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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  If youre going to buy a gas guzzler... - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mike552 - April 11 - 7:30 am

  You may as well buy this one!!! Dont let some of the magazine reviews turn you away from buying this gorgeous vehicle. I mean, lets face it, is there a halfway decent car out there that has room for the whole family AND gets good gas mileage. The simple answer is NO. My 2008 Sequoia is a smooth smooth ride, and mine spends its time on Boston roads, which are some of the worst pothole infested roads in the country. Some reviews say that the steering is too easy, and coming from a 4runner I can see what they are saying, but if the Sequoia had a Lexus badge they would be complementing its effortless steering instead of trying do equate it to a Chevy Silverado.

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  GOOD Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By black10 - April 11 - 4:13 am

  I purchased the Corolla S. This is a real good car. it has a good fuel consumption rate if you drive moderately. i put ten dollars in and it will last me for three days. like any other car, if you floor it, it will go. if you put premium gas in it, it REALLY takes off. This car is a cruise type of car. Driving at 60- 80 burns the gas good. The ABS is REALLY annoying. Every bump you brake on, the thing just keeps on coming on. have no control on it. Steering system is good. the sound system could be more louder. the interior is ok but it can be better. Suspension is real good too. you really dont feel any bumps on the road, even when driving fast.

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  Venza: Im loving it! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By love2bnik - April 11 - 3:16 am

  One word: AWESOME. I have owned this car for a few weeks now, and am so glad I made the purchase. I use to own a 2007 Camry SE, and the Venza totally blows it out of the water. The exterior of the car speaks for itself and I love the 20" tires. The leather interior is a MUST have- it has a nice texture, and the piping is a darker color than the seat. The V6 engine rides smooth, and is pretty peppy. The turning radius is great, making it very easy to park. The JBL stereo sounds great, and I love the blue tooth capability for both my phone and audio player (iPhone). This car really is Lexus quality with the Toyota price. I even chose it over the Lexus RX330!

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  Love this car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - April 11 - 12:23 am

  I just recently purchased this car. The exterior finish is exceptional. The interior is plush and well thought out. The audio system is fantastic. All this plus great mileage too.

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  Great Value - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By EdLee - April 10 - 5:00 pm

  Traded in a GMC Envoy for our RAV4 and couldnt be happier. We looked at CR-V, Rogue, Equinox, and Mariner. After driving the RAV4 there was no comparison. It simply is the best value for the money. I was afraid the RAV4 would be too small compared to the Envoy, but I believe there is actually more room inside the RAV4, and a nicer interior. Ergonomics are great. Good choice for anyone looking at a smaller SUV.

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  Reliable and Attractive - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Fran - April 10 - 11:30 am

  This is my 2nd Camry. I would definitely buy another. Only normal repairs & maintenance needed. Valve seals and head gasket all but cured a problem with excessive oil consumption problem at about 160k mi. There is no noticeable rust on the body and at 178k mi it still handles well. The biggest flaw is the seat belts that wont retract.

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  Finally, a 2008 HiHy! - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By BanditoB - April 10 - 8:30 am

  I was fortunate in finding a 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited in one of the colors that I wanted, Iced Amethyst Mica, and equipped the way I wanted it, everything but Nav and RES, that wasnt either special ordered for someone or already claimed! I picked it up last night, so its a little early to make any firm commitments about anything, but so far were off to a great start. Ive not noticed any build or fit and finish issues and I am pretty meticulous about these things. Driving it is a pleasure and makes me intensely curious about what, exactly, is going on under the hood. This will be a vehicle thats fun to drive and will also keep me intrigued for a long time to come.

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  Replaced my T-Bird - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Rick - April 9 - 3:33 pm

  I traded a 97 T-Bird (last of the "big Iron T-Birds). I expected less from the Camry , but have been pleasently surprized. Not as much "top end", but peppy, great handleing, and good economy. Had to make a number of "long trips" immediately after purchase and enjoyed each of them. Will buy another when the time comes...

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  Love my Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jackieO - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this suv. It is fun to drive and looks great- plenty of room for children, friends, backpacks and whatever I want to haul around. Third row seat is comfortable even for an adult although it takes a bit of agility to get in and out of it. The third row seats are bulky to remove and it has taken a bit of getting used to the different levers to flip them and or remove them. Children have difficulty flipping the middle row seats - middle row floor mats do not fit well which is irritating on a vehicle in this price range. Four wheel drive was great in snow and on ice -ride is very smooth and the interior very quiet. awesome SUV!

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  Anonym - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Anonym - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I read a review that said something to the effect of "drive it like you hate it and youll love it." This statement definitely hit the nail on the head. The car doesnt do much until you hit 6000 rpms, but then it really flies.