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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  My red tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By RedTundra - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I havent had this truck long...its been good so far. Good, not great. After 3,000 miles, I noticed a popping sound coming from the passenger glove compartment and rattling under the drivers side console. Im sure this has something to do with the cheap plastic interior, and I didnt expect a $30,000 truck to have problems such as these. But for hauling, towing, and driving, its been perfect so far. Great engine and ride.

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  GoodTruck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By kenlao - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I do highway driving weekly and I find this truck quite comfortable but just a bit much on gas. The sport TRD pkg has Plently of power for towing. Dont get the 4x4 sport TRD pkg if you dont need it(too much Gas). Lumbar support works a little but it just was a wasted option added. Overall its a great truck as for the money and its reliability.

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  best and sleek - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By solarich - April 5 - 10:00 am

  great, sleek, stylish, sporty, economical, affordable, reliable, quiet, fast, magnetic and simply toyota

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  Lots of Noise - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Rex Higgins - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Lots of noise with this new car. 1st the windows. Dealer replaced window regulator & slider but only help a little. Still got window rattle noise. 2nd noise is an odd ticking or snapping noise coming from the rear center dash area. It sounds as if there something like plastic that is rubbing against each other. It happens sporadically, but is really annoying. The dealer cant fix it and the dealer called Toyota for a fix, but Toyota says no fix. Anyone riding in the car remarks about the noise and surprised seeing thats its in a almost new car.

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  Great alternative to SUV - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By jschaefer - April 5 - 8:43 am

  I bought my V6 AWD Venza mainly for the interior room and advertised fuel economy. Theres plenty of room in the back seat for adults or a child seat. Plus the trunk area has tons of room for bulky items or a large dog. The downside for all this room are lots of blind spots. The quality of material throughout the Venza is excellent but build quality seems a little below par. My passenger seat rattles when nobody is sitting in it, lots of wind noise from the driver door and excessive road noise on highway. I was disappointed with the AWD during the snow this winter and actually parked my Venza and drove my wifes Subaru. Combined fuel economy for V6 about 18 mpg but still better then many SUVs

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  SUV sports car - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By rick kinn - April 5 - 5:03 am

  Have had the Rav Sport V6 4x4 for 5 weeks and 4000 miles. This vehicle is fun to drive, fast, gas mileage within stated range and Impressive safety features. We added Leather and heated seats locally which gives the RAV a Lexus look for a Toyota price. Back seat has room for two adults with amazing back seat room. Seats are comfortable, ride is firm, the Limited may provide a softer ride with the 17 inch tires. We prefered the exterior and interior styling of the Sport over the Limited. I would have liked the Bluetooth JBL stereo system, power seats and the automatic air which are standard or common options on the Limited models. Overall the RAV V6 Sport is a great value and a great SUV.

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  Not bad... - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By klowhorn - April 5 - 1:53 am

  Ive had mine for 1,800 miles so far. Im getting a combined avg. of 35+ mpg and over 40mpg on the highway already. I dont mind the clock like some others on here have complained about. Im not a fan of electric steering boxes in any car, and it took me about a week to get used to this one, but I dont have any problems with it now. Im 64", and although head and shoulder room are great I wouldnt mind an extra 1-2" or legroom up front. The dead pedal is nicely placed and angled well though. This isnt the most exciting car Ive ever owned, but acceleration is adequate and fuel economy is great. This is a really good and practical commuter car.

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  Lexus Wannabe - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Thomas Corcoran - April 4 - 11:21 pm

  I bought this car because it had the same drivetrain as the Lexus ES that year, except the Camry was lighter (therefore quicker) and $7K cheaper. I enjoyed the car all the way, and am only selling it after 138,000 miles because now I can afford a Lexus ES.

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  Great Used Vehicle Choice - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By pdliggett - April 4 - 7:06 pm

  Purchased this vehicle on eBay with 90K miles for $10850. In the 3 months that Ive owned my 4Runner Ive driven it almost 4K trouble-free miles. No rattles, no broken interior pieces, paint is awesome, and the vehicle runs flawlessly. Transmission shifts smoothly but is on a flexible hanger system which causes it to move around as evidenced by the gear levers moving;it also appears to build up tension on stops and then releases when you move forward...this is apparently normal for these cars. Ride is quiet and smooth; a very comfortable interior. Havent used 4WD yet. 16" wheels are really nice. The crazy aftermarket alarm may have to go. Fuel economy is B+/A- (17 overall/21.5 on highway).

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  Agreed! Poor Gas Mileage - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Beeman4u - April 4 - 6:50 pm

  Had a SUV, but wanted better gas performance and needed a big minivan. Very safe, side airbags and stability control. Loved the design over the Honda Odyess. But HATE the gas mileage. The best we get is 13-15 city, 23-25 hwy after 1,900 miles. First week of purchase was getting 8-10 mpg city. Expected better city and hwy. Questioning if I should have keep my SUV or considering going back to one. Drive is nowhere near "car like" but the wife is happy. Shes the primary driver so I wont add my 2 cents in.