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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  Mostly good - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Mick "The Kid" - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Really like my RAVA4 for the most part. Rides and handles nicely and is very sharp looking. Does lack a few features that most vehicles have by 2003, such as compass, thermometer, self locking doors etc. Unlighted clock is rather difficult to read in daytime.

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  Best yet - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Docyit2 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Had 14 new vehicles in 30 years this is the best ever owned. Traded my 98 4runner. Own a 01 vette and have hard time deciding which to drive. 4Runner is very pleasing to drive.

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  Typical...I love Toyota - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By txdave - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 1.5 years...its been trouble free! (as expected from Toyota). This is the 3rd Toyota for me. My last one, 1987 Tercel wagon, was trouble free to the end...I got 260,000 miles out of it!!! Anyway..I LOVE my new Corolla! Keep up the good work, Toyota...maybe one day...American car makers will wake up.

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  2001 Highlander Limited - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By quon_b - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle in 2006 with about 75,000 miles on it, and added 69,000 miles of my own. Initially I was in love with it but that soon faded away very quickly, because in addition to my routine maintenance At least twice a year I had to make major repairs on it such as replacing the rotors, steering column, air conditioning panel, suspension etc...The mpg states that its 19/25 but thats far from the truth because I usually averaged 16 mpg regardless of street or highway mileage, and when exceeding about 50 mph there was an annoying whistling sound that leads you to believe your windows are open when theyre not. At my wits end and ready to purchasde another vehicle

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  Not expected Toyota quality - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By dragonsssix - May 23 - 9:27 am

  Its been close to 5 years (just hit 100K miles) and worked fine until now. Automatic sliding door is not working (wont close/open); I have to pull to make automatic door slides which is very inconvenient. I did not expect to have this kind of build quality from Toyota.

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  RAV4 loves the snow - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By rustinginvermont - May 23 - 9:03 am

  The day I bought our 2006 RAV4, brought heavy wet snow. I momentarily got stuck in the driveway in nine inches of nearly frozen slush. It took the 4WD LOCK switch to get out but it worked like a charm. It snows nearly every day (during winter of course) where we live in Vermont. This vehicle makes you feel like you can go 100 mph on snow and ice covered roads. (no were not that dumb) Now that it is big enough for us (two carseats) we are happy to be driving a RAV once again. My six foot three inch friend was very comfortable in the back seat behind my drivers seat which was slid all the way back.The 4 cyl. is more engine than anyone would ever need. Get an 8cyl. truck if you want to plow snow

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  I love it - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Marie - May 22 - 4:40 pm

  I just got my new Prius 5 days ago, and I love it. I have 220 miles on it and I got 53.4 mpg. It is very easy to drive, and I agree you do have to learn to drive it if you want good gas mileage. The next thing is we will have to tow it back to Mi this spring. We usually towed with all four tired down, now we will be towing with a dolly. Every one says you wont know its back there. All in all I love the car appearance and all. I was driving a stick shift before so it really is different.

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  FUTURE TRUCK - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By GLEN - May 22 - 4:38 pm

  After test driving the rock warrior i will be purchasing in a couple of days when the bank calls.

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  Cant get enough of it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By omigosh - May 22 - 2:53 pm

  Acceleration is thrilling. 300 ft/lbs of torque from the electric motor (added to the engine power) is available immediately - not like the wind it up til it screams and then it finally moves out with just an engine. When moving slowly, on electric only, its so quiet I end up sneaking up behind pedestrians - they never hear a thing. Driving downhill in the mountains, beside a mountain stream, we could hear the water babbling. Very nice! The DVD navigation is just like having a local in the back seat, giving directions. Some buildings are labeled, mostly shopping centers, schools, govt buildings, etc. I drive 75mph to work, get 50MPG. In stop & go, 60MPG. A total delight to drive.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - May 22 - 7:06 am

  I thought my wifes 2001 Acura TL was quick but the engine of this Tacoma is impressive when power is necessary. Very fast! Rides like a truck which I enjoy but is still very smooth and comfortable to travel. Decent room for passengers in the rear although a little tight if you have tall people up front. Very nice interior although Ive noticed a tendency to inadvertently push the steering wheel radio controls during turns. Overall a great looking and great performing truck.