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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  If I had a time machine.. - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Brittney Sabo - November 17 - 12:33 am

  If I had a time machine, I would have gone back to 1993 and bought another 94 Corolla! Up until a few weeks ago I had this car for several years, and traded it in to buy a new Matrix. I was so sad to part with it, because it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. This thing made it to 210,000 miles with little more than me replacing the shocks and a few other minor things. Solid construction all around, and took a beating traveling across the country over and over again, even through the mountains, without failing once. Toyota really hit the mark on this one, and the reliability of the Corolla is what made me decide to buy another Toyota vehicle. Can you say low-maintenance?!

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  Cant recommend 2010 4cyl RAVs - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By cwerb - November 16 - 11:36 pm

  This is my second RAV4, bought just before recall. It is in no way the same car as my 2003, which had a superior sound system, a quieter engine, and a boxier shape I preferred. Before the news of the recall broke the first impression I had driving this was that Toyota had cut corners since 03. The annoyingly loud drone of the 4cyl at low revs makes it sound like the car is not warmed up/struggling, thought thats not the case. It handles well and the interior is far superior to other compact SUVs in the class I tested, including CR-V, Mazda Tribute, Hyundai Tuscon, Mercury Mariner and VW Tiguan. Toyota is buying mine back, but I may go for 6cyl as other SUVs in class a large disappointment

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  2008 FJ Cruiser Review - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By sxipro - November 16 - 10:36 pm

  I bought it about 3 weeks ago and love this vehicle. It is fun to drive, good on power, great off-road and has a unique look. I like the big control knobs and handles. I took it on a little trail when I went camping and locked the 4wd in just to try it and it handled great! It has that high quality feel that all Toyotas seem to have. It does have blind spots but the big mirrors make up for that.

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  2011 Venza- not what I expected! - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By mnharris - November 16 - 5:41 pm

  Its been a rather dissapointing 24 months with my Venza AWD. Its been in no less than 11 times for repairs, rattles in the dash/console, interior lights have quit working twice now along with all the dash backlighting, the automatic transmission sometimes has a very long delay before upshifting, Toyota has reflashed twice now and it works great for a few months then the problem returns....they now blame it on my driving style!?!? Im also very unhappy with the fuel economy, its downright V8 like at 15mpg average with a 50/50 mix of in town and interstate driving. Not sure Ill be keeping this one much longer.

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  Dont Like It - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Dont like it - November 16 - 3:43 pm

  Trade-in time for 2003 Toyota Camry LE V6 we really liked except for a known Camry feature - choppy transmission. Put together a features list, studied sedans/SUVs over 18 months. It came down to test driving 3: 2008 Camry LE V6, 2007 Honda Accord V6, 2008 Ford Taurus SEL. After driving the Taurus there was no comparison. It blows away the Camry. Better price too! Camry handled very nice but research/Toyota service tells us that the transmission hasnt changed. Camrys small inside compared to Taurus. Taurus is actually competing with the Avalon which it also blows away! Camry interior is cheaper/less attractive than our 2003 was. Toyota; while you were sleeping - Taurus came along!

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  97 4 Runner - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By ntaylor - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Solid, reliable, and dependable. Tows boat with ease. Fits in garage ( Ford Expedition may not). Leather seats easy to clean.

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  awsome toyo-ata - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By steve higginbotham - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Rides better than most high-line cars. Push the peddle and watch the gauges respond. This truck ROCKS.......

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  2003 4RUNNER , A WINNER - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By GERBSPA - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 4runner is a great suv inside and out. Great V8 along with an inspiring interior. Its a true SUV with extreme comfort. Towing is adequate along with cargo space. Along with Toyotas reliabity record, it is a great invesment.

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  The Best Out There - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Matt Culpepper - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle, finally a great suv that doesnt feel like a truck. I could not be more pleased.

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  Wonderful Car! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By me0554_29204 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a great SUV. Roomy, confortable -- even after a long drive!