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:

• 

  Not happy with warranty coverage - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By psfranco - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall the vehicle is fine. However, the driver side window has been squeeky lately. I went to open the window the other day, and the glass almost completely turned around. Took it into the dealership and guess what? Not covered under warranty. They want $700 to replace the motor. Im sorry, but for something that has nothing to do with the actual "running" of the car should include reasonable wear and tear. What else does one do with a window besides press the button to roll it up or down? Im pretty mad about this and Corporate Toyota will be getting a call.

• 

  Wanna break your bank? - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By 2_poor_4_4Runner - November 4 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota may be reliable (except for the time I ran out of gas in po-dunk western Kansas while the guage showed half a tank still left), you will pay dearly for it. Toyota, in my opinion has grossly over-priced their vehicles. You will get twice as many luxury features from other makes for a lot less dough!

• 

  Everything I was hoping for... - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Erik - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Truck. Cluck. It is a touch underpowered at 4 cylinders, but that would have been my choice anyway. Toyota should really offer a six. This is my first experience with AWD. I wont go back. It handles the snow here in the Northeast very well. I still, two years later, think this is a snazzy looking car. If you are on the fence, you wont do better than this one.

• 

  Easiest Purchase Ever! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV4 Lover - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Before buying my RAV4 I researched for 6 months going back and forth between it and the Mazda Tribute. Well, the RAV won hands down. I loved the reliability and the ratings it got from experts and other consumers. I dont regret buying it at all!

• 

  First-time Toyota Owner - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jpjr - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Always had full-sized SUVs. This vehicle is truly a dream. A real sweet ride. Very smooth and excellent handling in rain/snow conditions -- holds the road effortlessly with a great secure feeling. First time I can honestly say that I took possession of a new vehicle and never had to go back to the dealership with a complaint about anything!!

• 

  Great car my awd - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By HWR - November 4 - 7:20 am

  We purchased our 09 matrix in 2008. At the time living in snowy area we got the awd-s model with the 2.4 litre Camry engine. Traction control on snow/ice fantastic. Not too many other cars can beat it from a light, eccept maybe a sports sedan with a v-8? paint chips easily, seats uncomfortable&blind spots, mileage is o. k. 28-30 mpg on highway. Overall the car is good. 31,000 miles&only oil changes. All 4 tires will need to be replaced soon. Remember, its awd!

• 

  2002 celica - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By ronnyCELICA - November 4 - 2:00 am

  IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TOYOTA CELICA GO TO WWW.CELICA.NET AND BECOME A MEMBER FOR FREE...metallic paint option on it. how about some power seats it wouldnt be great? .the paint quality is really bad ive been with my car for 1 year and half and i already have a lot of scrathes in the front bumper and the hood.ahh i dont know if guys heard but THERE IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE BELT TENSIONER OR PRETENSIONER ALOT OF PEOPLE HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT ITS A DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER.IS JUST MAKES A RATTLE NOISE WHEN YOU START THE CAR FOR LIKE 15 MINUTES THEN STOP.THE DEALER CHANGED THE BELT AND THE TENSIONER

• 

  Very Disappointing - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By zee - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Sienna with high hopes but I am really disappointed with its performance. The drive is not fun at all, the brakes give problems all the time, wind and road noise is high and visibility is pretty poor.

• 

  Good - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Robyn - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The car was a good car...I love it, its the car ive always wanted

• 

  Great truck! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By toy yoda - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Tundra in March 2003 from local dealership. Overall impressed with the truck. Decided on the Tundra because of the positive ratings from J.D. Power and Associates, Intellichoice, and Consumer Reports to name a few. The ride is very comfortable and smooth. The quality of interior materials is suberb. The exterior is solid and able to take anything.