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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  sienna review - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By SK_2003 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Very very good car. I bought it in end of 2003. We love it. Good mileage, and very very quiet engine. Its a pleasure driving it.

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  A really great truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michelle - April 25 - 8:13 am

  I purchase this vehicle on April 30, 2005. As of this date (5/15/05) I have driven it 805 miles. I have enjoyed it throughly. This is a really great truck and I didnt think I would like it in the Red but I have to say, I like this truck in red. The access cab is a nice feature, it has plently of storage space. And as others have said this truck is ready to "load and go" from the dealers lot. Purchase one, you will not be disappointed.

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  Toyota is the best - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Fardarter - April 25 - 6:46 am

  There was no need for me to purchase a car of this class. While I enjoy driving powerful, well-built, new cars, a smaller car, like the Corolla or a Honda Civic would have served me just fine. The Camry, however, not only has an elegant and attractive design. It holds the road magnificently. Having learned how to drive in Italy, I have chosen the manual 5-speed model, which turned out to be economically wise. Having full control of the gear shift, I make up to 38 miles with a gallon on the highway and never less than 30 in city driving. The engine is poweful and the vehicle has the right weight for its length and width. Its stability is enviable even on rainy roads.

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  Gas mileage rip off - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By NHNancy - April 25 - 12:10 am

  This is my first Toyota. Its been a little over one month. The first week I couldnt believe my eyes. I got 400 miles on the first tanks. WOW! 25 mpg for bumper to bumper traffic. And then it went downhill from there. I am now lucky to get 300 per tank or 19 mpg. Cold weather this week, the back brakes are making a high pitched noise when stopping.

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  Fantastic Little Car! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Nicole922 - April 24 - 8:43 pm

  I cant say enough good things about this car! Ive had it since December, and already put almost 8000 miles on it! The gas mileage is amazing (~35 miles to the gallon) on the beltway. The design and handling are great! Its a smooth ride, and there is more than enough room for myself and my family of four! More cargo room than any of the other "wagons" out there, and its a cute sporty mom car for the young at heart who arent ready to graduate to the minivans, but also not willing to suffer the cost of fuel in an SUV!

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  Bad experience, not what they were - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By RyanMurphy - April 24 - 2:00 pm

  I expected a solid car that would get me around town. What I got is a car that barely gets me around town. The car is a clunker in all honesty. I have 51,000 miles and Ive been to the repair shop quite a bit. My transmission went out. My intake manifold cracked and had to be replaced. I have been through 2 sets of brakes and my steering wheel is all over the road. My tires are new.

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  loose strip on top of car. - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Lillian Harrell - April 24 - 1:43 pm

  There is a strip on top of the car under the luggage rack that came off when I took it through the car wash.

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  Paint issues - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By strich2 - April 24 - 1:31 pm

  I purchased a 2015 SR5 4x4 double cab less than 3 weeks ago. I have approximately 1,200 miles on the vehicle. I even had the optional body guard installed for $785. Due to cold weather I have been unable to wash the vehicle until today. When I was finished washing the vehicle I noticed the paint already started to bubble around the bottom six inches of all four doors, both rear quarter panels, both front quarter panels and inside the bottom edge of the front door panels. No matter what the cause, this is ridiculous for a vehicle with 1,200 miles to have paint issues.

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  2001 toyota sienna - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By ricknkar - April 24 - 9:50 am

  it has plenty of power and handles well. it drives very well during high wind situations, you dont feel like you are going to get blown off the road. the interior is wearing very well against our children. there are no interior rattles.

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  Reliability, Performance and Fun - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By shbhatia - April 24 - 7:36 am

  I bought this used 2000 Solara in 2004 with 24K miles on it. It has Potent V6 engine, Stick shift, leather interiors, sunroof... everything. I wanted to go for a BMW 330Ci but got this baby for less than half the price. I am extremely happy with the decision. This car is so comfortable that I can drive from Virginia to NY with minimum fatigue, a sports car can kill you for doing that. Its so reliable almost maintenance free. It very quiet to drive and pickup is unbelievable for a car of this size... it can fit 5 adults, 6+ comfortably... fuel economy is good, looks great. Not to forget the sound system that great too... In short there is nothing bad about this car that I can share....