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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  06 Avalon XLS - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave - May 4 - 9:16 pm

  This vehicle has the worst transmission I have even driven.It jerks every time it shifts and feels like a 10 year old Honda tranny.It is the only "Newer" vehicle that I noticed that still gear hunts.The seating position is horrible as well.Im 6 feet(not extremely tall but not too short either) and the Avalon has no head room, leg room and terrible gauge visibility (I actually get cramps on my legs).This kinda keeps me away from enjoying the other amentities that comes with the car.Lumbar could be more stiff.Lastly, this is a brand new car and it makes creeks and rattles from under the passenger seat. One of my lights went out already.Im getting a BMW next time.I loved my old 323i.

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  4WD Corolla - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Steve - May 4 - 8:06 pm

  Being a car freak, its not hard to choose the 3.5 L RAV4 Sport over its competition. Somehow, I cant feel there are 268 HP under the hood, maybe because of the weight of the vehicle. On the other hand, it really handles the curves well (in fact, handles better than my Lexus IS350), thanks to the sports-tuned suspension.

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  Too heavy - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By tylwld - May 4 - 3:13 pm

  My 1999 Camry 2.2 that I got this year is about to have 258,xxx miles. Head gaskets have never been replaced! It still runs great even the way I drive it! Ive added a short ram intake, strut tower bar and new plugs and wires. The strut tower bar is highly recommended and the intake makes it about twice as loud and deep, great sound. The check engine light comes and goes but its never anything major. Both driver side windows are out, I wish all cars had crank windows.

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  TRULY SURPRISED - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By runner12345 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  My last car was a dodge durango ( bad choice). I looked at predominately US cars as my next choice to replace the Durango. Drove the Chevy Blazer, Expedition, Explorer, Yukon etc... was pleased by those cars but not impressed. Test drove the SEQUOIA and LOVED IT. The handling, designed, spacious and very easy to handle made it an instant BUY. I would highly recommend the car to those looking for an SUV. Having the additional features ( DVD player), heated seats etc... was worth the time. I found out that getting the SR5 model loaded ( with leather) is practically he same as the Limited but much cheaper in price!!!!!

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  Nice car! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By TM123 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned it for about a month. Rides very smoothly. In fact, rides more smoothly than most other cars Ive test driven. The shocks absorb bumps nicely where you dont even notice. Not a super sporty car, but is a solid sedan that should last for years.

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  Generally a nice car - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By Raj - May 3 - 9:40 pm

  A pretty nice little car. Mileage ~31 mpg on the hwy, dropping to 24 when used for short commutes in the winter. Surprisingly roomy front and back - best feature is upright seating. Compared to our 03 civic, this has a smoother ride, poorer fuel economy, more comfortable seats, cludgier HVAC controls, more rattles, but does far far better in snow and ice. Visibility out is OK for me (5-11) and marginal for my wife (5-5): large A pillars and drivers side-view mirror are the main problems for her. Engine a little buzzy above 3000 rpm but fine at cruise and gentle driving. Stereo OK but a bit boomy.

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  Second Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By kenbb - May 2 - 8:16 am

  Runs quiet and smooth. Great drivetrain. Interior materials are a notch below past models but I seem to see this on all the new cars of the present generations. If you look close on any of them you will find someplace they are trying to save.

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  BEST MINIVAN OVERALL ON THE PLANET - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Colin Bolger - April 30 - 11:20 am

  Very pleased with it, except for the poor gas mileage. I am a VERY conservative driver and got only 17 mpg (with premium fuel!) on the highway, precisely what a neighbor gets with his new Sienna. I took both the Sienna and Odyssey on three extended test drives and found the Odyssey to have a decided edge in acceleration & sporty handling on twisting roads (no lean on turns when pushed!), partly due to its lower center of gravity. But who buys a minivan to drive like a Ferrari? (I think Consumer Reports and Edmunds have a sporty handling bias; hence Odysseys ratings edge.) The Sienna is more refined, quiet, plush, has very good handling and acceleration and was the best overall, hands down.

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  Prius 08 - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By scott c - April 30 - 11:16 am

  Ive had my Prius for just over 3 months now. Its a great car! Its not going to win any races, but thats not why I bought it. Its does not handle like a BMW, but thats not why I bought it. Its comfortable for me to drive, I like the features (Bluetooth, nav + little extras you get) and its great on gas mileage. Its not going to be for everyone, but its the right car for me at this point in my life - just over 50! Want a practical car, the the Prius - but know the limitations before you buy - else you may be unhappy.

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  Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By MikeandDeni - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Solid vehicle, easy to drive, quality throughout.