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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  Best SUV you can buy. - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By dominic16 - January 31 - 12:28 am

  Best SUV, really dependable, the V8 is were its at. Since its a toyota.... you wont need to replace alot of things till 200,000 miles.

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  Brake noise? - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By jones indiana - January 30 - 9:23 pm

  I started getting this popping clunking noise from brakes whenever I take off from park position or after I have reversed the car and apply brakes. I only have 14520 miles on it. I bought it brand new. It is a loud noise. The dealership told me it was a normal noise. I dont think so! The other Toyota Corolla models from previous years dont make this noise. Beware before you buy 2008 Corolla. Other than this noise my Corolla runs great 28 mpg in town, 325 miles to tank of gas of 12.5 gallons.

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  Best SUV Money Can Buy - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By G - January 30 - 7:33 pm

  This vehicle is the best one I have ever owned. I have owned many SUVs. To list a few I have had a 1994 GMC Yukon, 2006 Ford F150, 1997 Toyota 4runner. All around this is the best from the snow to mountain driving. I drive many kilometers per day, average 225 km a day and this is the most fun, comfortable vehicle out there.

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  Why Lexus when you can have an Avalon? - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By CB - January 30 - 4:20 pm

  This car should be getting more attention by industry pundits. My 09 Avalon is a lot more car than I ever expected. The standard options are generous for a car costing under 34K. The ride and handling is responsive and not at all "Buick like". The Avalon V6 with the 6 speed transmission is quick and the tap shift adds a bit of fun. Why buy a small hybrid when you can drive a large luxury sedan with +30 MPG!

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  Whats wrong with comfort - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By jdchopin - January 30 - 1:28 pm

  I have tested and driving and owned Honda Accords (nice car but the year I had it, they engine light for low oil didnt come on until you were already out.. hence the car burned out.. nice..) and I have owned Civics and felt like I was driving a speedy but bumpy car, and the recent Mazda 3 with the larger 2+ engine, and BOY did that have nice power and luxury items.. and I just bought a Corolla. You know why? None of those other cars, though sporty and full of styling ideas, and lots of toys, drive as nice or as quietly. And it has great safety features. That seems to be discounted too quickly for flash and speed and I got really tired of the bumpy drives of my Civic and especially my M3.

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  RAV4 problems - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By TomT - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my RAV4 based on Toyotas reputation for reliability and Im disappointed with the quality. This week the check engine warning light and vehicle control light came on indicting problems. The car has a squeal underneath at 15 to 35 mph. I drove it on an improved dirt road and since then have heard loud rattles behind the instrument panel. The visor clip is loose and of cheesy build quality and seems ready to fall off. The ignition switch is also loose and seems cheesy. The wind noise when the back windows are open is very loud and sounds like a helicopter taking off. The passenger window rattles when halfway down. Im very dissatisfied.

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  Solara SE Convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By sazaman - January 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good value for money, if you have to have a convertible. The interior is quiet with the top up. The optional sound system is not upto the mark. The car rattles moderately when hits rough roads or a pothole. Overall, a good convertible, probably the best value, can be used as a family sedan too. Luggage boot is adequate for most travels. For general day to day traveling, I liked my Honda Accord much much better. Even the acceleration of the 3.3L is not much better than a 4-cyl Accord. Road handling poorer than Accord 4-cyl. The cluth-less manual shift is good but even Kia has a better system.

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  My convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By R. Christianson - January 30 - 10:00 am

  My review is stated in the following two items. I dont like the way the top folds. The boot is clumsy. One cannot see out the back clearly thanks to the headrests which I have been told do not remove.

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  MY TOY - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Proud Owner - January 30 - 10:00 am

  My sister has a 2003 Corolla and has not had any problems. This is my first Toyota purchase, and I have to say it is the best choice of vehicle that I have ever made. The car has a lot of pick-up and go, great gas mileage, all the features that I need in a vehicle and more, but most of all Toyota reliability. I have never owned a car that I can say I feel as safe as I do in the Corolla. I should have purchased a Toyota years ago!

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  Hmmmm......Toyota I got a bad one!!!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Vai - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Car has its good and bads...great heat/AC, brakes, fuel econ. But, my car has had soooooo many little quality issues I have lost count. Door seals replaced, stero bezel replaced, lights,etc.etc.etc I think I got a Monday morning car becuase I seem to be the only unsatisfied Toyota owner in the world.