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 Huge Step Up - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Bob Wingate - June 30 - 4:40 pm

  We owned a Volvo Wagon as our "family" car until we purchased this van. For 2 years we were not really interested in a minivan. What a big mistake. This car is amazing in every detail. I am tall, and had not been in the back until a trip from Charlotte to Miami. The ride in the second row is outstanding in every way. The van drives like a very nice full size car and handles well with great fuel economy. We are sorry we waited so long.

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  Beware Prius severe road noise - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By alowin - June 30 - 1:57 pm

  I regret buying our 2012 Prius. Wish I knew what I know now. Road noise is horrific: both tire noise on pavement and wind noise. Travel at higher speeds and over 1 hr are very unpleasant; the ride not a bit enjoyable. Sound and vibration insulation seem minimal. Also: Prius interior is cheap, car seems tinny, but, yes, it has a fabulous power technology. We do get close to 50 MPG. Considering selling it because trips are so unpleasant. Think about whats important to you.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Dave - June 30 - 2:40 am

  We bought our GT new in 2001. It has been extremely reliable, and is a blast to drive! When engaged in heavy highway traffic you can drop the automatic out of overdrive and power thru traffic. Mileage is awesome, around 34 mpg, and the styling turns heads. I dont understand why this car is being discontinued, as we would sure buy another. There is too much fun to be had at a very reasonable price. Lots of storage with the seats folded down. Good car for two people, not four.

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  very nice Suv - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sweetmellisa23 - June 29 - 11:53 pm

  I enjoy the comfort and safety of this vehicle. I have always owned toyota and owned a Highlander limited as well. I love the feel of the ride.

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  A RAV4 for Retirement - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Titanic - June 29 - 9:40 pm

  We bought it to explore the US, Canada and South America. It has ample room for luggage. Its all plastic interior is well designed and built. The V6 is powerfull yet economical. The climat control works well yet the display can not be read in bright day light. As the RAV4 is defined as a truck, we expected it would have strong bumpers. When backing up into a light pole at 2 miles per hour we found out it has no bumper, just a cover. The damage was $2300, it damaged the rear door! The 4 wheel drive is great and fully automatic. The seats are firm but comfortable for long trips. Road noise is high on rough roads. Options are very expensive.

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  Excellent Value/Cannot be Disappointed - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By David S. - June 29 - 9:33 pm

  Since buying the car in early October we have put about 6000 miles on it, including a 4500 mile trip from the Central Coast of California to South Padre Island, Texas and return. I kept careful records on the trip to Texas and my overall mileage was 33.8 mpg. Understand that many of these miles were at 75-85 mph across West Texas, AZ and NM. It is a great driver, long days on the interstate were comfortable. On a twisty two-lane mountain road in New Mexico it showed that it is not a BMW, but I knew that. The trunk is more than adequate carrying two carry-ons, a small duffle, and other items. This car is a technological marvel.

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  Nice car but miss my 4Runner - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Lover - June 29 - 4:26 am

  The XLE is a nice car with plenty of power, as long as you dont mind waiting for it. The delay between the time you hit the gas and the time the vehicle actually responds is almost scary it takes so long. I actually have time to think to myself, "I hope the car goes before I get hit" and then it lunges forward, typically faster than you intended so you have to act quickly so you dont hit someone in front of you. I think I really miss the 2006 4Runner I traded for this Camry and the Camry isnt holding its value as well as the 4Runner did. Im disappointed and I guess Ill just have to wait unit I can afford to trade back to a 4Runner.

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  Camry Rocks! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Otisspunky - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car a few years now and have had no problems with it whatsoever. Granted after I passed 100K there were minor adjustments needed (new O2 sensor, new starter). Toyota builds a great car. And the 94 camry should last well over 200K miles if you make sure to change the fluids regularly.

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  Im gonna RAVE about my new RAV!!! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Bella0724 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have only been driving my new RAV for a short time, but I am already impressed by its power, roomy interior, and thoughtful cabin design. I zip around town and on the freeways, all with little interior noise. The car has great pickup...much more than youd expect for a 4 cylinder. Its so much fun to drive and kind to your wallet at the gas station.

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  New Sienna Owner - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Creck - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven a Chevy Astro for seven years and loved the great cargo space and roominess for eight passengers, but the Astro needed many repairs. I gave up cargo space for comfort when I decided on the Sienna, but I am very happy with my choice. I was unhappy with the limited availability of the Sienna and that we had to drive to a dealership three hours away to get the color we wanted. But the car is very luxurious and the ride is so smooth and quiet. It rides more like an elegant car than a minivan.