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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  A Pleasant Surprize - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By bbrimmer - June 3 - 11:32 am

  I was looking for an AWD vehicle to replace the FWD Toyota Camry Hybrid (great car). the winter travel in New England has become too tough without AWD. I searched hard and had considered Volvo, Lexus and BMW crossovers. The Venza won hands down with all the features of the competition and a price tag of $10-12K less. Personally, I have always had good luck with Toyota. The Venza is very comfortable and drives like a car. My only question had been whether to get the 4 or 6 cylinder. Better gas mileage won out (after all I was driving a hybrid) and I am not disappointed with the amount of zip the 4 cylinder has.

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  Retired - Long Trip - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Ottawa - June 3 - 10:10 am

  Over the past six weeks, drove to Florida and back. First car that doesnt aggravate my problem lower back, thanks to the power lumbar - great! Wife found the passenger seat to be very comfortable, even after 8 hours in the car on the first day with terrible weather in NY and Penn. She liked the cruise control, but would have preferred the buttons on the steering wheel like our Taurus had. I found the passenger seat could use power setup to get better sitting positions, although I had no trouble falling asleep. Probably because of the smooth and reasonably quiet ride. Came with Michelin Energys which are fine, but noisy in turns.

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  Holding my breath - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Holding my breathe - June 3 - 9:56 am

  Ive had an immediate problem with strong vibration on cold start. It happened a week after we bought the car. Took it in a month later to service dept. and they were really nice but say nothing is wrong. Ive been thru this kind of song and dance with another manufacturer before so I know that the consumer has to stay on top of it. Another concern is lag on acceleration - shifting from 1 to 2 gear. Its like the car has to think about what it wants to do so it pauses. Steering radius (turning into parking spaces) is not great, while driving on highway steering squishy.

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  One of many - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Fred - June 3 - 4:47 am

  You see them everywhere, except in junkyards. Ive been in and out of a few over the last year hunting for parts for my Grand Marquis. I havent seen a Rav 4 yet. Id like to get a spare steel wheel but I always turn up empty. If you want a car thats affordable, easy to handle, somewhat economical, and really reliable you wont go wrong here. Lots of cargo room if you fold down the rear seats. Even more if you lift them out ! Not the most stylish vehicle on the road but its not hideous either. Mines full time 4WD so it might be a little more aggressive when it comes to cabin noise but its livable. Superior road handling. Average everywhere else which truly isnt a bad thing. You could spend almost double on a Lexus but would your 5 or 6 bags of groceries in the back know or even care ?

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  Love my new 2008 LC - 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By bulabarry - June 3 - 3:03 am

  Traded in my 2000 LC for 2008 LC. I also own a 2004 LC. I like everything about the 08 LC (including the new design). I tow a large boat that was a problem for my 2000 LC - not a problem with the 08! The 08 has better power, handling, off-road capabilities, more rugged, really sharp looking interior (and exterior). To me the 08 is worth every penny.

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  Like, but not Love, my XLE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Josh - June 2 - 11:10 pm

  Very quiet, comfortable car. Toyotas auto-climate system is the best. It always knows exactly what to do. Very reliable, never had any problems with it. I dont especially love the cars handling because my former car was a Passat, but the Camry is an excellent car overall. The front end seems a little heavy for a 4cyl, which makes it lean more than it should in curves/corners. It does a good job of reminding me its not a sports sedan. The seats are extremely comfortable for long trips. Get a spoiler..it really dresses the car up.

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  Great Truck if you dont plan on pulling. - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By shackmaster - June 2 - 6:53 pm

  Ive had Toyota before and this is no different. Great quality, good ride, etc. BUT, the trailer pulling capacity is by no means what the manufacturer says which is 7000lb. Pulling a 6000 lb trailer with OD off will cause the tranny to work some serious overtime. Suggest dont pull anything more than 5000 lb MAX and thats with a small set of tires and preferrable 2wd. Other than that its a great truck.

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  2006 V6 AWD RAV4 - Whats not to like! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jack Ketch - June 2 - 3:13 pm

  Great small SUV with comfort, handling and plenty of power. The only think I do not like about this car is the front console cup holders which are too large. Other than that I am totally satisfied.

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  VERY GOOD VALUE - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By kenbowls - June 2 - 12:50 pm

  Have 2.4 l 4 cylinder and very little problems, Radio replaced in 1st year, tires at 30,000 miles, but otherwise, have 42,000 miles on it and love it, Hauls a lot with back seats folded down, 8 chairs, furniture business and a handy hauler for small loads.

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  Amazing little truck - 1995 Toyota Pickup
  By Greg Stevens - June 2 - 11:56 am

  I love this little truck. It has never left me stranded. I pull a 12 foot trailer for a business and load up the bed and it still does great. In the 1 1/2 years I have had it I have only had to routine maintenance. Oil changes, change belts. I get in the lower 20s in Gas mileage on the freeway and about 15 when towing. It is a great highway cruiser. I can cruise at 95 and its as smooth as can be. Its such a blessing to have a reliable vehicle.