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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  Terrible Tundra Turmoil - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Nick - September 29 - 11:33 am

  You would think Toyota means "problem free" for at least 4 years, BUT NOT TRUE. At 2 years, gear shift malfunction ($1134.59 repair),defective rear leaf spring ($1239.99). At 3 years old catastrophic transmission malfunction ($3449.59). In a 3 year peroid a total of $5824. 17 repairs for someone that uses it to commute to work. OH WHAT A FEELING IT IS ! TOYOTA $$$$$$$$$

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  Too much fun (causing some guilty) - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Don Huffman - September 29 - 10:46 am

  Style finally grew on me (been looking at it for 3 years)- I was waiting for a Corolla station wagon - to no avail. I love the tight handling. Love the access to the controls. Very accessible for passengers and cargo (love the small liftback door). Well accessorized. Red instruments are difficult to read (I am a little color blind).

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  Buyer Beware of Paint & People Problems - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Richard - September 29 - 6:36 am

  The car itself is very good. However the paint is peeling and the dealer and zone rep refuse to acknowledge the problem. They first tried to say that it was re-painted (I bought it new and would probably remember if I had had a new paint job). Once we got past that issue they decided that I was 3 months out of warranty and 18,000 miles over as well. Apparently Toyota only expects their paint to last 36000 miles or three years. It is a great car, but at $500.00 a pop to have the paint fixed I seriously doubt if I will ever own another Toyota product. Too bad their management personnel and dealers dont have the same level of integrity as their cars.

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  Could be better - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By jerry - September 28 - 10:03 pm

  I love this SUV. I had a jeep and traded for this for fuel economy. I averaged over 26 mph on a 1000 mile trip. I dont like the excess engine noise when cold. Seats are hard but for a smaller person comfortable. Performance is better than Pontiac gt with 3.8. Some wind noise but have a Lexus also and its quiet. Great steering response in the mountains where I live. Corners not a problem. I got a lifetime drivetrain warranty from the dealer for free as long as he does the service.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By coolfb - September 28 - 4:23 pm

  This truck rides very smooth, everyone who has taken a ride cannot believe how smooth and quiet it is. The powertrain is very refined.

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  Rav 4 is fun - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav Guy - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought for my wife because small, sits high and easy to drive. I found I like to drive it more than my Cadillac. Will buy another some day. Great vehicle.

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  Put together poor - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SaraBoadway - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I was excited to finally have a toyota that wouldnt be in the shop all the time. I have had the car almost a year and it has had to have the passenger seatbelt replaced, the convertible top replaced, the front calipers replaced, the wheel bearring replaced, the rear speakers replaced. Needless to say the it has been in and out of the shop all year and to make matters worse Toyota nevers gets it completey fixed the first time so you have to keep taking it in, and the wont give you a renta car unless the keep it over night, and the dont they keep it all day and rent it to you and ask you to bring it back another day

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  The Little Toyota That Could. - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By leftofthenormal - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The mext-gen Toyota Rav4 follows suit with the mini-SUV craze. It does its job, and does it well. It looks GREAT inside and out, with traditional Toyota reliability and build quality. The 2.0L I4 is pretty peppy, abeit it has to rev like mad to produce torque when climbing up hills and hard driving. It wasnt meant to race, so that really shouldnt matter. As long as you dont lead-foot it 24/7, its quick to get up and go. With the L package, the car really shines.Gas milage is OK for a car of this size, but its all in how you drive it. Usually gets around 22-24 MPG.

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  Tacoma and me - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By terd - September 28 - 10:00 am

  my d-cab has a real truck feel, I mean I can feel every bump in the road, my 4 year old daughter said one day, this is a bumpy car daddy, the trasmission takes a while to down shift when coming up to a stop sign then giving it gas right away there is a big hesitation, the bed is to small, could be a little longer, and my shifter and 4x4 shifters wonder all over the cab, real loose........my steering wheel came crooked.......but other than those problems it has been an awesome car...........

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  Great Solara Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jkolts - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is fun to drive. Excellent interior design. Minor problem with a rattle in the front passenger door. This is my 4th Toyota (3rd Camry). Toyota continues to make great vehicles. Wouldnt want anything other than a Toyota.