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:

• 

  I got what I expected - a GOOD thing - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - June 24 - 2:46 pm

  Ive owned the vehicle for a month. I have been averaging 47 MPG in winter driving. It has started in the morning with no problem even at 20 below F. I switched to winter tires, all seasons are iffy but the car does very well with winter tires. Im 64 and its a little snug, I keep hitting the CVT stick with my knee when I get in the car! The seats are not so comfortable but its fine for the kind of driving I do. Handling is secure and not very exciting. The wind throws the car around on the highway. Dont expect the thrill of a life when you drive it.. its a boring ride but gets you where you want to go without worries and pretty inexpensively.

• 

  4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rachelle - June 24 - 1:00 pm

  Overall, this is a great vehicle. Powerful, reliable, dependable, and is the perfect size. I am a volunteer firefighter and was looking for something bigger to fit my gear, plus have enough room for other things. This was the perfect fit.

• 

  Excellent Automobile - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Lynn Hollenbach - June 24 - 9:30 am

  Previously purchased an 07 Subaru Outback and disappointed with the interior space, although a great driving machine. Have had the Rav4 for 3 weeks and my wife and I absolutely love this car. Excellent driving position and front seat comfort and visibility while the 4 cylinder engine provides more than adequate power. If we lived up north I would recommend the all wheel drive, but in Maryland and/or further south the FWD is excellent since EST and traction control are standard. The 6 cylinder only truly necessary if one lives in a hilly area. Averaging 25 MPG. Our favorite car in 40 years of driving.

• 

  Best car for your money - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joseph Alley - June 24 - 3:26 am

  This car has it all, styling, performance, durability, wonderful gas mileage and just a great and exciting car to drive.

• 

  Non Stop Problems - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By TJB - June 24 - 1:20 am

  I just passed 3000 miles on my 2010 Camry and I have already had it in for repairs 15 times. I have an appointment for #16. There have been NON STOP rattles coming from the dash and windows. As soon as one is fixed another appears. The car rattles on smooth roads. We have also replaced a strut already as well. The car looks great and drives great but I cant even stand to drive it now.

• 

  Love my 2004 Pirus - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bcordon - June 23 - 4:20 pm

  My 2004 Prius is the best car I have ever owned. I have save so much money on gas its ridiculous. The car handles pretty good untill you lose a bit of traction. However I wouldnt have any other car.

• 

  My First Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bob Boston - June 23 - 7:06 am

  Had to get a vehicle that would get me to hocky rinks in the winter in New England. After asking every Runner owner I came in contact with this was a no brainer. Comfort, convenience, room to carry hockey stuff. Our first 7 inch snowfall happened two week before Thanksgiving. It was a breeze to get it in 4wd and go thru the stuff 500 miles to Lake Placid for a tournament. Get One! My wife wants one of her own!

• 

  Almost a tough off-road truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Southern Ranch Truck - June 23 - 3:50 am

  Bought this hoping to find a rugged, reliable truck that could handle hardcore ranch work - in 4WD most of the time, pulling trailers, hauling a full bed load, running off-road - and the results have been mixed (but better than my previous Silverado and F-250 and my current Dodge Ram 2500). Cant complain about the HP, torque and towing - best Ive owned. Have begun to experience reliability problems - not very Toyota-like. Biggest complaint is that the off-road/4WD features are more for show than for utility. Ive replaced skid plat twice, bent the hitch, tow hooks are inconvenient, plastic dam gets in the way. If theyd offer a true tough work truck theyd capture the market.

• 

  Total Satisfaction - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By mstrongin - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Got it for my wife in 2001 and she loved it but wanted a new car with NAV and DVD. Was happy to get her a new 04 Acura MDX since I took over the Landcruiser. Great on long trips, in bad weather and everyday driving. Steady performer that can be driven all day comfortably. Only problem in 48K miles is replacement of rearview mirror. Love the truck

• 

  Love this truck. - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By amick - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Great truck would by again in a heartbeat!!!! Everything about this truck is perfect - Lots of room to haul with third row stowed away. Whould drive no other big suv...