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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  In the top percentile for sure - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By deeman - October 15 - 1:43 pm

  One really can not complain about Toyota performance and value. Its a tough market out there today with all the mini-utes and I dont anything will be disappointed with owning a Rav4. The driving experience is excellent. The manual transmission is definitely the way to go for fun driving and acceleration. The AWD system is the best in class.

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  Fun To Drive! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By FabGirl - October 15 - 3:20 am

  I love my navigation. I will NEVER EVER get another car without it. Im NOT a fan of the two doors. Its too hard to get in and out of the back seat. Its a smooth ride but the seal on the windows needs to be better. I had to take it in twice because of whistleing. The leather seats are already cracking as well. I also hate the tires. I had 2 sets put on already because they wear so quickly and at 150/tire, thats crazy. Other then that this is a nice car!

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  2001 4 Runner 4 X 4 - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By R. McNamara - October 14 - 2:16 pm

  This vehicle has lived up to all my expectations. I live in a very snowy area, it went through waist deep snow with no problems. The 4x4 system is easy to use. It is painted dark green. The front bumper is painted to match and it doesnt hold up well to chips from rocks. The paint shows every ding and scratch. The preset number buttons on the factory radio are almost worn off completly.

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  Better late than never? - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Rick Wunder - October 14 - 12:00 pm

  Its been 4 years since I picked up my Camry. It now has 99,000 miles, and I have had zero problems with it. I replaced the original Michelin tires at 75k miles, along with the rear brakes. Front brakes were done at 98,000 miles. Id like to see improved instrument panel lighting. It is difficult for my 59 year old eyes to see the gauges (including the speedometer) at night. From what Ive seen, this has been improved in later model years. Although this is a lot of car for the money, I would have gladly spent a bit more for traction control, but it was not available with the 4 cyl. engine.

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  Gen 2 Rav nicer than Gen 1 but -Quality - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Canada Rav - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I have two Gen 1 2L Manual AWD Ravs. This one is nicer. More room, more storage space, more comfortable, more power, quieter, better fuel efficiency (~ 500 km @ 50l on the 2l Gen 1s and ~ 560 km @ 50l on the 2.4l Gen2). The extra 0.4L makes a big difference. I especially like the way the engine compartment is laid out. Much more room to work on the motor. My only complaint is the drive by wire accelerator pedal. I find there is no fine control at low speeds so low speed creeping, driving is not intuitive. It is certainly a step backwards to go from cable to potentiometer with respect to feel and man-machine interface. BAD: The transmission vibrates in 5th under load :(

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By gigmom - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Highlander with 67,000 miles on it.. It just turned 216,000 miles. Minor repairs like brakes, O2 sensor, but this car is a BEAST in the snow! I live on a mountain top in New England and it goes through a foot and a half of snow on a dirt road climbing a hill like its nothing!! The original Toyota battery lasted for 169,000 miles. The car rocks! I will drive it until it sighs its last breath then buy another.

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  Love it! - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Jimbob - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Just returned from a round trip to Illinois and driving the speed limits, averaged 33 mpg, which includes a traffic tie up in the Twin Cities, and side winds the entire trip. Couldnt be any better! Fantastic ride and handling!

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  2001 4 Runner 4 X 4 - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By R. McNamara - October 14 - 7:20 am

  This vehicle has lived up to all my expectations. I live in a very snowy area, it went through waist deep snow with no problems. The 4x4 system is easy to use. It is painted dark green. The front bumper is painted to match and it doesnt hold up well to chips from rocks. The paint shows every ding and scratch. The preset number buttons on the factory radio are almost worn off completly.

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  Pleasure Trip - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By anonymous909 - October 13 - 11:06 am

  Wow!! A mid-size convertible under $30K with the reliability and power of a high-end Toyota Camry, packed to hilt with extras....not to mention the best and biggest power moonroof available anywhere. Move over Avalon this is by far the best car Toyota makes. I test drove this thing and had to have it. They dont seem to sell these w/o the upgraded package so be prepared not to penny-pinch. Got mine for $29,999 with everything it can possibly come with.

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  UNBELIEVABLE - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dbackroyal - October 13 - 12:11 am

  My best friend refused to buy American cars and always bought Toyotas, Nissans and Hondas. I laughed at him until I got stuck with a LEMON American GM car. I bought two Toyotas both 2004 models and they are flawless perfect vehicles. I keep them maintained religiously and they have never let me down. This Solara is mine and I am absolutely in love with this car. I am 62 and have never had such a reliable vehicle. You couldnt pry it from mt cold dead hands (unless you gave me a new one)