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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  Good choice - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Brent - April 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a solid choice of a car if you are looking for something practical. The fit and finish is solid and I enjoy driving it. The MPG for combined driving for me has been a lot lower than expected at 24.5 mpg. The bluetooth is ok but not nearly as easy to use without having navigation. It also seems to be really peppy, like almost too peppy when coming out of the garage.

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  disapointed - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By tomtom - April 15 - 5:06 am

  This my third 4 runner 4x4,I am not happy with the standard equipment. My 2004&2008 SR5 4X4,in my estimation had better standard features. I must admit it is a great looking vehicle,and has that toyota feel of quality. I cant believe this 4X4 does not have mud flaps,no running boards,no cross members on roof rack,no limited slip rear end,no locking differential,and they eliminated the turn knob to engage the 4 wheel drive,you need to push a handle to engage the 4 wheel drive.My wife hates it,NOT WOMAN FRIENDLY!

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  My Car is very reliable - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ravivar - April 14 - 6:03 pm

  I purchased 2007 Camry LE V6 new and enjoyed driving all these years.I put up 73,000 Miles and never had issues other than the normal wear and tear.The best part is the V6 Engine which is quick to accelerate and smooth.My car still rides like new.in one long trip i got 34mpg.Now a days its averaging 24 mgp/hwy.The interior looks good but not great.if you look closely the interior has gaps in the edges and finish is not good. The one think i dont like is the steering.Its bigger.. The seats are getting uncomfortable in the long drives.The cabin is quiet and the car rides smooth.

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  good except in heavy snow - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By MReid - April 14 - 2:23 pm

  Bought the RAV-4 in Florida before moving to Germany. It is a 4WD with all season tires. In heavy snow & ice I have been slipping and sliding everywhere, rear-end fishtails out of turns and Im not driving fast. I find this disappointing. I was expecting much better traction in the snow. I also think Toyota needs to put the emergency flashers closer to the drivers side hands and not over to the passengers side, it is very inconvenient. Also, Toyota could redesign the rear door to open up instead of out. Otherwise, I love the vehicle, great cargo space and great turning radius.

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  Like the venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By marvin - April 14 - 9:23 am

  6 cyl venza bought in April now has 2,600 miles. Great car for the money with very nice features. Love the keyless entry! HDs are great. Nice leather, but too much hard plastic elsewhere (couple small rattles in dash and rear area). Almost all highway miles averaging 25 mpg at 70 mph with Cruise. The 6 cyl has great power when taking off, but the slightest incline causes it to downshift and thats been disappointing. Backup camera is useless. View is too small and with any light at all you can see nothing. Venzas we test drove had michelins and rode nicely. Ordered ours and it came with goodyears and the ride is harsh - feel every bump.

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  My 2007 Camry experience - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By atoyot1 - April 14 - 6:43 am

  I liked the looks of the car and it is fun to drive. There is however a dark side. Transmission was replaced by Toyota in the first year. Hope it lasts more than a year. Ongoing problems with excessive tire wear. Has factory installed low profile rims. Get on average 10000 to 13000 miles on the best tires like Michelin. Very disappointing. Toyota wont do anything about it.

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  good vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By S bush - April 14 - 6:00 am

  had a problem with drivers armrest upon delivery, also had rubber around door come loose within 1st tank of gas. Drives well with full load of passengers.

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  Good Truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By kcowboy - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 06/2001, havent had any problems at all. I got 41,500 miles on it and it runs just as good. The brakes do squeal a little when backing up but Ive heard thats do to brake dust. The gas mileage is better when I keep my foot out of it but then again, its a truck with a V8 not a compact.

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  Very happy 1st time Toyota buyer! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By R. Cox - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my very first "foreign" vehicle and I truly love it! The ride is out of this world, the ride is what sold us. We test drove many mid-sized SUVs and for just a little more money than the higher end mid-sized SUV, you get alot more room and alot nicer ride in the Sequoia. Weve had it less than a year and we are very happy with it!

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  Its a Toyota--enough said - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By dwagner - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. The transmission is incredible. Good fuel economy with plenty of power. Great all-purpose truck. I test drove every other truck and the engine+tranny won me over. Its also a very safe truck; check out the crash ratings--especially if you have little ones.