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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  Great Combination - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Yoke - June 2 - 5:23 pm

  So far a great truck. It drives great, fits in my garage, rides smooth and stable and has good high visibility, good bed size w/ decent hauling ability. I started with the larger engine but after being stuck with unwanted options, I tried the 4cl. The acceleration is not great but neither was the 6cl. w/ auto. The smaller engine w/ 5 speed gives me more than adequate power for highway merges, etc. The smaller engine also gets very respectable mileage (about 21 mpg overall) although I do a lot of highway / rural driving. The SR5 with alloys was a real complete package for me. 2 kids (9 and 7) fit in the rear seats with decent leg room but the srtaight backs would get old on a long ride.

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  08 RAV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By dennism - June 2 - 3:36 pm

  After one month Im fairly happy with the RAV. There are a lot of little touches like the lighted vanity mirrors, hidden storage etc. Im totally impressed with the performance of the 4 cylinder engine! CD player and sound system are great.

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  Good but not great - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Dan - June 2 - 2:26 pm

  I have had this vehicle just over two years. I had an 03 access cab but with a growing family, needed the extra room. I mostly drive in the city and I am averaging around 17 MPG. I would of liked a bit more. The paint, while not bad, easily dings and scratches. Parking, as has been mentioned before, is a chore, so I park way out at most places. The transmission seems to have a hard time finding the correct gear, specially when using the cruise. The automatic downshifting when going downhill is also annoying. Otherwise, I wish it had a little better acceleration. Also, it eats front tires. Alignment OK though. Overall, decent truck, but it doesnt really stand out in any particular category.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By MSB - June 2 - 12:56 pm

  Absolutely great vehicle. Bought with 112,000 miles- have driven for 1 1/2 years with no problems. Runs like a champ. Plan on giving to daughter to drive 5 years from now. Should easily get another 150,000 on this vehicle.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chatomorgan - June 2 - 9:43 am

  My third Toyota after a Camry and Celica. True to Toyota this 4Runner, as well as my other 2, have never been in the shop in 7 years for anything other than elective maintence. My experience with my 4Runner has been noting ore than pleasure. I still get the same gas mileage as when she came off the floor. She is still all stock. Just reccently replaced original tires at 52000 miles that did not even reach the tread indicators. Every summer and winter I check all my systems. She still has original brakes, engine coolant and shocks. Refrigerant has never been recharged and works great. Excellent vehicle.

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  Time for a change. - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Gene Hilmon - June 2 - 8:23 am

  Just purchased the new 2009 Venza, 3.5, V6, AWD, Black with roof rack, cloth seats on 24 June 2009. A nice looking ride and easy to dive. Fuel economy supposed to be 18 to 25 MPG. Just a few days the best MPG so far is 12.5. Also seating is very firm and hard on the bottom. Suggest future years Toyota put in a more comfortable seat. In addition, suggest this great looking car have memory front seating for the driver and passenger. Ive read all the reviews on this vehicle and many other people have stated the same recommendations: (memory seating to include side view mirrors and more comfortable seating.

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  Fuel-efficient, comfortable and fun!! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By RichardT - June 2 - 6:50 am

  With Hondas decision to scrap the Insight, this is now the most fuel-efficient car, bar none, in the U.S. Its also well designed, comfortable (Im 61") and, although it might take a bit of time to get used to the very different display and transmission, a blast to drive. Four adults can sit in the car with plenty of leg room, although the roof can be a bit low in the back for taller passengers, and it handles freeway speeds as well as any car Ive ever driven. Note: If you have a lead-foot, are an aggressive driver, or expect sports-car performance, the Prius is not for you. If you enjoy 45-50 mpg overall, and can change some driving habits, I can think of no better vehicle - period.

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  The future is here - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Alan Lippy - June 2 - 5:36 am

  Hard to imagine the interior room and comfort when looking from the outside. Average gas mileage since owning is 48 miles to gallon. That is 65% highway and 35% local driving with 15 mile daily commute in suburban Phila. The handling is great on curves and ramps. Overall, while driving down the road, called the dealer and ordered another vehicle from him...if that tells you anything.

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  386 thousand miles and still running - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Novalee - June 2 - 3:41 am

  My husband and I bought this car last year with 350 thousand miles on it. For $1500 He drives it 5 days a week about 90 miles a day. Now its up to 386 thousand, its by far the best car weve every owned.

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  What a junker - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jjb - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This peice of junk was never any good from day one! Its just one thing after another. Then you take it in to be repaired and they cant figure out what is wrong! I will NEVER BY A TOYOTA AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!