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 2005 Toyota Solara SE Convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Gary Green - May 31 - 3:13 pm

  Driving the 2005 Toyota Solara was a new experience for me as I had been driving a 1989 car. The convertible with the 3.3liter V-6 is smooth, quiet and has plenty of power. The interior and exterior are pleasing and modern. The rear seats actually hold two adults comfortably. The red exterior with black leather and trim causes this car to stand out in a crowd. Some of the things that I do not like are: the drivers seat speed; much too slow, the rear view is mostly blocked by the huge rear head rests, and the instruments atop the dash are difficult to see in bright light. The convertible top is simple to lower, and raise.

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  Love the car, not the service - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By aramf - May 30 - 6:29 pm

  We are a family of 5 and really love having this van. The mpg is great, the accelation and breaks are great and driving it is just like driving a sedan. We love this car. THe issue we dont like is that this car has cold start rattling issue. And a lot of people complaing about it, yet Toyota dealers for the most part say it is a normal noise. The possible culprits for that are lifter problems, upper engine oil seal that keep the oil from draining into the bottom pan and variable valve timing oil hose. Basically the valves are not lubricated at cold start and thats what causes the noise. Still dealing with toyota to resolve this. The car wa hardy 37000 miles when the problem started.

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  Highly recommend to city dwellers - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By 123224 - May 30 - 10:07 am

  I almost opted for the hatchback because the V MPG rating is not as good, and I could get 0% financing. So glad I went for it because driving to/from work (17 mi each way) in Houston rush hour traffic, Im averaging around 50 mpg! The temp has been in the 60-70s, so have been using the ac. When it gets colder, the mpg might not be as good, since the engine will have to run more to keep me warm. I have a Five w/out Advanced Tech Package. I love everything about it, except so far, I cant get Entunes to work--have an I-phone. Not a big deal, except I hate not being able to use something I paid for. I chose the Five because I did not want cloth seats. So far, Im pleased.

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  Sienna worth the price - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By alamedasims - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a Toyota Sienna XLE for 2 years now. After 21000 miles weve had no mechanical problems at all. The leather interior still smells like new. The van is extremely comfortable and quiet; I would choose it any day over a standard luxury car. The trade off is performance; its a minivan after all. The V-6 has ample power for accelerating to highway speeds, but youre not going to be going out of your way to drive twisty roads. It seats 7, though, and carries a ton with the seats removed.

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  It is what it is - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By jsandy1 - May 29 - 6:50 am

  Pros: lots of power; fun to drive; shiftronic transmission; roomy interior; excellent AC; great JBL stereo-the bluetooth feature is excellent; very good gas mileage so far; good quality leather interior. Rear reclining seats on an adjustable track. Moonroof is a nice feature. Cons: center console needs to he higher for use as an armrest; no AC blower control on steering wheel; clock hard to see; trip computer is very mediocre-need to improve; Home Link should be offered at least as an option. Cargo net in rear is cumbersome.

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  Awesome - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By John - May 29 - 3:46 am

  1996 Toyota Tacoma bought with 30,000 miles and it runs like a top! I have put 140,000 on it since i have owned it, keep the oil changed regularly and the truck gives me no problems. It does great for climbing in 4 wheel drive and does great to and from work for gas mileage. GET A TOYOTA TACOMA!

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  Logical choice - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By JCM - May 29 - 2:50 am

  My 2005 Limited V8 is the first SUV Ive owned and the X-REAS suspension and V8 have eased the transition. X- REAS (option for Ltd) "flattens" the vehicle on turns with any kind of speed and reduces lean/roll. My 4Runner is more nimble than I imagined it would be and the turning radius is quite manageable. The V8 has a snarl when the gearing allows it to stay above 2,000 RPM... passing is a joy. You will get pushed into the seat if you floor it (after 1,000 mi break-in!). The interior is firm, but not plush and the dash, etc. is top notch. However, be careful cleaning the clear plastic--it will scratch easily. If you leave the gate window open, you will smell exhaust. MPG? Feh.

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  281k and still going - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Doug - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in 2007 with 213k miles, driven daily since and now at 281k miles. Doesnt use oil, needed few repairs, gets great mileage, and is comfortable enough to take on a trip.

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  good overall - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Jim - May 29 - 2:00 am

  the winter drop is beyond expected 5-7 mpg,comfort for 62" but agree lumbar support needed, nav is a waste in this day of cell phone nav,dont buy, got 63k on oe tires,some alignment issues, would like to see lineup expanded, apparently in works,have never achieved over 49.5 on highway 70 mph, no some getting 55 mpg at 55 mph

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  The Economy Car that Will Last - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - May 28 - 6:46 am

  I own a 2001 Toyota Corolla S model with 60,000 miles on it, and the car runs like brand new. The only alteration I did was put a cold air intake, and a universal Injen Muffler on it, and the car is faster than it appears. 25% more horse power, and even better on fuel economy. Not to say it was bad before, but I needed more power from the 135 that I had before. Overall quality and reliability is what I get from this car. You never have to worry about it breaking down on the side of the road. If you ever get this car new the only negative thing is that the manufactures tires are not very good, make sure you spend some good money on some good tires, and this car will make you very happy!