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 car for around 20k - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By charlie - January 10 - 1:30 am

  The best car I ever had its true what people say about toyotas they run forever well in my situation 300k and still running strong and smooth like the day I bought it recommend it to everyone

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  Fantastic 4.7L V8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tartallini - January 10 - 1:21 am

  I was lucky enough to find my 2003 SR5 4Runner (with RWD, 4.7L V8) at a dealers auction; a friend has a dealers license. The vehicle had under 17K miles on it when I bought it for 17K 14 years ago, and was coming out of Florida. It had been a warranty return and fell under that states Lemon Law. Concerned, I called the seller prior to purchase and they told me that the reason for the return was a sulphur smell that they could never fully address for the customer - the one who purchased it new and apparently returned it during the first year. I decided to take a gamble on it and kept it 14 years - enjoying great reliability and comfort while driving it. After two timing belt replacements, brake jobs and basic maintenance Id planned on keeping it for another 100K, but then the dealer said it needed a new rear end to the tune of 4K. I really wrestled with whether or not to sell it or fix and keep, but ultimately traded it in on a Certified 2014 Toyota Rav4 AWD XLE to obtain the AWD capabilities and fewer miles. I will miss the 4Runners size, looks, and its ability to easily pull hills even when fully loaded, but the 2WD in the Pacific Northwest was an issue when it snowed, it had a terrible turning radius and visibility (large posts) was sometimes an issue. Its been a great ride though, and if you can do your own repairs when the big stuff happens and dont live in an area where 4WD or AWD is really needed- snap it up!

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  Toyota once again comes through - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By austin35 - January 10 - 12:30 am

  My wife and I recently bought a Certified used Toyota Venza 2009 with the 20" tires and rims, privacy glass, roof rack, and special bumper. So far this is a fantastic vehicle and fun to drive also gets great gas mileage. We can easily put our 3 month old in the spacious back seat! Furthermore Im 6 foot 2 inches tall and have plenty of room. The ride is sound. The stability control and all wheel drive feels secure on the road. The 4 cylinder is just a bit loud when you step on the gas, however with the six disc CD player, SAT radio, and MP3 player who cares! Overall I think this is great vehicle for a family that dose not want to buy a dreaded Mini Van.

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  Wow!!!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By salmon58 - January 9 - 11:43 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle. Funnest car Ive ever driven. I feel very safe driving it, and Ive never had that comfort with a vehicle. Have a son and a dog, no worries over spills, simply wipe out the floor boards with a wet cloth and poof, looks good as new. Love the looks of vehicle also. Like the simpleness of the inside. Big knobs for everything, easy to handle, four wheel drive is easy to use, recommend this vehicle for anyone who likes a smooth driving vehicle with the toughness of any four wheel drive. Drives really good in snow and ice as well as the freeway. Gas mileage is no worse than my xl-7, but I got so much more for my money. For such a tough car, its a very smooth drive.

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  Great little/big truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Terry - January 9 - 9:30 pm

  This truck had 42,000 miles on it when I bought it. I am an on the road salesman and the truck has never let me down. I now have over 205,000 miles on it and get about 21 miles per gal. Its never been tuned up, nor has the timing belt been changed. I have no doubt the truck will keep on going.

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  Almost there.... - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Kirk831 - January 9 - 1:06 pm

  Easy to drive, very reliable, quiet and comfortable. Base model was reasonable in price, but those options add up fast ! Rear seat is only for kids, dont believe 2 adults can occupy.

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  RAV 4 - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By gabster2 - January 9 - 11:44 am

  I had this car for 6 years and overall it was a very good car. It was extremely reliable. I never made any large repairs. It was beginning to lose all the little parts (power windows, thing that holds the back door open etc.). I live on a class 4 road and have really rough winters to contend with. It is a little top heavy but it got me through some fairly rough storms and mud. My biggest complaint was comfort while driving but I am a very small person.

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  Great way to get out of the SUV world! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tammy Thomas - January 9 - 11:06 am

  I changed from an Expedition, this is the only way to make the switch from an SUV worth it. This car is completely fun to drive, great on gas and roomy enough for my two children and their booster seats.

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  Perfect for young driver - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By JJ - January 9 - 8:46 am

  I just turned 20 and Ive had the car for about 2 years. I have torn the hell out of the car and drove it like a bat out of hell. It always started up no matter what. Ive had two minor wrecks in the car. And had to drive it with several problems. But it just wont die. There is always plenty of room. My stepdad who is 6ft 3inches use to drive it all the time.

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  Not the best choice for everyone - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - January 9 - 4:53 am

  Overall a solid car with a few shortcomings and no personality. Feels designed for the masses not an individual person. The front seat bottoms are too short and flat for taller people. The brakes are weak- dealer told me Im at 50% front and back after 6 months. I never did understand the option packages in order to get disc brakes w/o a $3000+ option package. Car feels and looks big and bulky. Dealership was dirty and sales staff sleazy. I feel like a schmuck for putting up with the dealer and actually buying a car from them. We bought a Toyota because everyone said it was great. It is a good car but not for everyone.