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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  Manual transmission - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Terry Gut - March 15 - 3:13 pm

  The 2005 Camry is convenient and even comfort vehicle. However, the manual transmission on Camry STD 5M I am currently using is certainly the worst one Ive ever tested. Those who are thinking about manual transmission should stay away from Toyota.

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  It just gets better ! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Lowe - March 15 - 3:00 pm

  After having my 2008 Highlander Limited since January, I can tell you that I love this SUV. With its exterior looks looks and Blizzard Pearl Paint, it really turns heads! The gas mpg keeps getting better with an average of 17-18 in city driving.I havent been on a trip yet, but look forward to seeing the gas mpg. The gas mpg has varied from different post, but I find you can really get great gas if you just take it easy on start and stops. The interior is beautifully done with luxury looks, and the displays are very easy to reach. I have found the information screen very helpful along with the Bluetooth. The engine is very quiet and ride is smooth. Premium radio is a must for sound.

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  Never a Toyota Again - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By minnetonka - March 15 - 4:43 am

  I bought myself a car that has been back for several defects, including rattles from dash area. Apparently a service bulletin was issued by Toyota, but I have had it in 4 times and it is still rattling over road bumps. I had to have the trunk lid adjusted, the rear bumper cover reattached, a door arm rest cover replaced as it was shipped from the factory with a chip off the fake plastic silver. The front A pillar cover had to be be reattached as it was loose causing another constant rattle. The fit and finish that i thought Japanese car makers were supposed to be famous for did not pertain to my car. Irregular gaps in dash area. The leather on the seats seems very cheap. 4 cylinder is weak.

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  A good value - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By jjmatuszak - March 15 - 2:43 am

  This SUV purchase was a good value. The car rides nice, and I think its very comfortable. The bank seat has plenty of room. The cargo area is large with plenty of room for the kids.

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  Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Strider - March 15 - 12:40 am

  This is a comfortable, quiet and fun to drive SUV. After 3 years with a Ford Escape I felt battered and worn out. The Highlander is easy to drive, efficient and yet fun to drive for an SUV. The highlander has very comfortable seats that accommodate a variety of body shapes. Finally, this SUV feels safe and substantial. It feels like you can safely take your children or grandchildren wherever you need to go. All this and 19-21 MPG. Im very happy with my Highlander.

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  GREAT car!!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ashley - March 14 - 2:40 pm

  I love this car completely. I had a Toyota before and they are great. This car drives smooth and is fun to drive. Good gas mileage so far, should only get better. The stereo is great. All around great car.

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  NO Repairs - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Bobber - March 14 - 11:30 am

  Drove it off the lot and more than 50k miles later this Sienna hasnt been back. Get oil changed wherever, wore out the stock Dunlops at 30k, and replaced them with Costco Michelins, and had the front brake pads replaced at 45k.I do brake and corner very hard. Snappy engine and tranny seem to egg me on, although numb steering takes the fun out of it. LE seats are so so on long drives, and I wish now I had gone with the upscale stereo. Power door on the right only is fine for me, but a smaller driver would want a power door on the left also. Hatch is very heavy too, and forget about folding and removing seats unless youre prepared for a workout.

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Magnolia - March 13 - 11:40 pm

  This is an excellent SUV. Have owned it 2 years now. Not a single problem except the drivers interior door handle had broken. High quality throughout. Very roomy interior. All of us love it. Had Suburban previously. Ride is not quite as smooth, but tighter and sportier, with a fun factor that you dont have in a Burb. Had a number of mechanical problems with the Burb also. Get 17 mpg, better that most full size SUVs, but wish it was higher. All the safety features give a lot of peace of mind, VSC, TRAC, Antilock, and all the air bags and curtains. Excellent family vehicle.

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  Toyota needs to figure it out interiors. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By perpacity - March 13 - 11:06 pm

  Our family pretty much only purchases toyotas for their reliability and mpg, however, I will no longer be following this trend. Toyota really needs to figure out interior drivers legroom issues in ALL of their models. Theres no reason why the front seat should not be able to move back another 4-6 inches. This vehicle will be cramped if you are over 57".

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  Really nice car. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Stephen Crowley - March 13 - 9:51 pm

  Great car but check for working HID lights if so equipped. Have had trouble with them