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 good buy! Get the 4x4 Sport or Limited - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Fast Ed - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle after researching many in its class (Trlblzr,Explorer,Cherokee,Endvor,Pilot, Durango,etc). I settled on the 4X4 SR5 edition only because I couldnt find a 4x4 sport edition mica Gray 6 cyl with a sunroof in a 100 mile radius (Crap). I got the spoiler added to the rear and the 17 in rims. My biggest grief with this vehicle is that the front end tends to wonder about when driving at highway speeds in the whimpest of wind speeds. The footing becomes more sure foot when I select the 4x4 full time mode. I recommed the sport or limited editions to get the heated mirrors, telescopic steering wheels-which should be standard on ALL 4runners.

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  Our Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By grsteven - January 12 - 10:00 am

  After much thinking, we bought the Sienna over the 4-Runner. A 2 year old and an infant, we needed more room. This is my first foreign vehicle and it is absolutly amazing! Looked at its competition (Honda and Nissan) and the Toyota won hands down. Dealer was great, although they didnt have the one we wanted they were able to get one within a week and were realistic with price. This van (like so many others I swore I would nerver buy a Minivan!) has everything we could ever want plus some. The leather is unbelievably comfortable, 3 zone climate, automatic side and rear doors. Go drive it and you wont be disappointed!

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  Much better than 2004 - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By igmatas - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I drove several 2004 Corollas earlier this year - was not impressed. The 2005 made up for the weaknesses. Its as if Toyota read my mind.

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  Camry: Great Commuter car for LA - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Cindy - January 12 - 1:13 am

  Great dependability for 110 miles a day and more in LA traffic. I now have a car I can count on getting me to work and home every day. It has never misbehaved.

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  2010 Toyota Corolla - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Texas - January 11 - 11:36 pm

  Traded with cash for clunkers . Looked at Mazda 3 , Honda Fit, Toyota XB. Came back to the Corolla. Trunk good size for small car. Quieter then cars in its same class. Agree with others about the clock being moved to radio and the left foot rest is poorly placed. Great commuter car and the S model is very sporty .

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  Mainly happy - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By GMcGuire - January 11 - 3:30 pm

  Ive been mainly happy, when you treat the thing like a motorcycle and bang off the redline at 6,000 rpm in 1st thru 3rd it works not too badly. Engine slow idle is a bit lumpy, and it lacks a bit of power with the a/c on. Absolutely must have 4 good snow tires installed, its very light and it steps around quite a bit even on wet pavement. Great gas mileage, lots of room and functionality.

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  DISAPPOINTED - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By mechanic46 - January 11 - 11:52 am

  I bought this Rav4, AWD about 10 months ago. It is great to drive, ride and handling are good for its size, power could use lot of help, and the economy has yet to break 25 MPG-it has dropped since we bought it, it is now down to 19 to 21 MPG. I removed the PCM and sent it to a repair facility to get the transmission problem corrected before it actually failed. The man who is repairing is said that the poor economy could be part of the PCM failing, even thought the transmission area had not failed yet. The outcome of this repair will be the deciding factor whether I keep this car or not.

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  Big Mistake: traded 03 Avalon for Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By bing - January 11 - 3:16 am

  The poor mileage is biggest problem (34). Not significantly better than gas camry V6. Lack of trunk space is very close second biggest problem. No, on second thought, its a tie for first. NO TRUNK SPACE. Minor problem: very poor AM Radio reception. Much worse than other Toyotas Ive owned. Mileage:the improvement over the gas Camrys is not worth the money and hassles of the Camry Hybrid.

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  Made the Right Decision - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By DarkSide - January 11 - 2:20 am

  The wife and I were going back and forth between the Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. We finally decided on the Tacoma after seeing the 2009 model standard feature upgrades. We purchased the Timberland Green, 4x4, Double Cab, Long bed with the SR5 package. The only one of its kind currently in the SF Bay Area. The truck is fun to drive and nice to look at. A major improvement over our last truck, 1998 Dodge Dakota.

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  Good looking truck not cost effective - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By IT_guru - January 10 - 9:56 pm

  Exterior design makes it a good looking truck. I was complimented several times on its design. Fun to drive on weekends but looks are deceiving. It claims 18/22 but it was more like 16/20 with the 4x4 TRD. The bilstein shocks made for a hard drive. Clutch pedal replaced with only 9000 miles after making squeaking sounds. Extended cab rather cramped for adults but adequate for children. Expensive to maintain especially with the suggested 3000 miles oil change along with dealers "suggested" preventative repairs.