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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  Lies, lies and more lies - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Todd - July 25 - 8:26 pm

  2nd owner, 1st had to replace engine due to oil sludge problem. 65k on new engine and its sludging up again. 3.0 Toyota engine is worse than an old jag V6 and is part of a settled class action lawsuit (to late for me though), terrible fuel mileage, boring styling, coma inducing character. Only thing it does well is blow really cold air. Toyotas PR people should win an academy award or run for congress with the acting and lies to consumers about Toyota build quality.

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  Worth how much you pay for it - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By RSKamath - July 25 - 3:07 pm

  I bought this car for my wife who loves SUVs and this one is no exception. I bought it 22k miles and it has served both of us very well in the past 2 years. We are now closing on 60k miles and so far we have only had to replace the Stock tires at 30k miles - which was the only bad thing we thought. Other than that we have stuck to a good 6-7k maintenance schedule and havent had any problems with it. Some cabin noises such as squeaks and the brakes groan a bit.. but apart from that it does what it is built for. The V6 has amazing passing power and can really get off the line pretty quick. I have put the care through the paces and it hasnt let me down so far. Excellent room for moving etc. - we were able to stuff a LOT of furniture in our car and it just drove without even a slight lag. Good gas mileage for an SUV - I average 25 mpg with about 50% highway driving.

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  Wonderful Truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By satxcubfan - July 25 - 11:36 am

  Very tight, well built truck. Extremely comfortable and capable. Runs a lot quieter than my old Ranger. It was like going from a room at Motel 6 to a suite at the Ritz-Carlton. This truck is perfect for me in this configuration and I plan to get many, many miles and years out of it. Its a real head turner on the road, too! I really love it.

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  certified 2002 echo coupe beats corolla - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By derkaiser - July 25 - 10:00 am

  mine is an02 certifiedcoupe/16k miles. the mileage rivals hybrids without the internalcomplexity.I love the styling/ interior room. my first Toyota, and looking forward to it.

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  It could of been better - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By keywest305 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I was very pleased the first 45000 miles .Now im getting a rattle in the dash and some squeaks in the seats and interior noise.This truck was a very tight truck when taking bumps and a pleasure to drive.Now the interior noise and rattle drives me crazy.Also this truck has never been off road wich makes me think what would it have been like if it did.This is a off road pkg.My wifes car has 205,000 on it and doesnt rattle and feels tighter.Not to mention it is a Volvo.

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  Its a fun car - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By webernoot - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive always wanted an SUV and I hit a homerun with this one. For a single person, its the perfect size, its cute, sporty,comfortable, and so much fun to drive.

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  Good all around hauler - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By stoutbrewer - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2003 Tacoma four door in on the Matrix XR. Getting 25 MPG in mostly city driving is a refreshing change. The base engine could use more torque to get it moving. The car handles well and manuvers in parking lots with ease. The interior is very functional and easy to configure. Toyota redid the chin spoiler so it looks better and doesnt scrape like the older models. As with most Toyotas the Matrix will hold its value, be low maintenance and be trouble free over the log haul. Its a good alternative to a SUV. The worst problem I had was blind spots. I bought two small mirrors and the problems solved.

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  My Third Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By toothship - July 25 - 10:00 am

  This is alot of car for the money, I have never had a repair on any of my three Avalons. Every time anyone gets into the back seat they ask "What make of car is this" They are amazed by all the roominess for the back seat passengers. If you want a smooth riding confortable car, look no farther.

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JLB - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car! First converticvle since a Fiat Spyder nearly 10 years ago ... this one "feels" solid and muscular. Also glad to have Toyota quality and reputation. Drove it off lot not knowing mileage and have been EXTREMELY happy with > 30 mpg. Would buy this car again and wish I had done so sooner!

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  4runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By docinmiss - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Nice smooth ride with the V8 fuel econmy same as 2 Exploerers I have owned ample cargo space and rear seats are easy to fold down..rear door closes with ease also..I don t like the plastic bumper and sides..Not enuf lighting of the door switches..