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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  Surprised me! - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Thom Bailey - December 24 - 1:10 pm

  My wife wanted the Prius very badly and I was really turned off by the looks, but we took a test drive anyway about a year and a half ago. I was very surprised by the quality of the ride and handling. I still am surprised every time I drive the car. We live in the snowbelt of Ohio and with winter tires the vehicle is very dependable in snow and ice. Id seriously think of getting a second Prius when the time comes.

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  2005 Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Tom - December 24 - 8:56 am

  Had vehicle for 2 months and love it. Gas mileage is very good compared to other vans. Engine is right power for weight.

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  Silver Train - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By drewsmithwick - December 24 - 4:56 am

  I have a Sienna Symphony model and boy is it great. It does everything right and has never had one problem. It tows, holds cargo and people, and never has broken down. It isnt engaging to drive but it gets the job. This car is a true man van.

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  A great road car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By RJ - December 23 - 5:53 pm

  Since purchasing this vehicle, we have driven nearly 3000 miles. The mileage has been both street and interstate, averaging 24 miles per gallon. The seats were very comfortable on a four and a half hour (one way) trip, and wind and road noise were minimal. The ergonomics are very good. The quality of the leather seats appears to be very good. My only complaint with the interior is the color of the fake wood: the yellowish plastic makes for a cheap effect. Unlike Consumer Reports Magazine, I found it easy to reduce glare from the middle stack by reducing the intensity at night. This is our first Toyota and I would recommend it to prospective drivers.

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  Cadillac of SUVs - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By bougie - December 23 - 4:26 pm

  This car was the most expensive Ive bought. A good replacement for a Chevy Suburban. I was initially disappointed with the booming bass of the sound system. At 30,000 mi they said the clicking noise wasnt a problem, but when warranty was out, it was recommended that the cracked manifold be repaired. Most recently a $1700 air conditioning repair, at 54k miles. All in all, Id like a new one. Had 18 mpg on the hwy and felt secure driving in winter and great on long trips.

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  Over All Good BUY - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By tracerz99 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  We have had problems getting the vehicle to maintain its wheel alignment. The passanger door handle has broken. And we have 75K miles and have went thru 3 sets of brakes. The dealer says it is normal wear. Other than that the vehicle has been a good vehicle.

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  The Best. - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By tshebelljr - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle I ever owned. 150,000. trouble free miles. Cannot part with it.

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  Excellent Basic Transportation - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Isophorone - December 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Corolla CE with auto new, and have 65,000 miles on it. It has great reliability, reasonable pickup, good turning circle, and good ergonomics. It can be uncomfortable on long trips. I dont know how tall people can drive it comfortably (Im 57"). My carpool thinks its cramped. The radio goes into scan mode without warning sometimes.

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  I love my Rav - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By ladym/Marilyn - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 4 types of Toyota dating back to a 1994 Corona, a Tecel, 2 Camrys, now the Rav and I love it. I just wish it had a V6 engine. But, I can live with the 4.

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  tundra24runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tundraotto - December 23 - 10:00 am

  switching from a totaled tundra the choice was very clear for me. Any car qould have to equal the 2uzfe 32 valve v8 engine in the tundra - so, it was basically between the tundra, sequoia and the 4runner as there really is nothing that compares. This truck is perfect so far, and if it holds up to 10% of the abuse I put my Tundra through I dont feel bad for coming back at all - the safety factor is often overlooked I guess too, I walked away from a 70mph side impact so that was a big factor in buiyng toyota too.