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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  My grown up Toyota - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By doodude - November 12 - 11:48 am

  Ive owned nothing but Toyotas- a celica, 3 supras, a Tacoma and all have treated me well. I finally decided that I wanted something that was good for longer road trips, could get me to and from ski resorts, haul bikes and sports equipment, and do it reliably. With much consideration of other vehicles, I settled on the Venza and am pleased with the decision after a year and a half of driving it. Comfortable in front or back, easy to load, fantastic in snow, and looks nice. No trips back to the dealer as of yet but I have to say that Im not pleased with the roughness of the engine. I have the V6 which is not a new design (has been used in the Highlander for years).

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  Very fun car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By gsogymrat - November 12 - 10:20 am

  I loved this car at first sight and bought it after I drove it. The handling is terrific. Its the complete opposite of a SUV. With a curvy road and a sunny day you just cant help but smile.

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  Phenomenal minivan - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Jeff - November 12 - 5:26 am

  This minivan is truly a pleasure to drive. After driving a 98 Plymouth Voyager for almost 9 years, this van is phenomenally comfortable. I give this minivan 2 thumbs up!!

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  Great Car but horrible seats - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Kristin S - November 11 - 3:23 pm

  I love my Rav4 with the exception of the seats. Toyota really skimped on the comfort factor. The seats are not supportive and feel like they are made out of foam. Other than that I have never had ANY problems with my RAV4. It is the most reliable car I have ever had. Great storage, especially with the large pack "trunk". Handles great, has a great turn radius. Easy to drive but it could definitely use more torque going on hill and passing cars on the freeway. In the next couple of months I am looking to sell my RAV4 and I am looking at Lexus and Acura. The number one feature I am looking for are ergonomic seats and dash board placement which the RAV4 certainly does not have.

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  Best Truck I ever owned! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By bobby33 - November 11 - 10:36 am

  I purchased this truck 4 months ago. I traded in my 2003 Tacoma Xcab for this one! I loved my 2003 Tacoma but my 2008 has a much smoother ride. It rides like a car, I love it! Gas mileage isnt the greatest but it is a V-6 truck.

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  Love the Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By hdparker - November 11 - 3:16 am

  We purchased the Prius expecting good gas mileage and got so much more! The car has incredible rear seat leg room and is well thought out. We have had it for a little under a month, and in that time, the worst mileage has been 50.4, tbe best has been 52.5. This is rural/city combination driving.

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  What are people thinking?? - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Wingsfan - November 11 - 2:13 am

  Ok... I am here to tell the truth about the gas milage on this car. I have 7000 miles on my V6 4x4. I get the exact mileage posted. In order to get the milage that Toyota says... you cant "gun it" at every light and you cant speed!! I promis you on this. I love the car. If you ride mountain bikes... its perfect. The levers on both sides make the rear seats go down in no time. Dont get the 4cyl. It was quite a bit louder than the 6. Spend the money to get the 6. Its pretty much the same mpg but 100 more horses. All in all... Very much worth it!

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  Watch out for the Mildew Smell - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Camry Owner - November 10 - 9:28 pm

  After taking my car several times for problems - I am now stuck with a terrible smell (mildew smell) coming from my vents. They say this is a defect and they are trying to work on the over all issue but nothing they can do at this time. SOOOOO instead of a new car smell I get a smelly basement smell. YAY!

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  when in doubt, buy a toyota - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By joe540ci - November 10 - 7:12 pm

  Love it.

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  Takes a licking... - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By logmusic - November 10 - 4:23 pm

  Our Crusher was given to us by relatives that used it as a parking lot princess. In 10 years it had been dinged, scraped, dirtied and unloved as it was a family workhorse. NY winters did not help. NO scheduled maintenance ever, just generic oil changes, tires and brakes every so often. $4K later (a bargain!), it looks and rides just like new. Best of all it has only 60K on the clock! Even after 10 years of short trips and substandard preventative maintenance, this LC still runs like new! This vehicle is rock-solid and its reputation precedes it, making my analysis superfluous. ;-)