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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  Just buy it! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Roger - January 13 - 2:13 pm

  A blast to drive, even more fun to drive than the 87 MR2 that I drove for ten years straight. A fellow latest generation MR2 owner said "You dont get in this car, you put it on". That is just the beginning of having a incredible time every moment in one of the finer engineered products on the market today. If youre doing your research, ignore those who complain about not enough storage space, HELLO- this is a sports car. There are also those who cry about not enough power, 0-60 in under seven seconds, my 2002 has all of the power I need. Others need to spend more time learning how to use the great handling & the advantages of state-of-the-art engineering.

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  Great buy-no surprises - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By doug - January 13 - 11:16 am

  I traded in a 2001 SR5 4Runner which I had purchased new. The style, and additional room inside and out makes this a far nicer ride than the 2001. I am averaging 20.1 mpg, with the majority of miles being local. This is better than the old 4Runner, even though there was a boost of 30hp in the V6 engine.This is my third 4Runner, and I have never experienced any problems with any of them. I see no need to ever get rid of this 07, since Toyota offers unsurpassed reliability, and this 4Runner offers everything that I need.

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  I have been converted - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4lover - January 13 - 10:43 am

  My wife and I had been test driving cars for months. The entire time I was shying away from Toyota becase of thier vanilla reputation. You know reliable but kind of bland. Once I drove the V6 4wd sport, WOW! I count myself as one of the converted. You can feel each and every one of the 269 horses. The suspension on the sport model is stiff and sporty but comfortable. Fit and finish is very solid. We drove the competition, Mazda CX-7 and Honda CR-V. I liked both but neither combined the functionality and fun factor better than the RAV4. Now that I have now driven this vehicle in varying Wisconsin weather conditions and I havent driven anything more stable in poor road conditions either.

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  NICE CAR - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By JACK AARESTAD - January 12 - 6:26 am

  No problems since purchaced--low tire light came on ---checked the tires all ok---called Toyota and the answered did you check the spare tire? Who would think to do that!---that was the problem

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By yanksgrl2446 - January 11 - 8:10 pm

  I bought this car new from the dealership last year (jan. 07), and I was looking for a slight upgrade from a small sedan, and for a car with better reliability in the snow, considering I live in the Northeast. Last year didnt really snow but this year weve gotten a few big storms one with snow falling 3-4" per hour and I had absolutely no problems! the anti skid is fantastic and the 4WD kicks on automatically so I didnt have to do anything but drive! Ive driven the car down to Florida and to DC and had no problems got good gas mileage (26 MPG), I love the car and would recommend it to anyone looking for a small SUV. Its very spacious and comfortable... and it drives just like a car!

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  Highly Recommended - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By texsteeler - January 11 - 7:49 pm

  We love our Sienna. We’ve had it for approximately 4 months and have put almost 5,000 trouble-free miles on it, including several long road trips. The Vehicle Quiet, roomy, comfortable, attractive, safe, and reliable. Very agile steering -- this huge vehicle is very nimble in parking lots and tight corners. I think the base XLE is a very good value, especially with an after-market DVD player. In my opinion the premium package and limited versions are too expensive, and the AWD version seems to have some disadvantages. The Competition There are lots of great minivans on the market but the Sienna was an easy choice for us. We’ve always found Hondas to be uncomfortable, and I’ve never been impressed by the Odyssey’s consumer reviews. The Kia is nice, but we thought the Sienna was much more attractive and we were surprised how little difference there is in the price. The Quest’s styling is polarizing and controversial (once again) and the limited cargo situation was an issue for us despite its beautiful interior. Finally, I just don’t trust Chrysler/Dodge quality (whether that’s fair or not). Final words I think the “cheap interior” controversy is a little over-hyped. The 2011 XLE cabin is much more attractive than the 2010 Sienna or the 2011 Sedona. Additionally, since there is absolutely no center column, this interior just feels much more spacious then most other vehicles. Being a practical, price-conscious consumer, I would have loved to have saved money by buying a used Sienna, but the used Siennas are so bizarrely expensive it’s just not worth it. Bottom Line: Highly recommended. We are very happy with our 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE.

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  yota goes far - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By shris - January 11 - 7:06 pm

  I currently own a 96 tacoma and it has been the best truck Ive ever owned!! What tacoma lacks in size and power it more than make up by delivering in toughness, dependability, and most important FUN! Tacoma is such a great truck I am about to buy a 05 tacoma to satisfy my cravings for 245 hp!!! Thank you toyota, keep those tacoma improvements comming.

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  Best of the best - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By laurag - January 11 - 10:33 am

  I purchased this used for a new sales position. I call it my office on wheels. Im have over 140,000 miles on it and have had no repairs. Other than the oil and tires, its been problem free. Runs and drives like brand new.

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  FJ love - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By debonthebeach - January 11 - 9:53 am

  We off-road it on a gulf coast beach a/o 2x/mo. Its been up to every condition weve encountered. Commute to work daily 70 miles RT. Comfortable, feels safe. Handles everything well. Due to design, limited side and rear visibility on highway. Big mirrors help. Drive with caution in freeway traffic until used to using mirrors. Just returned from 2500 mile holiday trip with family in back seat; everyone comfortable. Kids think theyre riding in "Cinderellas Coach". Inside door handles dont bother us. In fact, with grandchildren and dogs, we prefer it that way.

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  Excellent SUV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By SLucy - January 11 - 6:53 am

  This is a great SUV. My first small SUV as previously owned Dodge truck and Durangos. Bought new 18 months ago for V6 w/ tow package. I tow a 19 boat (~3,500 towed weight) and all sorts of stuff in my cargo trailer. I have been very impressed with the towing! I dont miss my full size truck (trailer is easier to load) or the gas mileage. I included trailer brakes on the boat trailer and am glad I did as brakes are the only weak point of the RAV4. Roomy, reliable, fun to drive and competent towing makes me very happy.