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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  See me - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By David Wolfer - May 25 - 10:16 am

  The new tail light design makes the car visible and safe. My second prius. Like the changes to interior. Joy to drive

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  Very satisfied Venza owner - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Jose A. Cabiya - May 25 - 9:03 am

  I was looking for a smaller SUV (owned a Ford Explorer), and was also concerned about rising gas prices. The Venza has met all my expectations. I feel that this vehicle is at the forefront of car technology. Superb acceleration and brakes. Drive feels very good, despite what reviews say. Own a copper-colored version: Ive had people stop me at gas stations to ask me about the car, and to congratulate me, specially about the color. I feel proud driving this car. Love my 20-inch tires, even though they say they affect the ride and are costly, but they do make the car look good! Passengers express how comfortable this car is. Not a single technical problem so far. Got 30 mpg in highway.

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  2005 Sienna a Hit - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By JBastock - May 25 - 2:53 am

  I just traded in a 2000 Toyota Sienna and went with the 2005 model. I couldnt be happier. I was impressed with the power, performance and reliability of the 2000 model and Toyota has outdone themselves with the upgrades. This minivan drives like a car, not a truck like the Ford Freestar or even the Honda Odyssey. Its roomy; 50% larger than the 2000 model; quiet with good milage and instrumentation to help you make the most out of your milage. Welcome additions include the second row roll down windows and stow-n-go rear seating. With ABS, Traction control, and front and side curtain airbags, this is a great mix of safety and performance. Ill be back to try the next upgrade in a few years.

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  Lower gas mileage than stated - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By mythai - May 25 - 12:33 am

  Ive owned 10 Toyotas in 23 years and Ive never had any problems with any one of my cars/SUVs. I leased the 2010 Rav4 Limited V6 because I wanted a small roomy SUV with good gas mileage. The good: Its roomy, has great power, its comfortable, good options, and handles very well. The bad: Lots of road noise (my 2009 Highlander is nearly silent). You hear just about every noise on the road. And so far, the gas mileage stinks! I have almost 3,000 miles on my car and the mpg has never been more than 20.3 mpg. I drive 85% hwy, no traffic, between 65-70 mph, and Im not hard on acceleration or braking. My tires are normal & the dealer tells me the car is "just learning my driving habits", huh?!

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  Thanks toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By paul - May 25 - 12:30 am

  I really enjoy the car, dependable stylish, roomy, good ride. Could use more power. I find car quite hard on fuel about town, about 375/400 km to tank. Cant wait to see a 2007.

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  Worthy of the SE (Sports Edition) name - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By JimBob Seeker - May 24 - 11:40 pm

  My driving experience spans more than 35 years. I have always wanted a sports car but the pragmatist in me could never justify it. I have owned economy cars, mini-vans and family sedans but never a car with a performance flavor until now. I purchased a used 09 Camry SE with 20Km on the odometer several months ago and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could have my cake and eat it too. This vehicle carries 4 adults in comfort, provides very good fuel economy, handles superbly, has decent acceleration, feels right at home on the freeway, looks like a sports car and has a very likable personality. Overall, I am very pleased with the car. I would definitely buy another.

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  1999 SLE V6 - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MARK - May 24 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT RIDE FOR MONEY! I WOULD CONSIDER THIS CAR A POOR MANS LEXUS..HA HA!!! RESPONSIVE V6, GOOD TO EXCELLENT STEERING. GREAT COMFORT... LASTELY--BEST LOOKING COUPE IN CLASS BY FAR!

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  Now we can fly - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By tanya - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a better car. Its fun and classy.

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  great! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By dezertwind - May 24 - 10:00 am

  For off-roading types, this is the truck to get, if you need a full-size truck. Ive had it off-road several times, and this is where you see the build quality come into play - it is very sure-footed, even in the loosest sand in the Arizona sand washes. Mine is a 4x4/TRD - dont settle for less. After an all-day trip on the highway, my back/butt were fine, so no complaints about the seating. I carry my dirt-bike up hills/no problem at all. The tranny was a bit jerky at first, but now it is starting to loosen up (as expected).

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  Evaluation 03 XLS Avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Thomas C. - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Just an ALL around fun car to own and drive. I think that it drives and handles better than 03 LS Lincoln! My wife owns a Toyato also,02 Camry LS, and shes very happy with it!