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:

• 

  Great minivan...needs improvement on entertainment - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Momof4 - January 3 - 4:59 am

  I love everything about this van, except the DVD system. We installed both the regular DVD and the blue-ray system. It’s complicated to get the system going. I think I have it down now, but the sound for the movie goes through the radio. Whenever you go out of the city, it picks up different radio stations. For a long trip, which is why we installed it in the first place, it can get VERY frustrating for both the kids and the parents! Not good design at all. I know when we bought it they told us you can just find another station and program it. That was also complicated in the first place, who wants to do that again! Toyota needs to fix this! Bad design! Otherwise, we love our van.

• 

  New Sequoia Owner - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By AWANG - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a bargain if comparing to Lexus LX470. Toyota makes a full-size SUV closer to affortable with Sequoia. The engin is smooth and quiet, cabin is spacious. Other than poor fuel economics, I have no complain.

• 

  Full Size Fun - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By FLOD - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Comfort, luxury, and size characterize the Sequoia. For a family SUV, this is a great vehicle if you can afford it. We dont do off-roading, but the Northeast makes winter travel sometimes difficult. Not in this vehicle. Safety combined with Toyota reliability makes me feel good that my family is in this vehicle.

• 

  My Love/Hate Relationship - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By b1rd0g - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Lets see...what hasnt gone wrong. My engine knocks like someone is hitting it with a hammer in cold weather...no kidding! I had the steering rack replaced due to failure. Ive had driveline vibrations that Toyota cant figure out and feel like they are causing damage since 454 miles. I"ve had the brakes serviced four times. Ive got an exhaust smell of rotten eggs entering the cabin upon acceleration. The VSC system kicks in and I lose all power at "very exciting" times, like entering fast moving traffic! Thats not everything! However, I love to drive it, believe it or not. I just wish Toyota could resolve all of my issues.

• 

  Reliable Reliable Reliable a little fun - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By RJH - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the ideal car. A little fun to drive, quiet, comfortable. I upgraded tires which really improves ride and handling. Best value, these things run forever with basic preventative maintenance...

• 

  Great Truck!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Azar - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This truck does everything. added a soft tonneau cover, tube type running boards, bug and tar deflector and wind and rain deflectors. looks really sharp.

• 

  Love My RAV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Pleased - January 2 - 10:26 pm

  I have owned my RAV4 for only three weeks but I feel it is a vehicle that I will keep for many years. I love nearly every aspect of the vehicle from the power of the six cylinder engine to the ease of handling. Theres plenty of storage area and ease of accessing materials. The quality of the materials appears to be excellent - I have perforated leather and heated seats. The smart key entry is wonderful since I just leave my keys in my pocket for entry and starting the vehicle. I do not find the swing door on the back to be a problem at all as it opens widely for easy access. The rear step bumper is also handy. To conclude, I am very pleased with my purchase and would recommend the RAV4.

• 

  Old Faithful - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By Carol - January 2 - 7:53 pm

  Finally replacing Old Faithful after over 10 very reliable years. Seats are losing their bounce and its showing its age a bit, but still runs like a charm. The 2.0 4cyl is a bit wimpy for hwy driving, but MPG is great. I truly wish the US would build affordable quality products. The materials/fit & finish are so chintzy in comparison, or incredibly overpriced. Looks like another import vehicle again for me.

• 

  2005 Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Ralph Shivel - January 2 - 11:40 am

  Do not like the high rear end on the Camry. Do not like the rebound sound from the rear of the auto when you hit a moderate size bump. The front bumper catches parking wedges, which cause it to tear the thin plastic undercarrage.

• 

  Nice Little Beast - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Larry - January 1 - 2:53 pm

  We have really enjoyed this vehicle. It is comfortable, accelerates nicely (but not a muscle machine), and has great gas mileage. We are very impressed with the conveniences and storage of the interior. We went to the Midwest this November and the car got 43 mpg over the Rockies and with high speed driving in Montana and N. Dakota. We get about 50 mpg in the area of our rural home. We are satisfied and it meets our expectations.