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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  Excellent Car~ - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By muzz - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Nothin to say but so good!

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  Completely Satisfied! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By czechm8 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Only 800 mi. on my new Sequoia and I could not be happier. I went to a dealer 200 mi. from home and Im glad I did! I added a set of 20" Weld wheels & tires and a custom 15" DVD screen & console mounted player that puts the factory unit to shame. Black Pearl emblems look great with the Phantom Grey Pearl paint!

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  great for the money - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By dominic - May 30 - 10:00 am

  overall greatly satisfied. I drive 1200 miles a week and my last toyota has over 200,000 miles with all its original parts except timing belt. Great car for reliability.

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  Minivan? Says who? - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mdsmithers - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Sold my Explorer to get this minivan and I wish I had done it long ago. Easy to drive, very comfortable, lots of space, price is comparable. Really a nice overall package here.

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  nice, but dont believe the mpg rating - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By PhD86 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  wanted a manual, but bit on some sales talk that the automatics were near the same fuel economy that didnt prove true. It averages 25-27 mpg on pure freeway, 18 in the city. The funky things about this car are: radio static - attenae on older models did better; weird configuration of radio and vents does not allow adequate aeration near driver on very hot days, radio display almost invisible in daylight; velvet interior (even on armrest) gets soiled easily.

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  steeringwheel clunking - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By mayson - May 30 - 2:50 am

  I have enjoyed the vehicle for 4 years. We take it to the Eastern Sierras for trout fishing and can take the steep grades with ease with the V6. The only problem that I have encountered is the steering wheel clunking on slow turns. The steering knuckle was replaced under warranty at approximately 15,000 miles. Now at 29,000 miles it is clunking again on the replaced unit. There is definitely a design flaw by Toyota and they need to own up to it. I will be taking it in for servicing and demand a replacement even if it is over 36 months warranty time limit.

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  Good Bet - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Japanesecarlover - May 30 - 12:00 am

  Bought the car with 114,000 miles on it and it runs better than all my friends cars with fewer miles. The interior ergonomics are to notch and so is the comfort. I drove it from Denver to Portland Oregon and it was a joy the entire time. The four cylinder purrs at idle and gives a satifying note on hard accel. (The engine is a version of an old Celica engine.) In Oregon, the acceleration of the 4 cyl is good, but at high altitude, such as in Colorado, it is lacking. This is something to take in to consideration. I would suggest getting the silky-smooth V6. The economy of the V6 is comparable to the 4 cyl. Body roll is moderate. Suited more for a comfortable ride, not a sporty one.

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  Great Value - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Erika - May 29 - 6:35 pm

  I would recommend this car to anyone.. Its comfortable, good on gas, great handling but, would recommend snow tires for winter.

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  Our 1st Toyota - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By David White - May 29 - 5:06 pm

  We bought this car to replace a 17 year old Ford Taurus based upon reviews, resale value, perceived quality, etc. So far, we have been impressed with ride quality (handling could be better) as well as the fuel economy (22 - 34 mpg depending on city or highway driving). The interior & trunk are large and the ride comfortable with plenty of room for our family. Mud flaps have been added as well as pinstriping (which really dresses the car up), a clear bra and a wood dash/door panel kit (relatively inexpensive upgrades that make the car look better and protect it from the elements). With only 3,000 miles on it, we havent had any negative issues. The reliability factor is off to a good start.

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Donna Holmes - May 29 - 3:53 am

  Efficient, effective, and fun to drive. Lots of power.