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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  ECM /Transmission Problem - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By abamabam1 - October 1 - 8:25 pm

  I rarely write reviews online but I want to share my experience with this vehicle...My RAV4 is in excellent condition until I hit 89K on my 2003 RAV 4 last month when its started jerking on shifting. Im 3 months passed out of extended warranty as per TOYOTA 10 YEARS/150,000 miles. I took mycar to the dealer but told me I need to pay $$$$ for the diagnostic and repairs because of out of warranty...Even calling TOYOTA Customer Relation is still no help..This is my last TOYOTA ever...You lost one loyal customer...I traded my RAV4 for a 2013 Honda Accord...

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  The perfect Alaskan Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By tundra - October 1 - 7:33 pm

  Simply put, my Tundra is a damn good vehicle. It works well in snow, mud, gunk and on highways that have pavement.

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  2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Chuck - October 1 - 6:50 pm

  The Prius has much more acceleration than youd think from a 1.5 liter engine. The seats could be less firm. As much as I travel each year, seat comfort is crucial. The gas mileage is fun to watch on the big screen in the console. Before I purchased this car I was an agressive driver, but now I find myself trying to get the best MPG I can which means slowing down and driving much smoother. It is very stable on the highway even with cross winds and has a very solid feel to it. There is some road noise from the wheels but it is much quieter than most that Ive driven.

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  4000 miles and counting - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Doug - October 1 - 10:20 am

  This is my first Toyota truck. I have owned Chevys for the last 25 years.So if I seem picky about my Tundra you will understand. Before I drove the Tundra , I test drove a Dodge , a Ford a Chevy and even a Nissan Titan.

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  a little disappointing - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By mishmish - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my sequioa with only 14 miles on it so I was disappointed when I took my sequioa at 7300 miles for routine services and they told me I need brakes and rotors Also at 4500 miles I had to get a new brain box or whatever its called because the check enigine light kept coming on.I also keep getting this foul oder smell when I go pass 65mph.

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  GOOD RELIABLE TRUCK - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By DRUIZ - October 1 - 10:00 am

  ONLY MINOR MAINTENANCE TYPE MECHANICAL PROBLEMS

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  X-il-R-ating - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Andy H - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Great commuter car with alot of versatility for errands. Extremely functional, and even though targeted for younger consumers(IE Gen X, Y, & Zers), I have found that it works for me at 42. Nice alternative to an SUV, plus better gas mileage and it still handles in the snow. Fun to drive & both my dogs love it too!

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  The best has come, yet isnt perfect - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mfullmer - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I had been researching this beauty since about March of this year (2004) and finally decided to "bite the bullet" in July. My Absolutely Red SLE Convertible with NAV and VSC was delivered August 15, 2004. This is, hands down, the best convertible in the $28-33k range.

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  tundra problems - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By matthew sitachitt - October 1 - 10:00 am

  we bought our tundra a year ago. ever since day one we had to jump start the car. we thought its ok because its bin sitting on the lot for a couple months. but ever since then it keeps doing it. we use it as a third car, so we drive it on weekends. but if we let it sit for 5-7 days we have to jump start it. I understand the computers in the car like the ABS is still on but i dont think it should die within 5 days. what happens if we leave it a the airport for 2-3 weeks and it dies what do we do. But otherwise its a fun car, we use to go everywhere until it wouldnt start anymore.

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  4Runner fan - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By sands - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 2 4runners; a 98 and an 04. The 04 is really different from the 98. IT is VERY quiet for an SUV, has lots of neat gizmos, is very reliable and just downright looks cool. You cant go wrong with a 4Runner. It has it all; style and substance.