November 22 - 10:00 am

  First foreign auto but I believe we got the pick of the litter. Had a Sedan Deville for several years and already the Avalon has made us forget about the luxury and performance of the Cadillac. Will want to give another review after subtantial number of miles are driven.

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  Luxury From Toyota - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Daniel Morthole - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The car has a very luxurious interior and the 2003 Avalon is even beter. The 2003 Avalon has a navigation system, mine didnt come, even as an option.

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  Buy it -- youll like it! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By RAVingit - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I loved my two Honda Civics -- that is, until I purchased the RAV4. A friend purchased a Lexus RX300 and, after enjoying rides in her luxury SUV, I decided I wanted one of my very own. So I purchased the affordable one - RAV4!! Believe it or not, the RAV4 L package even looks like the RX300 from the outside. I like a small car, so I was looking for a vehicle that drove like a small car but had the convenience of an SUV. The ride, quality and design of the RAV is everything I imagined! It zips in and out of traffic and is extremely fun to drive. The visibility is great -- I cant imagine driving a car again!

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  Many, many miles... many more to go! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tough Tacoma - November 22 - 9:10 am

  I bought this truck in 9/07 with 204000 miles on it from a neighbor who purchased it new in 1997. Exterior has lots of bumps and bruises, paint is pretty shabby. However the interior is very nice and the mechanicals are in excellent shape. I think it will last another 10 years, no problem!

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  Good and boring - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dale - November 22 - 4:00 am

  I have put close to 6K on the Prius in 3 months. Good interior room, great mileage, however, you cant set the cruise on hills and expect good mileage. I use the least expensive gasoline which has 10% ethanol. Mileage keeps getting better, consistently around 52. Gets better mileage on the road than in town. The good thing about the Prius is it makes my 99 Ford F150 feel like a rocket ship! If you are looking for an OK ride, good interior room, problem free driving with fantastic mileage, get the Prius. If you want a performance car...dont! No service problems as of yet. All in all, a good boring car.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave - November 22 - 2:16 am

  After 3,500 I am amending my review, and I now regret my purchase. Recall issues aside, I have a Denso pedal and my car is not on the list, I am beginning to think that Toyotas quality problems are not limited to the recalled parts. The transmission shifts abruptly at low speed, my drivers door handle sticks, my breaks squeak, rough idle, and my gas mileage stinks (best 23.5 on the highway at speed limit). When I was at Toyota for a recall inspection, I told the service manager and he replied, "Try putting premium gas in," which the owners manual says not to do. I paid too much money to be driving a vehicle reminiscent of a Ford.