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:

• 

  Rav4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Missy - September 10 - 11:46 am

  I love this Rav! My previous car was a Corolla and this is a step up. I wont buy American engineered vehicles, been there and done that! The Rav seats are comfortable and drives like a dream. Disappointed in gas mileage, it isnt was they say it should get. Avg is 21 MPG. There is road noise and i agree the cup design is in the wrong place. The stereo is low quality. The Corolla had a better stereo system and cost a lot less. Overall happy with the purchase but think Toyota should go back and offer the 0% to those that purchased 6 months ago. That would show customer appreciation!!!

• 

  This is the most fun car I have ever had. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By lkb - September 10 - 8:40 am

  I bought the 5-speed XR model. It has much more get up and go than the automatic version, which I test drove. I have had a lot of fun in this car. Love the fold down back seats....has lots of room for my dogs.

• 

  After 5 years, some issues - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By robro - September 10 - 4:50 am

  This van is really dull first of all. Design is dull, driving it is dull, nothing stands out. Here are a few gripes: 1. Known issue - engine will not start if the IAC valve is dirty. 2. Rear brakes squeal. It was covered by warranty, and they issued some tsb, but how are we supposed to keep up with these private tsb tickets? 3. Turn radius stinks. Three point turns, I am beginning to hate them. Just for this alone, I might switch to a honda odyssey, used!

• 

  Just keeps on going - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By I heart the Mry - September 10 - 4:23 am

  My mom gave me this car in 2006 with about 140,000 miles on it. Earlier this year, I decided I should probably start saving for a new car, as the Toyota was getting old. By time this car dies Ill probably have saved enough to buy a new Mercedes. It just keeps going! At 173K right now with no major mechanical repairs. I have recently had little things happen, such as the trunk "pop" mechanism breaking, but I can access it through the backseat for now. I hope my next car (hopefully I can afford another Camry!) lives up to this ones standard.

• 

  2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By jacqueline - September 10 - 12:16 am

  I LOVE the Camry. I feel safe in it. I love the blue-tooth and I can live with the cloth seats. The interior colors (gray) look very nice. I feel like I am being kinder to Mother Earth, and am happy driving right by the gas station. Its a great car. Go get one!

• 

  Best car on the road - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By E.C. Newell - September 9 - 11:46 pm

  We enjoy this car so much. It is the best car we have driven. We are not young people (in our 70s). We have driven GM cars for years, then switched to Toyota, what a difference. This is our 5th Toyota Avalon, (new) and we have one 1996 that my husband drives that he bought used. So we have driven 5 new ones and one used on making six, so you know we are happy with Toyota.

• 

  Surprisingly Roomy! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ray - September 9 - 11:23 pm

  The title is what I hear from all of my friends and the "anti-Prius" crowd when they first sit in my car. With so many suggested improvements, why did I give it such a high mark? Mainly because the cons mean a lot less to me than the pros. Last year, I was set on buying a hybrid, so when comparing other models, the Prius was a hands down winner. The rear trunk/back seat design is much more superior than the hybrid honda civic. I also feel it is superior to the Toyota Camry Hybrid. If the Prius is too expensive, I have a friend who bought a Honda Fit and loves it. Overall, the Prius is a great car with a great design, and I am happy to see more and more of them in the Boston area!

• 

  5000 mile review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By danfitz2 - September 9 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased a 07 2X4 Limited Rav4 (silly name) on May of 2006 and have to date put on about 5500 miles. About half are city and half are highway.

• 

  My New Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Nick - September 9 - 6:50 pm

  When we bought this car I thought it was going to be to boring. Another Toyota well not to put them down but, they can be boring. We had a Camry before and the only fun part was the V6, and now we were loosing that. Oh well I was wrong. This car is much more fun than the Camry. Easy to park, spunky, fast for a 4 cylinder. Got all the features on this baby its loaded, and I stayed under $18,000. Talk about the gas milage were getting between 36- 38 mpg on the highway. My Camry was lucky to get 23-24. I love this car and its better looking all around.

• 

  Toyota; In a league of their own... - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Brutus the Buckeye - September 9 - 4:20 pm

  We just purchased a 2006 Camry XLE 4-cyl. We opted for the 4 cyl for the simple reason of gas mileage. At 28-29 overall driving and high 30s for highway, it was a no-brainer. The 4-cyl has plenty of pick up for us. Quiteness and ride quality for long trips is great same as Lexus. Camry is very quiet. Trunk space is good as well. Dash is easy to read and see. Headlights are great. And above all, it is Toyota. Awesome!