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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  Economical & sporty - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By nessy - December 5 - 2:46 pm

  Good car for gas mileage. Also sporty looking not to loose that with gas mileage. Not the power of a bigger engine but drives well highway or in town. Roomy enough for a larger person.

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  Disappointing Options - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By ndb - December 5 - 10:00 am

  The Avalon XLS is very good in a lot of ways, but some of the options are so poorly designed that they are junk. The "trip computer" has a feature that calculates average gas mileage - a must-have on my shopping list - but it resets every time the ignition is turned off! Its worthless! It also calculates trip time (up to 99 hours!) but that also resets when the engine is turned off. The cruise control looses its memory and has to be reset if you slow to under 40. Im disappointed. My 1990 Taurus did better on these and other features.

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  A lot of fun, but... - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Sammycamry - December 4 - 9:26 pm

  I only have about 500 miles on the car and so far I love it but it is a rattle trap with a lot of unnecessary noises from interior of car. My seatbelt squeaks, I have several rattles coming from headliner. On the positive side, this car is a beast!!! I cannot say enough about how fast this thing is! I hope the dealership can iron out my compaints and let me love this car!!

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  Two Days Out - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Wolfgong - December 3 - 11:53 pm

  2010 RAV4 4WD (4432C). CF FE MF QV. 101 miles the TPS light began to flash. Then stayed on. I checked the tires, they are not low. I slightly overfilled the tires and the light went out. 174 miles the TPS light goes back on again. Tires are not low. Rattles are everywhere; like surround sound. Front seats lack thigh support, again. The value of the display button on the steering wheel is comical. So far Im not convinced this is a worthy effort by Toyota. This specific vehicle was made in Japan.

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  Id do it again - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By gillie1 - December 3 - 6:53 pm

  I purchased my 2000 Sienna CE new after buying a used Camry. The Toyota quality is fantastic. I rent mini-vans of all makes with my employment so I was familiar with competing products. I test drove the Sienna and bought it on the spot and took it home to my wife who is thrilled with the car. The ride is very smooth and quiet. We are comfortable and well rested after a long trip. I am currently pricing a new 2002 Sienna to replace this one

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  Bigger Gas Tank - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Carlos - December 2 - 2:23 pm

  Since this Tundra 4x4 5.7 is a V8 and makes an average 14miles per gallon is SHOULD HAVE a bigger gas tank or a secondary gas tank so the truck may have more gas station independence, I hate to stop to fill up the thank every 250 miles. Pls take a note on this. The springs are too soft for heavy loads. But overall this is a great "get out of my way" looking monster which I am proud to drive.

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  WOW!! What a car ! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By R. Eubank - December 2 - 11:06 am

  Bought our 2000 Camry in late 06 on the Toyota name alone. This car is very fun to drive and my wife and I know, with proper maintenace, that this car has another 150,000 miles to go with no problem. We both have had Toyotas in the past and they have not disappointed. Our 2000 Camry has the 4 cyl. engine, wouldve liked the 6 but none were available at the time we needed the car. Yet to my surprise, the 4 cyl. is more than I thought.... VERY strong !! Great car and would do it all over again today if we had to. Enjoy the ride.

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  loaded 2003 rav4L - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Jason415 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has been great. the gas mileage is good,HOWEVER I have to fill the gas tank as much as my 02 Suburban! The reason for this is because of the very small tank.

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  New to Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By thompja53 - December 2 - 8:23 am

  Ive got about 700 miles (at 38.5 mpg) under my belt. This is a great "economy" car. Comfortable, reasonably quiet, excellent performance (considering all things_187hp). Im pleased with the quality of the fit and finish. I traded "down" from an Infiniti and Im not disappointed. No it does not have a Lexus interior, but remember this car starts life as a $20,000 base model. Options help make it more comfortable, but it is not and should not be considered a luxury vehicle. With that said, I have no problem living with this car even if it seems like less than what Im used to. I didnt buy this car to save money, I bought it to save gas.

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  Sienna opinion - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By RPSienna1 - December 2 - 7:56 am

  Drove the Sienna from Indiana to S.Carolina. Ride is excellent. Mileage was not as good as expected (21 mpg on road). Seems to be underpowered (shifted a lot going up even small hills). A lot more engine noise than expected. All in all reasonably satisfied.