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:

• 

  First Toyota owner - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By james florez - May 2 - 11:16 am

  This is the first time I own a Camry SE to this date I have been extremely satisfied, the ride, comfort and the feel of quality in the car is superb. As an owner of a Honda for over thirteen years, I can frankly attest that Toyota (Camry SE) is of superior quality.

• 

  Dream Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By pookie - May 2 - 9:26 am

  This has been my dream car for the past 5 yrs since the 1st gen came out. I have not been disappointed. Average MPG in my tank right now: 51.9 It is everything I had hoped it would be and continues to pleasantly surprise me every day I drive it.

• 

  Rav4 Sport - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Greg - May 1 - 10:00 pm

  I am the last guy you would ever think would drive an import. We looked at the Jeep Liberty and Patriot, the Honda CR-V, the Ford Escape, and the Subaru Forester. Although the CR-V was pretty nice, the RAV took the prize. My wife absolutely loves the ride, acceleration, and safety features. I was rooting for the USA but the reliability, resale value, and safety features could not be overlooked.

• 

  Expect more Goodies in Limited Version - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Verysatisfied - May 1 - 6:36 pm

  Ive been trying to get this car over a year in California. I bought it in Reno, NV--only a 2 month wait. Pros: Much better mileage than my Sequoia! I get about 25 hwy/31 city--but I drive 80-85 mph. Great design, but would like more hybrid-specific markings/colors. Great power and acceleration. Smooth, tight driving compared to most SUVs--doesnt feel like a boat. Fun to drive, always watching power meter to improve my driving. Helping environment. Cons: Need better stereo=IPOD/satellite radio. Want to roll down rear hatch window--major bummer! No rear heat/air controls. Need Distance to Empty data! No telescoping steering wheel adjustment. Not allowed in commuter lane!

• 

  Beauty and the Beast - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By CoastRider - May 1 - 1:40 pm

  1000 miles on new 2005 Camry SE V6. Interior: This vehicle has less front leg room than my old 95 Camry. Carpet and seat fabric quality not up to par as in older models. Seats feel very hard and uncomfortable for this tall driver. Radio controls hard to reach even with long arms; should be angled toward driver. Driving: Be prepared for a harsh ride in the SE as the sport suspension will alert you to every small bump and dip in the road. 17" wheels and tires look good but are very noisy on grooved freeway pavement. The V6 likes to be driven fast. Engine exhaust note has a nice "throaty growl" to it. At low speeds, transmission and engine seem to lug. Car shifts into 5th gear at 40 mph?

• 

  My Prius still surges even after fix - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Betsyr - May 1 - 11:50 am

  I bought my Prius with high hopes, but soon the surges started. After the fix I was sure the surges would go away. They have not and I am having them more now. I understand that Toyota maintains that it is normal to have that feeling of loss of brakes, but its unacceptable. I take my foot off the gas way before an intersection and drive roads where I know the bumps. It works for the most part, but what will happen when I am on a 45 mph road and am cut off by someone on uneven surface! A wreck! A check on NHTSA shows that we are not the only people still having this problem! We want to trade-in but will lose 12k if we do. Lose money or possibly have a wreck - neither option is good.

• 

  Smooth riding SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Joe - May 1 - 12:43 am

  Had my Highlander for about a month and have not been disappointed. Rides almost as smooth as my Acura. Engine shifts effortlessly, very quiet, rides as if you are in a luxury car with SUV capabilities. Great engineering with amazing handling. Owned 3 other SUVs with none of them either close in design or quality.

• 

  Feedback after Camry Recall - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Camry LE - April 30 - 11:16 am

  Service improved for Accelerator and Floor mat recall. It took almost two months to get the recall letter while Toyota developed a solution. We now have two McGill service people doing good work. Were hearing the problem could have been electronic but no one knows. I prefer to not let my wife drive the car. After this car is gone, we will go back to Honda where service is better. We would like another Honda CRV.

• 

  Read the Reviews, Everyone Cant B Wrong - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Morky - April 30 - 10:03 am

  I had a hard time making up my mind but then when I drove the 4 Runner I couldnt believe how smooth and powerful it was for a 6cyl. It honestly feels like an 8cyl. I had a 95 Lexus GS 300 and my 4 Runner is much smoother and quieter. The resale value is the best from any SUV. There is no reason to buy anything else. If you drive this truck you will think youre driving a Lexus truck. Before I purchased my 4 Runner I read a lot of reviews and everyone loves their 4 Runner. I couldnt find any negative comments. Well maybe one but Im sure that was someone who regrets not purchasing one.

• 

  Very Reliable Car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By enrik - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 99 Solara for 5-1/2 years now and have not had a single problem with it. The only expenses have been for maintenance. My daily 40 mile commute to and from work is very comfortable and effortless in this car.