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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  Great van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By mark - January 16 - 7:53 pm

  This van rocks it has four power windows no other manufacture has and the back wing windows are power but they go out not down, great acceleration, standard 5 speed, get package 2, it come with auto passenger door cruise control universal garage opener with compass and temp, tinted factory glass.10 cup holders 4 bottle holders. Also Its the only van that has eight passagers And its a toyota.

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  Dont leave home without it - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By papote1111 - January 16 - 3:13 pm

  I have now own my truck for the past 8 years. It feels like new except for the new tires I purchased they are meant for off road instead of highway other, than my truck is solid, looks good and feels great. I highly recommend Toyota trucks they are piece of mind worriers free and tremendous reliably.

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  Awful Fuel Economy - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Frank - January 16 - 2:50 pm

  My choices were either a CRV (our old vehicle) or a RAV. We decided to go with the RAV and we are in general happy with our decision, especially since we got a good deal on the price. The main problem is the fuel economy. On my first fuel refill, it was 14mpg. So far, I have not been able to get more than 18mpg between refills. I asked the dealer to check it and apparently they can only do this in the summer. They also told me that the winter mpg is supposedly less, but an average of 14 - 18 mpg is a joke. In comparison, my 1999 Honda CRV averages 20 mpg. I only have about 800 miles on the RAV and the mpg may just improve with use (I certainly hope it does).

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  EXPENSIVE JUNK - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By santafenm - January 16 - 12:00 pm

  Cannot drive when snowing as transmission linkage freezes in Drive. Have to carry cement blocks in bed so I can block wheels when frozen. Have to wait til temp is above freezing to get into N or P to start. Took to dealer. They didnt fix it - just thawed it out and gave it back to me. Just got out of shop as a rock hit the underside of truck on a dirt road and punctured the gas tank ($700 to fix). I own a $30K 4WD pickup that cannot be driven on dirt roads or in the snow - AWFUL.

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  Best SUV with 3rd Row seat - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Habagat - January 16 - 10:00 am

  For full size SUVs with 3rd row seats nothing comes close to the comfort of the Sequoia. I dont why Lexus and Toyota even bothered putting a 3rd row seat in the LX470 and Landcruiser respectively when its very uncomfotable. An average adult like me sits with my knees almost at the level of my chest. True, the Lexus LX470 and Toyota Landruiser comes in a more luxurious trim but why even bother a 3rd seat when its not made to seat 8...comfortably. Forget the other SUVs with comfortable 3rd seat like the Yukon, Suburban, Navigator, Expedition, and Ascender. These dont have the reliability of a Toyota.

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  Luv my Solara ! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SolaraMan2003 - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Starting engine not as instantaneous as American-made cars I’ve owned in the past. Is this typical on this kind of car? Handles quite well. MPG from 19/city to 28/highway (high-speed ~75mph, non-constant). I don’t necessarily feel I’m in a “luxury” car, but you know you’re in a nice one. Cruise control kept constant speed, but I think it should have a second dash light for "engaged" as well as "cruise". Had the car at 100mph for 7 seconds on a straight, smooth tpke with 4 passengers and all thought the ride was quite smooth. They didn’t think we were going that fast.

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  Love my Toyota - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Lola - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Matrix for one year and I love this car! Its my 3rd new car (also had a Subaru and a Honda CRV), and this is my favorite. We wanted to by the Prius but decided it was too small for our family of 5. Were going on a trip this week and my family wants to take the Matrix rather than the Honda CRV because they say theres more room in the back. The mileage is great.

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  AVALON SUPERIOR CAR - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Connery, Sean - January 16 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased my AVALON, I had no idea what an AVALON was - had never heard the name. I saw it on a lot and asked, "What is That?" I checked the "specks" and decided to buy. The single best decision I have ever made. The nicest car I have owned.

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  I really like this truck - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Blazer - January 16 - 10:00 am

  From the minute I drove this SUV out of the dealership I was amazed at the performance of the V-8 engine. This motor has a massive amount of power. It is very smooth and quiet. The transmission is excellent. You dont even realize it is shifting in most cases. Handling is superb with the XREAS suspension system. Love the look of the hood scoop. The ride is smooth and quiet. Truck sits high and has a solid feel. Has plently of gadgets to keep your interest. Build quality is good. Automatic climate control is really nice. I have always been a GM customer, but I am hooked on Toyota now. This truck puts my previous 97 Chevy Blazer which performed well to shame.

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  Kick A$$ - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sparky451 - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Power great, Traded in an Explorer with a V8 and the Tacoma feels like its got more get up and go. Got the SR5 w/chrome and TRD in white. Looks real sharp.