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 Minivan Well-Suited for the Family - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Liibanana - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my minivan half expecting it to be as lackluster as my 2000 GMC Safari, but it was more than that. The Toyota Sienna has all the amenities I looked for in a minivan. Even though I could have shelled out a few thousand more for the Limited AWD edition like my mother in law, I am very pleased with its performance and reliability factors. Plus my kids (all boys mind you) enjoy the spacious leg room the van affords us, plus it has a deceptively big trunk space for all that crap I have to lug around. I hope this rating helps just a little...oh and the mileage were getting out of it is pretty good. Go to Toyotas website to see more about the van. :)

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  toyota sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By darlinw1 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I highly recommend this minivan... with all the storage space and extras they put into it this year... it is well worth the money. Minivans have come a long way since I was a kid, and this one is at the top of the line for quality and bang for your buck

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  2004 Sienna - Take a LOOK! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By BandD - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Prev Chrysler Minivan owner-LOVE the Sienna! I have 5 kids and it leaves room in the DEEP trunk for cargo AND kid things! DVD player and additional plug ins for CD Players wonderful! LOVE THE LOOK and the DRIVE. Very comfortable and SAFE FEELING. Have to get accustom to the blind spots in the back and sides due to the high middle seat backs-and do not rely on the rear bumper sensors,they ocassionally do not "see" whats in their peripheral. All in all, it is THE BEST vehicle I have ever purchased and would HIGHLY RECOMMEND ED at LOMBARD TOYOTA (where purchased) in Lombard, IL-GREAT customer service and very trusting/ethical to work with. Also Steve/Elmhurst Toyota

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Robert Murray - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with my Camry

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  2011 Toy Highlander V6 4WD - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By jonjon111 - June 7 - 6:18 am

  Excellent vehicle overall. Excellent alternative to a van. Previously owned vans for the past 10 years (Sienna & Odyssey). It was time for a change. We shopped around for the best mid size replacement as an alternative to a van at our price point. Our biggest concern was loosing the versatility of a van, which will always be there. We drove the Ford Edge, GMC Terrain, and Toyota Venza. Of the three we ruled out the Edge & Terrain. The Venza was the best of the three. We then realized a must for us was a 3rd seat to accomodate additional passengers as needed. We realized we had to increase our price point & test drove the Highlander. We immediately realized this to be a perfect fit.

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  Stay away from the Pricy Nav System - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By hondaowner56 - June 6 - 4:11 pm

  Good overall, but it doesnt mean competition is bad. If youre interested in the Nav, the only advantage youll get for $2000 extra is the bigger backup camera screen. Nav is terrible for $2000. TOYOTA MUST GIVE AWAY this nav rather than sell it. Its very old tech. Many owners also get lost because they cant park the car just to make corrections. Voice command is very ancient and limited (only 3 entries shown at a time). Save the $2000, buy the high-end portable nav, and keep the difference. Youll get better and safer guidance. I drive with the screen always off because of the frustrating User interface.

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  2009 Camry LE review - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By D Winegar - June 6 - 3:24 pm

  I will only own Camrys. I love them. I like I can have an outside thermometer to tell whats happening temp wise--especially if it gets really cold and its snowing-- I can know if it is below freezing and slow down, ect. I like the pep my 2009 has. It is dependable, drives smooth, and is quiet. The negatives are a few, but not major I guess. The heating/cooling system is not great. Not much power even on high. Takes a while to cool off/warm up and the feet vent is poor. The ability to see blind spots on both sides is not great. I have to turn my head and look for actually a second or two to really see whats coming-- and actually even w/ side mirror on my left and turning and looking for a car on my leftside, I almost had a car hit me.

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  Most Trouble with Toyota - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Hank Q - June 6 - 10:10 am

  This Toyota has given me the most problems of any Toyota Ive ever owned. Ive owned more than six Toyota products, including a Lexus ES300. The car has 112000 miles and Ive had to replace the catalytic converter, two engine mounts, and now the transmission may have to be replaced because the gears are rotten. Thats only the most recent issues that come to mind. Other Toyotas have had more than 220000 miles with only normal maintenance costs. What happened?

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  My favorite car ever - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By looking4car - June 6 - 9:26 am

  I have never had luck with cars, so when I have purchased this car from a friend I thought as long as it gets me through a year. But this has turned out to be my favorite car I have ever owned, and there have been many. The mileage is great, and I havent had any major problems. I would say that cruise control would have been nice in this car but not necessary. I would buy another car like this if I could find one.

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  Very nice ride - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By manya - June 6 - 6:40 am

  I am very pleased with my new Venza. This is a very thoughtfully built vehicle. There are several holders for my phone, ipod and other stuff. The ride is smooth although it does not pick up very quickly. The bluetooth pairing and setting up the garage opener was easy. Manual explains everything. I have the normal speakers and they work just fine for me.