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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  Excellent Midsize SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Socal Guy - February 12 - 3:30 am

  Test drove the 4wd and 2wd versions and after all was said and done the 2wd sold me. It was just smoother and felt more precise. When you live in socal you dont really need 4wd I guess. Overall quality, performance, and build is just superior for a car that is just under $30k. No issues with noise, rattling, comfort, or performance. I also have a 2005 4Runner and this RAV4 totally beats it hands down! Im selling my 4Runner tomorrow!

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  LOVE IT! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By chili - February 11 - 10:46 pm

  I debated for weeks as to whether to go with the SR5 or the LTD. Decided to go with the LTD as the higher end options were required (full leather, htd seats, jbl stereo). Got it 2 days ago and it snowed last night. On the way home, I can tell you that this thing is a BEAST in the snow...unbelievable. No slipping and I was trying to spin out. JBL system is outrageously delicious, and the ride is very nice. Headed to Beaver Creek this weekend and plan on testing it up hills, etc.

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  Perfect Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Wayne Brown - February 11 - 8:30 am

  I have over 148,000 miles now and havent had a single problem with the car except the MFD which was covered under warranty. The front brakes pads look extremely healthy still although the back brake shoes will likely need replacement within the next 30,000 miles. Easily, very easily, the best car I have ever owned; I have never been happier with any car and I have had more than 20 in my 40 years of driving!

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RickH - February 11 - 7:56 am

  Bought the SLE Convertible used with 40K miles. It has been a great car. I added aftermarket heated seats (about $350) and an XM commander radio with PIE adaptor (it plays using the CD button and not with FM modulator). Normal oil changes and maintenance - car runs great and is a blast to drive on sunny days, especially in the spring and fall. Mileage is about 24/gallon. Quiet ride with the top up.

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  Toyota like a war tank. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Toyotafan - February 11 - 6:16 am

  To SNP Camry..The vibration on your new car comes from the way the tires are mounted. As you may know, toyota does not install good tires on its cars. My suggestion, take your car to the nearest dealer and ask the technician to dismount the tires. By doing so, they will be able to match the two marks, inside the tire and the other being on the rim. In light of that, the technician should consider doing a dynamic balance on the wheels and should not experience any problems thereafter.

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  My second Camry LE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By David_H - February 11 - 2:46 am

  The 2005 Camry LE replaced a 2003 Camry LE. There was nothing wrong with the 2003. With 50K miles on it, it had still a quiet, comfortable ride, but I wanted a different color and the features the 2005 model. (ABS brakes, power drivers seat, steering wheel mounted audio controls, five speed automatic, and auto-on lights - and the price was almost the same as the 2003!) The Camry has a comfortable, quiet, refined ride. The four cylinder engine is smooth, quiet, and peppy, and the cabin has plenty headroom for me (Im 64".) The five speed automatic shifts smoothly, but it is a little busier than the 2003s four speed. For the money, the Camry is a very good value.

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  Even Better - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Chuck - February 10 - 11:06 pm

  This is my third Avalon. They get better every time. I thought the 2000 was comparable to a Lexus. The 2005 Limited IS the top of line Lexus-for $20,000 less.

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  Great SUV! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Satisfied Customer - February 10 - 8:33 am

  Fun to drive, roomy, and easy to handle.

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  2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ltd. - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By toyohh08 - February 10 - 6:56 am

  We bought a 2008 HH AWD (iced amethyst mica) fully loaded except for navi. We are very happy with it! Fun to drive, good performance and comfort. We love this car.Our average mpg is about 24-27 mpg, I think it will improve this summer. Our worst mpg was 22 mpg, best was 28 mpg.

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  Like a Lexus - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Frank - February 10 - 6:56 am

  I have owned over 7 toyotas. This one is one of the best yet. It is a good looking, comfortable, fun car to drive. It resembles the Lexus SC 400 but much roomier. I have owned it since June (one of the first off the line). Ive got just over 3000 miles on it and have not been back to the dealer for a single problem, perfect from day one. I am very satisfied thus far and happy I purchased it.